The RICS Podcast

RICS’ Project of the Year 2025 award went to the Stephenson Building at Newcastle University. It was a redevelopment that excelled in every criteria, resulting in a world-class engineering facility for teaching, research and industry partnerships.In this episode of the RICS podcast, Paul Bagust is joined by Simon Allen MRICS, who led the team working on the Stephenson Building , to find out how the exciting and challenging project came to life. We then speak with Saba Nayab FRICS, lead judge in the RICS Awards Refurbishment and Revitalisation category, to discuss what makes a project stand out and why the Stephenson Building excelled.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:How Newcastle University transformed a 1950s engineering block into a modern, flexible hub for teaching, research, and industry collaboration Stakeholder engagement and vision setting to align diverse interests Managing complex site and technical constraints, including a constrained urban campus site, sensitive specialist equipment, and a protected tunnelUsing a bespoke sustainability tracker, strategic reuse of existing structures, and design choices that influence long-term user behaviour.What makes an RICS Award-winning project.Find out more about the RICS UK Awards 2026 here.Paul Bagusthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bagust-b0420520/Simon Allen MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-allan-280673151/Saba Nayab FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sabanayab/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

This episode is part of RICS Legal Landscapes, a limited podcast series developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which is CPD-compliant and designed to support professional development across the surveying profession and the broader built environment.In this CPD-focused episode of the RICS Legal Landscapes podcast, Vanessa Griffiths MRICS is joined by Tracy Hartley MRICS, Henrietta Hammonds FRICS, and Katie Cohen to unpack what the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 (LAFRA) and related reforms really mean in practice. The panel gives clear explanations of the new 990-year lease extensions, the removal of the two-year ownership rule, the proposed abolition of marriage value, and how these intersect with ground rent reforms and service charge transparency. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:What LAFRA really does and doesn’t do, and the limits of current implementation.How the Ground Rent Act 2022 and ongoing political pressure are reshaping the value and viability of ground rent–backed investmentsService charge transparency and management challengesCommonhold as an alternative to leasehold, and the potential market shift if a new commonhold bill landsHow surveyors, lawyers, and property managers should advise clients amid moving goalposts, media misinformation, and pending secondary legislationHenrietta Hammonds FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-hammonds-07361345/Vanessa Griffiths MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-griffiths-96415a26/Tracey Hartley MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-hartley-1752412/Katie Cohenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-cohen-956b2421/Keystone Law | Lawyers for businesses & sophisticated individuals requiring legal adviceRoyal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

Welcome to the first RICS Podcast of 2026 in which incoming President Nick Maclean FRICS shares his aspirations for the surveying profession in the coming year.He’s joined by hydrography expert Gordon Johnston MRICS, as Tara King hosts a conversation that delves into how RICS will be shaped under his leadership to serve the public interest through 2026 and beyond. They’ll outline RICS's plans to build influence with governments and regulators, close the skills gap through more accessible and flexible routes into surveying and foster collaboration with like-minded professional bodies worldwide. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:Building global influence, securing a seat at ‘the right tables’ with governments, regulators, and lawmakers worldwideThe unique role of RICS as a royal charter body balancing client service, public good, and member representationNew, more flexible and inclusive pathways into surveying, plus retraining and CPD for existing members, all aiming to close the ‘skills gap’The impact of AI, big data, robotics, and autonomous systems on surveying across land and seaThe blue economy and hydrography’s central role in future economic growth, climate resilience, and the work of surveyorsNick Maclean OBE FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-maclean-obe-rd-frics-irrv-hons-17825a19/Tara Kinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-king-5b4494a6/Gordon Johnston MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-johnston-8778111/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

With more than 30,000 items and an original estimate between £7.6m and £11.3m, Freddie Mercury's auction at Sotheby's in London in 2023 exceeded expectations, fetching £39.9m in just over a week.  In this week’s episode of The RICS Podcast, we meet the three exceptional women who helped bring this sale to the public and asked them about the challenges in discovering, valuing and selling the belongings of an international rock star who is so fondly remembered. Rachel Reilly is the Senior Director and Head of Valuation for Europe at Sotheby’s London. Sarah Hodgson and Carey Wallace are memorabilia specialists and Co-Founders of Wallace and Hodgson, who were engaged as consultants to work on the wardrobe section of the sale.Notable sales include Mercury's crown and cloak, selling for £629,000, almost 10 times the estimate, and a Tiffany & Co moustache comb that went for £152,400, over 250 times its estimate. The auction's success (140,000 people visited Sotheby's to view the items) highlights the enduring appeal and legacy of the iconic Queen frontman.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:The extraordinary scale, popularity, and success of the Sotheby’s Freddie Mercury auctionThe process, challenges, and expertise needed to manage over 30,000 items, including iconic costumes and unique memorabiliaThe importance of storytelling and immersive curation to make the experience accessible, emotional, and museum-like for visitorsAshley Stewart-Noblehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleystewartnoble/Carey Wallacehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carey-wallace-0b0a3a28/Sarah Hodgsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hodgson-76792923/Rachel Reillyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-reilly-172513273/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

This episode is part of RICS Legal Landscapes, a limited podcast series developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which is CPD-compliant and designed to support professional development across the surveying profession and the broader built environment.The role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the construction industry is evolving, and recent case law shows how it’s being most effectively used in recent examples.In this episode of The RICS Podcast, Dave Hull MRICS is joined by Guy Bolt MRICS and Kirsti Olson, sharing their expert legal and practical perspectives, the essentials of ADR, and its real-world impact on project success. Learning outcomesExplain the importance of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the construction industry and identify its key practical applications.Analyse recent legal developments and landmark cases to evaluate how they shape the use of ADR.Demonstrate the essential skills and capabilities needed to participate effectively in ADR processes.Assess the value of interdisciplinary collaboration between surveyors, legal teams, and other professionals in managing disputes.Apply current guidance and reflect on future trends to understand how embracing ADR can improve project outcomes and support ongoing professional development.Dave Hull MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davehull/Guy Bolt MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/guysheerbolt/Kirsti Olson https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsti-olson-84288b51/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

Sustainability is, and will continue to be, a prevalent factor in the built environment; this year’s RICS Sustainability Report 2025 offers fresh insight into how the climate agenda is shaping practices across the world.In this insightful episode of the RICS Podcast, host Kisa Zehra is joined by leading experts Susanne Eickermann-Riepe FRICS and Alexandra Faciu MRICS to explore the latest findings, with critical regional insights and the policies driving decarbonisation in construction. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:The evolving demand and market drivers for sustainability in real estateFinancial constraints and access to capital as current major barriers to sustainable developmentThe impact of government policy, regulation, and harmonised sustainability standards across different regionsThe increasing significance of climate resilience in valuation, investment decisions, and risk management for real estate assetsThe crucial role of RICS members in advancing decarbonisation efforts and implementing best practice globallySusanne Eickermann-Riepe FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/s-eickermann-riepe-pwc/Alexandra Faciu, MA MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrafaciu/Kisa Zehrahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kisa-zehra-0740ba92/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

This episode is part of RICS Legal Landscapes, a limited podcast series developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which is CPD-compliant and designed to support professional development across the surveying profession and the broader built environment.Purpose & Learning OutcomesUnderstand Gateway 2's legal framework and how it alters the construction process.Recognise the key responsibilities of accountable persons and duty holders under the new regime.Learn from real examples of how organisations are adapting their internal processes.Be aware of enforcement mechanisms and the importance of early engagement with the Building Safety Regulator.Welcome to this CPD-Focused episode of The RICS Podcast, in which Gary Strong FRICS is joined by Graeme Manley MRICS and David Savage to explore the pivotal Gateway 2 stage of the Building Safety Act 2022 and its notable impact on the built environment.The trio cover crucial insights into the evolving legal landscape for higher risk residential buildings (HRBs), how Gateway 2 fits into the wider gateway process, and the operational challenges facing both clients and contractors. This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:Gateway 2 and its pivotal role in the new building safety regulatory regime for higher risk residential buildingsLegal obligations and increased responsibilities for clients, principal designers, and principal contractors under the Building Safety Act 2022Challenges with application delays, information quality, and the impact on social housing and existing residential buildingsThe importance of demonstrating duty holder competence and maintaining thorough documentationThe need for improved industry collaboration, cultural change, and operational adaptation to meet evolving safety standards and compliance requirementsGary Strong FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-strong-bsc-hons-frics-fciarb-c-builde-fcabe-fcila-b52667b/Graeme Manley MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/graememanley/David Savagehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjsavage/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

Last week, we were delighted to host the return of the Harris Debate, this year asking the important questions about the surveyor’s duty of care during times of great housing demand.This episode of The RICS Podcast comes to you live from the event, moderated by Lord Bichard of Nailsworth KCB, and featuring a panel with Dr Wei Yang OBE, Faraz Baber FRICS, Charlotte Neal MRICS, Fiona Fletcher-Smith and Joey Aoun.With firsthand perspectives from industry experts and practical ideas for catalysing change, this episode offers an opportunity to engage with the issues shaping the future of housing, and the moral balance at the heart of the solution to the housing crisis.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:The ethical responsibilities of surveyors and built environment professionals in addressing the housing crisisConfronting the challenges of delivering affordable, high-quality housing amid financial, regulatory, and political pressuresThe importance of community engagement and local authority leadership in sustainable housing developmentInnovative financial strategies and public-private partnerships to unlock housing supply and investmentHighlighting solutions such as repurposing vacant homes and retrofitting existing stock for immediate impactDr Wei Yang OBE https://www.linkedin.com/in/wei-yang-obe-84771b26/Faraz Baber FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/faraz-baber-frics-mrtpi-539ba518/Charlotte Neal MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-neal-a9603a6/Fiona Fletcher-Smithhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fiona-fletcher-smith-0b22302a1/Joey Aounhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-aoun-0a469aa3/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

There are a great number of reasons to take pride in being a surveyor, and much to do in order to make that pride accessible to all who wish to join the industry.This week on The RICS Podcast, we’re joined by Morag Angus FRICS, Diana Massawa MRICS, Tim Kenny AssocRICS and Maarukh Abbas, who take us through the most rewarding aspects of the profession, and the EDI work that could make entry into surveying more universally feasible.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:What draws people to the surveying profession, and its most rewarding aspectsThe ‘hidden societal barriers’ to entering the industryRoutes to qualification in different territoriesThe impact that surveyors make through their roles and through local community workWhat sets us apart from other careers, and the traits of a great surveyorMorag Angus FRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/morag-angus-ma-hons-dip-ls-frics-31666b3b/Maarukh Abbashttps://www.linkedin.com/in/maarukh-abbas-80974716b/Diana Massawa MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dianamassawa/Tim Kenny AssocRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tksurveying/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/

The future of the built environment relies on us teaching the right skills to those currently aspiring to work in the profession.In this episode of the RICS Podcast, host Kevin Keane FRICS is joined by Jane Sykes MRICS and Babatunji Adegoke MRICS to explore the essential skills shaping the future of the surveying profession and the built environment. They’ll cover the dynamic between hard skills and soft skills, highlight strategies for fostering inclusivity at all career stages, and the value of continuous development in an ever-evolving workplace.This episode of The RICS Podcast covers:The evolving landscape of surveying and built environment professions, with an emphasis on new technical skills such as sustainability and digital technologies.The critical balance between technical expertise and essential soft skills like emotional intelligence, communication, and collaboration.Changing entry routes and opportunities to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the surveying profession.The challenges and opportunities associated with digital competence, continuous learning, and adapting to rapid technological change.The importance of professional culture, supportive development programs, and collaborative approaches to nurture adaptability, curiosity, and lifelong learning within the fieldKevin Keane FRICS https://www.linkedin.com/in/babatunjiadegoke/Jane Sykes MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-sykes-mrics-mcipd-59a8671b2/Babatunji Adegoke MRICShttps://www.linkedin.com/in/surveyorkev/Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors:https://www.rics.org/uk/RICS Podcast Pagehttps://www.rics.org/podcast/Kieran Halliwellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kdhalliwell/