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Our Team
Our Co-Founders
Jen Lemen BSc (Hons) FRICS
Jen Lemen is a co-founder of Property Elite, Chartered Surveyor (FRICS) and RICS APC assessor. She is the author of 'How to Become a Chartered Surveyor' and 'APC Essentials: Mandatory Competencies', both published by Routledge.
She is also an experienced property consultant (co-Director of Projekt), a RICS Registered Valuer and a RICS Accredited Mediator, with nearly 20 years' experience working in the commercial property sector.
Jen has extensive experience in providing training services to students, RICS AssocRICS, APC and FRICS candidates and corporate clients, together with academic experience as a Senior Lecturer at the University of the West of England, Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, External Examiner at the University of Westminster and at LSBU and Associate Tutor at the University College of Estate Management. Her RICS assessment experience includes sitting on final APC interview panels, APC appeal panels and being a lead APC preliminary review assessor.
She has also written published articles in Property Week, ACES Terrier, RICS Modus and the RICS Property Journal. She also writes a regular APC column in Estates Gazette and the RICS Property and Built Environment Journals, contributes to the Estates Gazette Bricks & Mortar podcast series with Sarah Jackman and the ACES Terrier and is a contributing author to the Health & Safety section on RICS iSurv.
Jen holds a BSc (Hons) First Class (91% average) from the University of the West of England in Property Management & Investment. She was awarded the RICS South West Regional Prize upon graduation.
When she is not working, Jen loves to ride and race her bike, walk her Greyhound, Ben, and explore new food and coffee.
Rachel Saint DipSurv MRICS
Rachel Saint is a co-founder of Property Elite, Chartered Surveyor and RICS APC assessor. She has had extensive experience in providing training support to graduate trainees, RICS APC candidates and corporate clients throughout her career.
She is also an experienced property consultant (co-Director of Projekt) and expert witness. Rachel has nearly 40 years' experience working in the commercial property sector.
As a former Equity Partner with a national firm of property consultants, Rachel was responsible for the Lease Consultancy department including a team based throughout the UK.
Rachel has extensive experience of supporting retail businesses work through their property needs through outsourced Property Director roles, taking her across the country.
Rachel also has extensive experience in planning and development matters ranging from advising on development appraisal for residential and mixed use developments to planning applications, discharging conditions, appeals and inquiries.
Our Consultants
You will be supported by both our founders and our team of consultants. Please note this is not an exhaustive list, as we have other consultants who are not listed below.
Our team are all highly experienced Chartered Surveyors and APC assessors/chairs, covering all RICS APC pathways, routes and world regions.
Abigail Blumzon FRICS MAPM
Director at Bailey Partnership
Abigail is a Senior Associate and South Coast Office Lead at Bailey Partnership, where she supports clients in the procurement and delivery of diverse public and private sector developments. An adaptable construction professional, she has considerable experience leading large multi disciplinary teams and building relationships based on trust and respect.
Her multi disciplinary career history includes roles as a Project Manager and Architectural Assistant. She brings extensive expertise across the project lifecycle, including project planning, brief development, viability, design work, and programme management, as well as bidding and commercial management.
Abigail holds a First Class Master’s degree in Construction Project Management from the University of Westminster and a 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Nottingham. She is a dedicated mentor who proactively develops high performing teams and has led company wide CPD training programmes.
Aittia is a Chartered Building Surveyor and the founder of Spera, bringing over 14 years of experience delivering building surveying services across the UK and the GCC. A recognised expert in the field, she is a frequent invited speaker at RICS and CIOB events, focusing on Technical Due Diligence and Condition Assessments.
Her technical depth is further distinguished by the Legal Experience Training Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence (LETAPAEWE). This Master’s level qualification strengthens her expertise in expert witness practice, allowing her to provide high level professional insights and technical guidance.
An experienced RICS APC Assessor, Aittia has a proven track record of supporting candidates in achieving their professional goals. She is passionate about mentoring others and is dedicated to helping surveyors progress through their professional qualifications with confidence and clarity.
Alan Thunhurst FRICS
Land Surveyor and Geomatics Consultant at MJ Rees & Company
Alan is a highly experienced geomatics consultant who began his training as a land surveyor in 1965. He transitioned into leadership roles early in his career, serving as a director of a chartered land surveying company from 1981 and as managing director from 1996 until his retirement from the position in 2011.
Elected a Fellow of the RICS in 1988, Alan has contributed extensively to the profession through various RICS Practice Panels. He currently serves as a dedicated Assessor and Chair for RICS APC panels within the Geomatics pathway, leveraging decades of industry leadership to support new candidates.
Alan’s expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of land surveying, mapping, and measurement projects. A member of the RICS Dispute Resolution professional group, he frequently acts as an expert witness, preparing detailed reports and providing court testimony regarding complex boundary and measurement disputes.
Arthami Valavan BSc (Hons) MRICS
Commercial Manager at VINCI Facilities
Arthami is a Chartered Surveyor who qualified in 2018 via the Facilities Management pathway. She currently serves as a Commercial Manager at Vinci Facilities, where she oversees a broad range of commercial functions. Her professional focus includes commercial administration, procurement and tendering, and project financial control and reporting.
In her current role, Arthami has developed significant expertise in supplier management and maintenance management. This practical experience allows her to bridge the gap between technical facilities management and commercial oversight, ensuring high standard delivery and financial accountability across complex service contracts.
Arthami brings extensive experience of the RICS APC process to Property Elite. Having graduated in 2015 with a BSc in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, she now acts as a dedicated mentor, providing structured support and guidance to candidates as they navigate their own journeys toward chartership.
Babatunji Adegoke BSc MSc MRICS
Deputy Manager (Construction) at Lekki Free Zone Development Company
Babatunji is a highly regarded multidisciplinary professional with extensive hands on experience in project delivery and management across the property, construction, and civil engineering sectors. He has a proven track record of managing complex projects and has worked with top tier clients, contractors, and consultants in Nigeria and Ghana.
His professional expertise is backed by a first degree in Civil Engineering and a second degree in Construction Management from the University of Lagos. Babatunji holds several prestigious memberships, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (MNIQS), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE), and the Project Management Institute (PMP).
As a specialist in professional development, Babatunji serves as an RICS APC Assessor and Counsellor. He utilises his diverse technical background and experience in project planning and multidisciplinary leadership to provide comprehensive support and guidance to candidates seeking RICS membership.
Betsy Wong BA (Hons) PG Dip FRICS
Director at BCW Consultancy
Betsy is an independent consultant with over 20 years of experience in the property industry, having been elected a Fellow of the RICS in 2016. She specialises in Commercial Property and Asset Management, as well as Corporate Real Estate, with a strong record of managing high value investment and occupier portfolios. Her expertise also extends to service charge management and disputes.
Prior to establishing her consultancy, Betsy held senior director positions at several top ten national real estate consultancy firms. She currently serves as a non-executive board member of the RICS East Regional Board and a non-executive director of Harborough District Commercial Services Ltd, bringing high level strategic insight to her professional roles.
A dedicated advocate for the profession, Betsy has served as an RICS APC Assessor, Supervisor, and Counsellor for over 10 years. As an RICS Inspire Ambassador, she is passionate about introducing surveying to the next generation and supporting candidates as they progress toward RICS membership.
Charles Watson MSc FRICS
Director at Avison Young (UK) Limited
Charles is a Director within the Real Estate and Infrastructure Management Business Service Line at Avison Young. Based in the Leeds office, he brings over 12 years of experience within commercial real estate practice to his role. A Fellow of the RICS, Charles also serves as the deputy Chair of the RICS North West Regional Board, providing high level strategic leadership within the profession.
Since joining the Property Elite team in 2021 as a consultant, Charles has provided comprehensive assistance to candidates through submission reviews, mock interviews, mentoring, and the development of question packs. He has been actively assessing and chairing RICS APC final assessments since 2020, offering candidates direct insight into the standards required for successful assessment.
Beyond his consultancy and professional roles, Charles serves as an external examiner for the built environment modules at Sheffield Hallam University. This academic involvement, combined with his extensive practical experience in real estate management, ensures he is well-placed to support candidates from diverse backgrounds in achieving RICS membership.
Chris Jeffers BA (Hons) MSc FIWFM FRICS
Head of Facilities Management Advisory at Mott MacDonald Ltd
Chris is a Chartered Facilities Management Surveyor and currently serves as a Project Principal and Director of Facilities Management Advisory at Mott MacDonald Ltd. With over 25 years of experience in the property, commercial real estate, and facilities management sectors, he brings a global perspective to his work within the engineering and built environment consultancy field.
His extensive 15 year consulting career is preceded by several property and commercial management roles across both the public and private sectors. Chris’s technical expertise encompasses facilities management (FM) strategy reviews, estates rationalisation, procurement strategies, and contract writing. He is also a Government Soft Landings Champion and has served as a technical adviser on PFI projects, specialising in whole life cost analysis and operational FM contract management.
Having worked in the UK and internationally for public, private, and charitable sector clients, Chris has led advisory teams on a diverse range of property commissions. He remains dedicated to professional development as an RICS APC mentor and a specialist counsellor on the FM pathway, helping candidates navigate the complexities of the profession to achieve RICS membership.
Christopher Molyneux MSc MRICS
Chartered Planning and Development Surveyor and Registered Valuer at Avison Young
Chris is a Chartered Planning and Development Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer at Avison Young, operating within the Place Advisory Service Line. Based in Leeds, he brings six years of specialised experience in real estate planning and development. His daily professional practice involves acting for both public and private sector clients, with a focus on high level consultancy and technical reporting.
His technical expertise includes the preparation of detailed Planning Viability Reports, development appraisals, and options testing. Additionally, Chris provides critical pre-acquisition advice, helping clients navigate the complexities of development potential and land value. This active involvement in current market practices ensures he provides candidates with up-to-date and practical industry insights.
Chris joined the Property Elite team in 2026 as a consultant and is a qualified RICS APC Assessor. He provides comprehensive support to candidates through submission reviews, e-mock interviews, mentoring, and question pack writing. He also specialises in RICS APC Counsellor coaching and sign-off, guiding both candidates and their supervisors toward successful RICS membership.
David Reynolds FRICS FCMI MAPM
Director at Bloomsbury Project Management
David is a Chartered Project Management and Quantity Surveyor who leads Bloomsbury Project Management. He specialises in delivering innovative cost and project management solutions for construction and property projects across the retail, commercial, and infrastructure sectors. His expertise ensures the successful delivery of high value schemes through meticulous procurement and financial control.
His professional focus includes sustainability, health and safety, and design team management. David is highly experienced in stakeholder liaison, frequently coordinating between landlords, tenants, and statutory authorities. Furthermore, he provides significant added value as a Certified Assessor of both Office and Retail Ska Rating environmental assessments, reflecting his commitment to sustainable development.
With over 10 years of experience as an RICS APC Assessor, David is a dedicated mentor within the profession. He acts as a Counsellor to aspiring candidates, providing the technical guidance and strategic support necessary to help them meet the required standards for RICS membership.
Denish Patel MBA FRICS
Head of Property at London Borough of Brent
Denish brings over two decades of expertise in real estate and property management, with a professional focus on maximising financial returns and social value from property assets. Having recently served as Head of Property in local government, he has extensive experience leading strategic initiatives that align property portfolios with organisational goals, enhance operational efficiency, and drive revenue growth.
A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and an RICS Registered Valuer, Denish is committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence, integrity, and professionalism. His innovative approach is complemented by an MBA and ongoing Master’s studies in Artificial Intelligence, through which he explores the transformative potential of technology within the surveying industry.
Beyond his technical and strategic roles, Denish is a dedicated mentor to emerging professionals and an active volunteer within his community. He leverages his senior leadership experience and commitment to diversity and inclusion to support candidates as they navigate their professional development and work towards achieving RICS membership.
Francesca Laugharne BSc (Hons) MSc MRTPI
Freelance Planning Consultant
Francesca is a Chartered Town Planner with over 15 years of private sector experience. Having held senior positions at high profile consultancies, including RPS, Alder King, Rapleys, and LDA Design, she now operates as a freelance consultant. Based in Devon, she serves a diverse range of consultancy and private clients across the South West and nationwide.
Her professional background is rooted in planning and project management, where she has led multi-disciplinary teams to deliver residential, commercial, and energy developments for national clients. Francesca holds a BSc in City and Regional Planning and an MSc in Regeneration Studies (awarded with Distinction) from Cardiff University.
With an established track record of working alongside Chartered Surveyors, Francesca provides a highly valuable perspective to candidates on the Planning and Development pathway. Since joining the Property Elite team in early 2019, she has been instrumental in supporting candidates as they navigate the technical requirements of the planning profession to achieve RICS membership.
Joseph Foot BSc (Hons) MRICS CMCIH
Principal Residential Valuer at Wandsworth Borough Council
Joseph is the Principal Residential Valuation and Asset Management Surveyor for Richmond and Wandsworth Council. A Chartered Surveyor and RICS APC Assessor, he graduated from Oxford Brookes University in 2005 and has since amassed over 18 years of experience across the private sector, local authorities, and housing associations.
In his current role, Joseph manages a diverse range of professional duties, including lease renewals, Right to Buy valuations, acquisitions, and disposals. He also provides strategic advice on complex residential property issues, specifically relating to regeneration projects, new build developments, and the management of local authority housing stock.
Joseph’s personal journey to RICS membership gives him a unique and empathetic perspective as a mentor. After an initial referral in 2008, he became a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Housing before returning to successfully achieve his MRICS status in 2020. This experience fuels his passion for helping others overcome challenges and maintain the resilience needed to pass their RICS APC and achieve RICS membership.
Katie Rowan MSc MRICS
Programme Director at the University of Salford
Katie is a Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer with over 26 years of experience in the property industry. She qualified in 2008 following a degree in Property Management and Investment and later earned a Master’s degree in Real Estate and Property Management in 2016. Her diverse career spans the public sector, private practice, and statutory authorities.
Currently, Katie serves as a Programme Director for an undergraduate Real Estate Development and Management degree at the University of Salford. This academic leadership, combined with her technical background, allows her to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application for candidates. She is a specialist in a broad range of competencies, including valuation, landlord and tenant, leasing and letting, property management, and compulsory purchase and compensation.
Katie’s involvement with the RICS is extensive; she previously sat on the RICS Infrastructure Awards Board and has been an active RICS APC Assessor in England since 2011. She is also fully conversant in the Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship route. As a dedicated RICS Mentor and Counsellor who has been training candidates since 2016, Katie is deeply passionate about guiding aspirants across the Valuation, Commercial Real Estate, and Residential pathways toward achieving RICS membership.
Mark McKay FRICS
Principal Development Manager at Network Rail
Mark is a Chartered Surveyor and RICS APC Assessor with over 12 years of experience spanning both the commercial and residential sectors. Originally trained in the private sector, he has since developed extensive expertise within the public sector, holding key roles at Network Rail and a Greater Manchester Local Authority.
A thought leader within the profession, Mark has written and published numerous articles in the RICS Land and Property Journals and is a frequent speaker at RICS events. Most notably, he served as the lead author for RICS guidance on commercial property management, specifically tailored to the industrial and energy sectors. This high level involvement in setting industry standards allows him to provide candidates with authoritative guidance on best practices.
Mark is a firm advocate for the philosophy that success in the RICS APC is rooted in "preparation, preparation, preparation." He focuses heavily on the quality and technical accuracy of the initial submission pack, ensuring candidates build a strong foundation for their final assessment. By leveraging his experience as both an author and an assessor, he helps candidates refine their documentation to meet the rigorous expectations of the RICS.
Michelle Parkes BSc (Hons) MRICS
Senior Surveyor at Network Rail
Michelle is a Chartered Surveyor with over 19 years of experience in the property industry. She qualified in 2012 after completing her degree in Property Management and Valuation, balancing her professional development with full time work and family commitments. Her extensive career has been defined by high level roles within Network Rail, where she developed deep technical expertise across a variety of complex land and property matters.
Currently, Michelle manages land acquisitions across Scotland and provides specialist advice to clients regarding access and property burdens. Her technical proficiency spans several core competencies, including leasing and letting, landlord and tenant law, property management, and purchase and sale. This practical experience in a demanding infrastructure environment allows her to offer candidates real world context for their APC submissions and helps them understand the nuances of managing diverse property interests.
A dedicated advocate for professional standards, Michelle previously served on the RICS Matrics Glasgow and the West Committee, delivering presentations on ethics and interview preparation. She has been an RICS APC Assessor for four years across England and Scotland and has recently progressed to Chairing interview panels. Michelle is passionate about helping candidates succeed, consistently reminding them that the written submission is the panel's first impression and must be polished to the highest standard to achieve RICS membership.
Mike Woods BSc (Hons) PGCert FRICS
Chartered Building Surveyor & Director at Prendos New Zealand
Mike is a Chartered Building Surveyor and Registered Valuer with over 18 years of industry experience. He holds an undergraduate degree in Building Surveying and a postgraduate certificate in Built Environment Studies. His professional journey is notable for his progression through the RICS ranks, originally qualifying as an AssocRICS via the residential pathway before achieving full MRICS status through the Building Surveying pathway. Prior to moving abroad, he served as a director of a surveying firm, managing multi-panel appointments for mortgage valuations, heritage building surveys, and dilapidations.
In 2022, Mike relocated to New Zealand to join Prendos as an Associate. To ensure his expertise translated seamlessly to the Southern Hemisphere, he completed the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) diploma modules, gaining specialised knowledge in seismic, geothermal, and unique climate considerations. He now holds a leadership role in the Auckland office, overseeing major infrastructure and residential schemes, including the Eastern Busway Development and the Tamaki Regeneration project, while specialising in reinstatement matters and technical due diligence.
With a natural inclination toward professional development, Mike created and now oversees the graduate development programme at Prendos. He is a highly experienced RICS APC Assessor, mentor, and counsellor who understands the nuances of different pathways and the challenges of international practice. His global perspective and commitment to high standards make him an ideal guide for candidates looking to navigate the APC process and reach their full potential within the profession.
Philip Morris FRICS FAAV
Chartered Surveyor, Arbitrator & Mediator Director 4M Chartered Surveyors
Philip is a highly distinguished Chartered Surveyor, valuer, and dispute resolution specialist with over 25 years of experience advising on infrastructure, rural, and commercial property throughout the UK. As a Fellow of the RICS (FRICS), the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (FAAV), and the Agricultural Law Association (FALA), he is widely regarded for his technical expertise in telecommunications, utilities, and agricultural landlord and tenant matters.
Currently a Director at 4M Chartered Surveyors, Philip also holds a judicial role as a part time Valuer Member of the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). His practice is defined by high level appointments in dispute resolution; he has acted as an Independent Expert or Arbitrator in over forty cases and frequently provides expert witness testimony in court and tribunal proceedings, particularly concerning the Electronic Communications Code.
Philip has been an RICS APC Assessor and mentor since 2014, bringing an elite level of professional governance and technical depth to his candidates. Given his extensive background in litigation and tribunal work, he is uniquely positioned to support candidates across the Land and Resources, Rural, Commercial, Valuation, and Infrastructure pathways. He helps aspirants develop the rigorous logic and professional diligence required to succeed at the highest levels of the RICS assessment process.
Roy Albert BSc (Hons) MRICS
Regional Valuation Tech Lead at the Valuation Office Agency
Roy began his career in 2004 as an administrative assistant at the Rent Service, steadily progressing through the ranks to become a Rent Officer. Following the amalgamation of the Rent Service with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) around 2009, Roy pursued his professional qualification via the apprentice route. This unique career path culminated in him becoming a Chartered Surveyor, providing him with a first hand understanding of the dedication required to balance professional development with industry experience.
To date, Roy’s technical expertise has primarily focused on the Rating sector, where he has developed a deep understanding of complex valuation and legislative requirements. In addition to his specialism in Rating, he possesses strong experience in asset valuations, capital tax valuations, and local taxation. This broad technical background across various valuation disciplines enables him to provide candidates with comprehensive guidance on professional standards and technical competency.
Roy is a highly active and committed member of the surveying community, serving as an Ambassador for the industry charity LionHeart and a hub administrator for the Surveyor Hub. As a trained RICS APC Assessor, he brings a rigorous and fair perspective to the assessment process. Roy is passionate about supporting the next generation of surveyors, using his experience as both an apprentice and an assessor to help candidates navigate the APC journey with confidence and integrity.
Sarah Chaudhry MBA FRICS
Director at Surveyor Store Ltd
Sarah is a distinguished Fellow of the RICS (FRICS) with 30 years of corporate real estate experience. Her academic background is extensive, holding an MBA in Construction and Real Estate from the University of Reading, alongside postgraduate qualifications in Project Management and Management. Sarah has held senior director level positions in Local Government and housing associations, notably forming the Northwick Park Partnership to deliver a 2,500 home mixed use regeneration scheme.
Her technical expertise focuses on strategic asset management, regeneration, and property development. Sarah has a proven track record of overseeing complex operational, commercial, and investment property portfolios, leading all associated professional services. This deep industrial knowledge is complemented by her work in academia, where she teaches real estate at both MSc and BSc levels and trains graduates for a Sovereign Wealth Fund in Saudi Arabia.
Sarah specialises in mentoring Senior Professional Assessment candidates, while also supporting all other RICS APC routes. She is a former RICS Board Member and a published author on diversity in construction, having founded two global diversity, equity, and inclusion networks. Her wide ranging experience as a charity trustee and industry leader allows her to provide candidates with high level strategic insights and a comprehensive understanding of the professional standards required for RICS membership.
Aittia Mahmood MSc MRICS
Owner and Founder of Spera
Aittia is a Chartered Building Surveyor and the founder of Spera, bringing over 14 years of experience delivering building surveying services across the UK and the GCC. A recognised expert in the field, she is a frequent invited speaker at RICS and CIOB events, focusing on Technical Due Diligence and Condition Assessments.
Her technical depth is further distinguished by the Legal Experience Training Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence (LETAPAEWE). This Master’s level qualification strengthens her expertise in expert witness practice, allowing her to provide high level professional insights and technical guidance.
An experienced RICS APC Assessor, Aittia has a proven track record of supporting candidates in achieving their professional goals. She is passionate about mentoring others and is dedicated to helping surveyors progress through their professional qualifications with confidence and clarity.
Amin Hossain BSc (Hons) MRICS
Tribunal Member / Valuation Specialist with the Ministry of Justice in the First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
Amin is a Chartered Valuation Surveyor with over 40 years of experience in the property profession. Since joining Property Elite in 2021, he has served as a consultant providing expert mentoring, e-mock interviews, and specialist presentations on valuation and taxation. He is a highly experienced RICS Assessor, Chair, and Auditor of 18 years, and has served as an RICS External Quality Assurance Auditor since 2022.
His extensive career includes over 30 years with the Valuation Office Agency (HMRC), where he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1992. Amin held diverse roles involving taxation valuations, technical training and acting as an advocate and expert witness before Valuation Tribunals. He also specialised in Receipts and Expenditure Valuations as part of the National Hotel Valuation Team and led initiatives on Automated Valuations and Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal.
In 2020, Amin took the Judicial Oath and joined the Ministry of Justice First Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). In this role, he specialises in a wide range of determinations, including leasehold valuations, service charge disputes, civil penalties, and market/fair rent assessments. Amin brings this significant judicial and technical depth to his work supporting candidates through the RICS assessment process.
Ashley Hurd MRICS
UK&I / Nordics Design & Projects Leader at EY
Ashley is an experienced RICS APC Assessor and a Consultant to Property Elite, specialising in the Quantity Surveying & Construction, Project Management, and Infrastructure pathways. He brings a wealth of assessment experience to the team, helping candidates navigate the specific requirements of these technical routes.
Currently serving as UK&I / Nordics Design & Projects Leader at EY, Ashley is a seasoned Programme Manager with a strong background in the financial services industry. His professional focus involves managing complex programmes and delivering high level strategic oversight within global workplace environments.
Ashley possesses a diverse skill set that includes Portfolio and Commercial Management, Risk Management, and Procurement. Additionally, his expertise in Project Management Office (PMO) structures allows him to provide candidates with unique insights into the governance and commercial rigour required for RICS membership.
Bernadette Callanan MSc MCIPD
Strategic Change and Leadership Specialist
Bernadette works with Property Elite as a key liaison between consultants and candidates. She is responsible for finalising revision packs and coordinating meetings to ensure candidates are fully prepared for their submission and assessment. Her expertise in leadership learning and development allows her to help property professionals design, structure, and prepare the delivery of their presentations for the assessment interview.
As a specialist in strategy change and leadership, Bernadette assists leaders and teams at all levels to communicate more effectively and navigate change. She co-creates simple tools and programmes that encourage individuals to take continuous charge of their own development. This focus on clear communication and practical growth supports candidates as they work towards achieving RICS membership.
Outside of her professional work, Bernadette enjoys spending time in nature, particularly among lakes and mountains. These environments inspire her approach to designing and running practical programmes that help people grow, cement their skills, and achieve both their life and business goals.
Brian Robinson MRICS
Chartered Building Surveyor
Brian is a Chartered Building Surveyor with over 47 years of experience in the construction industry. He began his career in structural engineering before joining the Property Services Agency in 1975, eventually achieving chartered status in 1990. Throughout his career, he has held senior roles at WS Atkins and Serco Ltd, where he served as a lead designer and project manager on multi million pound refurbishments and managed large teams to deliver maintenance services for Ministry of Defence sites.
His technical expertise covers a wide spectrum of professional work, including dilapidations, pre-purchase surveys, building surveys, and defect and condition analysis. During his tenure as an Associate Partner at Pennycuick Collins, Brian was responsible for establishing a dedicated building surveying team. In this capacity, he provided specialist advice to residential and property management teams and oversaw the delivery of complex contract management and consultancy services.
Brian has a long-standing commitment to professional development and the mentoring of future surveyors. He was responsible for the professional training of trainees to help them achieve chartered status and provided strategic guidance on training programmes for various surveying teams. He now utilises this extensive experience to support candidates in their journey towards RICS membership.
Chris Fairbrother MRICS
Head of Estates working in Local Government
Chris is a Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer with 24 years of post-qualification experience. He has established a successful career in local government estates departments, working progressively into senior leadership roles. For over 10 years, he served as a Head of Estates, where he managed a broad spectrum of property disciplines including strategic asset management, regeneration, and compulsory purchase and compensation.
His extensive technical background spans commercial and valuation pathways, with particular expertise in disposals, acquisitions, and landlord and tenant matters. Since qualifying in 1997, Chris has combined his practical local government experience with a deep commitment to professional standards, ensuring complex property portfolios are managed effectively and in accordance with RICS guidance.
Chris is passionate about supporting the next generation of surveyors and has been involved with the APC process for over a decade. Having started as a supervisor and counsellor, he progressed to become an assessor for both preliminary reviews and final assessments. He now serves as an RICS APC Chair, using his experience to mentor candidates toward achieving RICS membership.
Christopher J Leach BSc (Hons) MRICS ACIArb
Associate Director at TMD Building Consultancy
Christopher is a Chartered Building Surveyor and a senior member of TMD Building Consultancy in Oxford. With over 11 years of experience in residential and commercial property, he is also an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. His professional foundation was established with an RICS-accredited degree in Building Surveying, during which he was honoured with an RICS London Student Award.
Throughout his career, Christopher has held key roles at a general practice consultancy in London and within the Residential Building Consultancy at Knight Frank, where he supported high net worth clients globally. His multi-disciplinary experience spans the commercial, industrial, and educational sectors, including client-side work for a top 100 global school. He possesses extensive technical expertise in project management, contract administration, dilapidations, and specialist areas such as rights to light and party wall matters.
Christopher is deeply committed to the profession, serving as a committee member of RICS Matrics Oxford. He has extensive experience of the APC process and acts as a dedicated counsellor and mentor. By providing structured support and guidance, he helps candidates navigate their professional development and meet the requirements necessary to achieve RICS membership.
Daniel Jacob MRICS
Professional Coach at Danielzjcoaching
Dan is a Chartered Surveyor who qualified via the Commercial Real Estate pathway in November 2022. He holds a degree in Real Estate and developed his professional foundation through a placement year at Cluttons, followed by the graduate programme at Strettons. Since achieving chartership, he has furthered his expertise by completing a certificate in professional coaching practice to become an approved coach.
Currently growing his own coaching business, Dan is dedicated to helping individuals reach their full potential and achieve their own definitions of success. His coaching methodology focuses on challenging clients, creating necessary space for reflection, and empowering them to find their own solutions. This authentic approach to personal development is designed to support professionals at all stages of their career.
Dan brings this passion for mentoring and growth to the Property Elite team, where he partners with candidates to help them navigate their journey toward RICS membership. By combining his technical background in commercial management with his professional coaching skills, he provides a supportive environment for candidates to better themselves and excel in their professional assessments.
Denis Alema MRICS
Undertaking MSc in Data Analytics (USA)
Denis is a Chartered Land Surveyor with over eight years of experience in the Geomatics sector. He specialises in spatial data analytics, bringing a high level of technical precision to his work. His expertise spans a wide range of geomatics disciplines, allowing him to provide comprehensive insight into the measurement and analysis of spatial data.
Since 2021, Denis has served as a consultant for the Property Elite team. He provides dedicated support to candidates through submission reviews, mock interviews, and the preparation of bespoke question packs. His experience across different global markets ensures that he can assist candidates in articulating their experience effectively for assessment.
A committed mentor within the profession, Denis is an active RICS APC Assessor and Counsellor. He has significant experience conducting preliminary reviews and assessing prospective candidates across the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa regions. He uses this international perspective to guide candidates toward achieving RICS membership.
Ed Rothery MRICS
Director at Colliers International
Ed is a Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer within the valuation department at Colliers International in London. Since joining Colliers in 2015, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of the property lifecycle, having completed a graduate rotation programme that included valuation, office agency, and investment, alongside a secondment to HSBC. He holds a First Class BSc (Hons) in Real Estate from Sheffield Hallam University.
In his professional practice, Ed undertakes valuations for a diverse range of purposes, including loan security, financial accounts, initial public offerings (IPOs), and advisory services. He also provides specialist expertise for expert witness purposes, acting for a variety of national and international clients. This breadth of experience ensures he can offer candidates practical, real world insights into complex valuation standards and reporting requirements.
Ed is actively involved in the Colliers graduate programme, where he mentors candidates through the entire assessment process. He serves as an RICS APC Counsellor and Supervisor for those undertaking valuation rotations, and regularly provides submission reviews, technical Q&A sessions, and mock interviews. His hands-on experience in the assessment process helps candidates refine their professional entries and prepare thoroughly for RICS membership.
Jane Forsyth BA (Hons) FRICS FIRPM
Consultant Chartered Surveyor and Senior Lecturer
Jane is a Chartered Surveyor and a former property solicitor with a diverse and distinguished career in the property sector. A Fellow of the Institute of Residential Property Management (FIRPM) and an NRLA Accredited Landlord, she brings a unique blend of legal and surveying expertise to the Property Elite team. She is also a published author, having co-authored Real Estate – the basics and The Residential Pathway - APC Essentials, published by Routledge.
In her academic roles as an Associate Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University and an Associate Tutor at UCEM, Jane teaches a wide range of modules, including land law, landlord and tenant law, valuation, property development, and property transactions. Her deep involvement in higher education ensures she is exceptionally well placed to help candidates articulate complex technical concepts during their assessment.
Jane’s professional background includes over a decade as the director of her own block management business, which she successfully grew and sold to a national competitor. Her expertise was recognised with a British Property Federation Award, and she previously served as a director of the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA). In 2018, her specialist knowledge led to an invitation to contribute to the Law Commission’s consultation on the Right to Manage.
Joseph Knight MRICS MCIOB
Associate Director at Pinders
Joseph is an Associate Director, Chartered Building Surveyor and Chartered Construction Manager with over 12 years of experience in the property and construction sector. A member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), he holds a First Class RICS-accredited degree in Building Surveying from Sheffield Hallam University. He currently serves as the vice Chair for the CIOB Northampton Hub, where he is actively involved in supporting the profession and the wider community.
Joseph began his career in the public sector before moving into private practice in 2014. He spent several years as a specialist Project Manager, delivering large scale, multi million pound developments. Following roles at Lambert Smith Hampton and his current position at Pinders Professional Consultancy, he has further diversified his expertise, particularly in the specialised field of monitoring surveying.
With extensive experience and in-depth insight into the final assessment, Joseph serves as both a Mentor and an RICS APC Assessor. He provides structured support to candidates, leveraging his background in project management and building surveying to help them demonstrate the technical and professional standards required to achieve RICS membership.
Khalil Ur Rahman MA FRICS
Director at ECOHDS Chartered Surveyors
Khalil is a seasoned property professional with over 30 years of experience encompassing senior management and high level technical expertise. His career spans property development, project management, and construction, with a more recent focus on specialised surveying sectors. A notable career highlight includes pioneering sustainable construction by building the first zero carbon homes under the original Code for Sustainable Homes in 2007.
His extensive surveying portfolio includes acting as an expert witness for disrepair cases and valuation reports, managing commercial lease renewals, and performing rent reviews. Khalil is proficient in technical reporting, including Level 2 and 3 Home Surveys, as well as complex matters such as party wall awards, leasehold enfranchisement, and planning appeals. He also brings significant experience in land acquisition, disposal, and the recovery of distressed construction sites.
Qualified as an RICS Planning and Development surveyor, Khalil is a highly experienced RICS APC Assessor and Chair. Due to the breadth of his 30 year career, he assesses a diverse range of routes across both the Land and Built Environment pathways. Having assessed a high volume of candidates in recent sessions alone, he offers invaluable, high volume insight into the standards and expectations required to achieve RICS membership.
Matt Trewartha FRICS
Head of Property Management for HS2
Matt is a Chartered Surveyor with extensive experience managing diverse portfolios across the UK, including commercial, residential, and telecommunications assets. He holds a degree in Agriculture from Harper Adams and began his career in agri-business before transitioning to surveying in 2007. He furthered his technical education by completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Estate Management at the University of Reading in 2009.
Currently, Matt serves as the Head of Property Management for HS2, where he oversees a substantial portfolio of over 1,700 assets spanning from London to Manchester. His career trajectory includes significant leadership roles, such as Equity Partner and Head of Non-Operational Property Management at Fisher German, serving major water, waste, and aggregate clients, and interim Head of Asset Management for two local authorities.
A highly experienced figure within the RICS assessment structure, Matt serves as an APC Assessor, Chair, and Moderator, specifically for the Rural and Land & Resources pathways. His high level perspective as a moderator allows him to provide candidates with unique insights into the assessment process. Matt uses this wealth of experience to help candidates prepare rigorously, ensuring they meet the global standards required for RICS membership.
Mike Ward BSc (Hons) FRICS
Senior Construction Quality Manager at NTT Global Data Centers
Mike is a Fellow of RICS and a Senior Construction Quality Manager at NTT Global Data Centers. His diverse background in the construction industry began in carpentry and joinery, providing a solid foundation for his subsequent transition into construction and commercial management. He earned his degree in Construction Management in 2013 and moved into building surveying with Tesco in 2017, achieving his chartered status in 2022.
A multi-disciplinary professional, Mike is also a Fellow of CABE and ICWCI, as well as a Chartered Environmentalist. His technical expertise is highly regarded across the industry; he currently serves as the Lead Judge for the Environmental Impact category at the RICS UK Awards and acts as an External Examiner for built environment programmes at the University of the Built Environment. This breadth of experience allows him to provide candidates with sophisticated insights into construction quality, sustainability, and high level academic standards.
Mike is deeply committed to nurturing talent and giving back to the profession. He currently serves as the Chair of the RICS Yorkshire & Humber Regional Board and is a Director for the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate. As an active RICS Counsellor and RICS APC Assessor, he leverages his experience in quality management and his role as an Assessor Coach for degree apprenticeships to provide candidates with the structured, rigorous support necessary to achieve RICS membership.
Paul Matton MRICS
Property Director and Consultant
Paul is a highly experienced commercial Property Director and Chartered Surveyor with a distinguished career in corporate real estate spanning 40 years. His professional journey includes holding prestigious Board positions at major organisations such as Bestway, Gold Group, and Somerfield Stores. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed and developed large scale portfolios comprising commercial, residential, and mixed use developments, establishing himself as a leader in the field.
In addition to his corporate experience, Paul serves as the non-executive Vice Chair at Anchorwood Ltd, a residential developer. He is a proven leader and an excellent communicator who focuses on creating and delivering value, reducing costs, and minimising risk within complex organisations. His strategic oversight and deep understanding of the property lifecycle allow him to provide candidates with a high level perspective on the industry's commercial drivers.
Paul brings a wealth of commercial acumen, integrity, and diligence to the Property Elite team. He is dedicated to assisting and developing RICS candidates by sharing his technical expertise and personal professional qualities. By encouraging wider oversight and a thorough understanding of professional standards, Paul helps candidates refine their skills and approach to meet the rigorous demands of the APC process.
Roger Chubb BSc (Hons) FRICS
Self-Employed Chartered Surveyor
Roger is a highly experienced commercial property Chartered Surveyor who has been a prominent figure in the profession since 1977. Throughout his distinguished career, he has cultivated a well-rounded expertise that encompasses almost every facet of commercial property investment and development. Roger began his career in the public sector with the Valuation Office, where he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and served as an RICS Registered Valuer, laying a rigorous technical foundation for his subsequent move into private practice.
His extensive private sector experience includes senior roles at several global and national firms. He spent nearly a decade with Jones Lang LaSalle in Australia before returning to the UK to join their West End London office. Roger later spent 15 years at Hartnell Taylor Cook in Bristol, where he served as an Equity Director and led the Investment Department. For over 24 years, his primary focus has been the commercial investment and development sectors, providing strategic advice on high value assets and complex development schemes.
Since 2007, Roger has operated as a specialist consultant, diversifying his portfolio to include exclusive work within the healthcare sector and directorships in the renewable energy and environmental services industries. Following his retirement from full time practice in 2019, he joined Property Elite as a consultant. As an active RICS APC Assessor specialising in the Commercial Real Estate pathway, Roger provides candidates with unparalleled insight into the standards required for successful qualification, drawing on over four decades of industry leadership.
Russell de Beer BA (Hons) MSc FRICS
Rural Director at Strutt & Parker
Russell is a highly experienced rural Chartered Surveyor who has been qualified since 2006. Based in East Anglia, he serves as a Director at Strutt & Parker, where he is responsible for the leadership and management of three regional offices. His technical expertise is broad and includes rural planning and diversification, valuation, and compulsory purchase work. He is also an RICS Accredited Mediator and a qualified expert witness, having given evidence in both the High Court and County Courts.
As a specialist in rural property, Russell focuses on landlord and tenant matters and complex valuation issues. His role within a major multi discipline firm provides him with a deep understanding of how rural practices integrate with broader commercial and international property standards. This high level practical experience ensures that the advice he provides to candidates is rooted in current industry requirements and the rigorous application of professional standards.
Russell is deeply committed to professional development and currently oversees the rural RICS APC training for his firm. He has a wealth of experience within the assessment process itself, serving as an RICS APC Chair and Assessor. This combined experience as a mentor, director, and lead assessor allows him to provide candidates with unique insights into the Rural pathway, helping them to refine their submissions and interview techniques to the highest standard.
Vincent Pegg FRICS FCABE
Director at Ryder Levett Bucknall
Vincent is a highly accomplished dual-qualified professional, holding Fellow status as both a Chartered Building Surveyor (FRICS) and a Chartered Building Engineer (FCABE). With over fifteen years of experience, his career has spanned consultancy, contracting, and client-side roles within the built environment. He has held senior positions at industry leading organisations such as Arcadis, ISG, Jaguar Land Rover, and Rider Levett Bucknall, working across diverse sectors including high tech manufacturing, logistics, and education.
Throughout his career, Vincent has led technical teams and managed complex construction programmes, specialising in the development of enterprise level quality management strategies. This broad perspective allows him to offer candidates a comprehensive understanding of the project lifecycle from multiple viewpoints. His experience in demanding environments, such as government and housing infrastructure, ensures that he can provide nuanced advice on technical competencies and the practical application of professional standards.
An RICS APC Assessor since 2019, Vincent brings an deep level understanding of the RICS competency framework to his mentoring. He focuses on helping Property Elite candidates bridge the gap between their daily professional activities and the rigorous requirements of the assessment. As a clear and effective communicator, Vincent is dedicated to helping candidates structure their submissions with precision, building the confidence necessary to demonstrate genuine competence during the final interview.
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