In conversation with Lewis Hook, BSc (Hons), MCInstCES, MRICS – Director MK Surveys
How did your interest in surveying as a career develop?
By pure chance! After the engineering company I was doing an apprenticeship with went into liquidation, I saw an advert in the local newspaper about a Trainee Land Surveyor position. The idea of working outdoors was what appealed to me initially and then, when I started, I enjoyed the variation of the work and being able to travel and see so many different places.
What is a key memory from your time spent studying at The Survey School?
Learning the principles of Tacheometry and plotting points of detail by hand. Also enjoying social events with like-minded people that I am still in contact with today.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your time at The Survey School prior to graduation?
The mathematics that makes sense of the observations.
What is it about your role that you enjoy and value most?
Directing innovation at MK Surveys, travelling to different places and meeting different people, as well as overseeing training and the development of our amazing staff.
How would you describe your career in three words since graduation?
Interesting, technical, rewarding.
How do you encourage others to get involved in the surveying profession?
Visiting young people in education settings, having a presence at job and career fairs and overseeing work experience placements.
If you could give your younger self career advice now, what would it be?
Network as much as possible, visit trade shows, maintain an awareness of various application areas and relevant technology trends.
Do you have any exciting projects you’re working on that you’re able to share?
We have just completed a 3D survey of a Royal Palace.
What has been your most memorable project to work on since graduation?
Completing a high accuracy survey of a race circuit in India. It was extremely challenging for many reasons and quite an adventure!
Tell us about MK Surveys– what is the company’s main focus?
We proudly support our clients via a wide range of in-house, industry leading geospatial services. Our main focus is our staff, investing in their training and development to be able to deliver an exemplary service.
What could the future hold for MK Surveys?
We aim to be the leading geospatial service provider in the UK, providing our clients with innovative and adaptable services resulting in high quality, comprehensive and robust deliverables to support them in their roles and critical decision making, whilst always considering time and cost efficiencies.
What has been your proudest career moment to date?
Achieving a first class honours degree in Civil Engineering Surveying whilst studying part-time at UEL.