LinkedIn profile: Isabella Sullivan MRICS | LinkedIn
- About Isabella Sullivan MRICS
Isabella Sullivan MRICS is a Senior Quantity Surveyor with over eight years' experience in the construction industry. Her route into surveying was not a traditional one. After completing a degree in English, she joined NG Bailey (a Mechanical and Engineering company) and accidentally discovered a passion for construction.
Now established in the profession, Isabella is passionate about giving back to the industry. She currently serves as Chair of RICS Matrics Bristol and is working alongside fellow committee member Sophie Devonald to establish an outreach initiative aimed at improving awareness of careers in construction. Their goal is to engage with schools and communities, helping young people from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds understand the opportunities available within the built environment profession.
- What have you valued the most as your career has developed, and how have you built those skills?
As my career has developed, I've come to value balance and resilience just as much as technical expertise. Early in my career, I was very focused on progression and achieving the next milestone. While ambition remains important to me, I've learned that my identity shouldn't be defined solely by my job title or career achievements.
One skill I have always tried to develop is resilience. This starts at home for me, which is ensuring I make time for strength training, running, and challenging myself physically. While these hobbies are outside of work, they have a positive impact on my mindset at work. They help me approach challenges at work with a healthier perspective and remain level headed under pressure. I make a conscious effort to manage my energy, ensuring I have the capacity to perform at work while still having the energy to also enjoy my hobbies outside of it.
I'm also fortunate to work for Fulkers Bailey Russell a B Corp organisation. What this means is employee’s wellbeing and social value are embedded within the company culture. This has reinforced the importance of looking after yourself, supporting others and finding purpose beyond work. Ultimately, I've learned that being a well rounded person makes me a better Quantity Surveyor.
- How do you stay motivated and inspired in a professional that is always evolving?
I have evolved as I've progressed through my career. What I wanted as a twenty-something Assistant Quantity Surveyor is very different to what I want now as a Senior Quantity Surveyor in my thirties. Earlier in my career, my focus was on building my technical knowledge, completing my Master's degree and achieving chartership. Those milestones gave me clear goals to work towards and motivated me to continually improve.
While I remain ambitious, my motivation today comes more from helping others develop and creating opportunities for the next generation of professionals. Through my involvement with RICS Matrics Bristol and our outreach initiatives, I have the opportunity to support early career surveyors and promote the industry to people who may not otherwise have considered a career in construction. Seeing others grow in confidence and achieve their own goals is incredibly rewarding.
I stay motivated by remaining curious. The industry continues to evolve, and so do we as individuals. Embracing that change and continuing to learn is what keeps the profession both challenging and rewarding.
- Do you have any guidance for surveyors trying to learn new skills as part of their career?
Keep on learning, keep adapting and most importantly keep things fun. It is important to continue to develop to ensure you are not left behind, as the construction industry advances in technology and artificial intelligence.
Your brain needs new skills to stay sharp, so learning new skills and new experiences is great exercise for the brain. I like to try and do something new each week, last week I attempted pottery painting and this week I am planning a run using a map. This does have repercussions for my career, as hopefully it is keeping my brain sharp and ready for the challenges I face in my day job.
- What advice you would have for women who are looking to move into the profession?
My biggest piece of advice would be to build your network early. Construction is still a male-dominated industry, and having a strong network can make a huge difference throughout your career. Organisations such as RICS Matrics provide excellent opportunities to meet professionals at similar stages of their career, whether you're considering chartership, working towards APC, or already qualified (up to 10 years), RICS Matrics is for you.
I've found that some of the most valuable relationships I've built have come through professional networks. Having peers who understand the challenges you're facing, can offer advice, or simply provide encouragement can be incredibly beneficial.
Most importantly, don't let outdated perceptions of the industry put you off. Construction needs diverse perspectives, different experiences and varied ways of thinking. There is a place for women at every level of the profession, and the industry is stronger when that diversity is reflected in its workforce.
