News & Insight

From APC to Assessor and Ambassador: Meet Ardesh Rajagopalan MRICS

02 July 2024

Ardesh Rajagopalan achieved his MRICS in 2020 in Quantity Surveying after enrolling on APC 12; and has since gone on to become an Assessor and Ambassador. Ardesh is a Change Lead for Skankska Costain Strabag JV on HSV.

Why did you decide to pursue your APC and become chartered by RICS?

There is a lot of history to how I landed here. Simple summary being my Dad was a QS for nearly 40 years, but you know the Father-Son combination can make or break situations! However, eventually I did my Bachelors in Civil Engineering and after working in the construction industry for a few years as an engineer, I realised it was either planning or Quantity Surveying. In parallel I achieved my Masters in Quantity Surveying, which developed my interest in the field and from then on never looked back. And in Quantity surveying there is no higher status within the field other than RICS, which gives you a direction, achievement, and progression all in one go.

What have you learnt during the APC process that you think will benefit you as your career evolves?

The entire process along with the all the competencies extend the knowledge you wouldn’t normally pick up. The process teaches you how to be disciplined and organised.

What was the most challenging aspect of the APC process during your journey?

How do you achieve all the requirements that the process requires you to attain? All the way from the documentation to the actual interview has been a very challenging process and none really stands out for me separately, as each of it was important in its own way.

Has the journey towards becoming a member helped you grow/develop in your current role?

This journey has allowed me to explore different aspects within the industry such as working closely for investors, contractors, consultants and developers. Sky is the limit is what they say but with RICS, there is no limit! Each day brings new learnings, and gaining my Charter was significant in helping me move from Dubai to London.

How do you think this status will help your career, your business, or the team that you lead?

Helping others in the team helped me learn and this in turn helps the team develop and perform. I am an RICS Assessor and RICS Ambassador so I play a huge part in the future of the profession. I feel it is my responsibility to share knowledge and promote the benefits of RICS.

What advice would you give potential candidates who might be considering the journey towards membership at RICS?

I understand that the process is lengthy and rigorous. However, it makes you organised and gives you clarity as to the direction of your career. I would humbly request you to start the process if not tomorrow, today itself, to save you a day in achieving something you will never regret!