Meet Mohammad Luqman Futloo MRICS: pursuing the APC process ‘an invaluable learning experience’
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18 December 2024
Meet Mohammad Luqman Futloo MRICS, a newly elected member based in Mauritius. Learn more about the APC process and gain insight into the benefits of membership in the Q&A below.
Why did you decide to pursue your APC and become chartered by RICS?
Becoming a Chartered Quantity Surveyor was one of my earliest goals when I embarked on my career path in quantity surveying. I remember the first lecture during my undergraduate course at the University of Central Lancashire, where my lecturer, Mr. Ron Smith, introduced us to RICS. From its prestigious headquarters in London to the numerous benefits associated with achieving MRICS status, I immediately understood the value of aligning with RICS. I therefore enrolled as a student member to stay updated on the latest developments within the profession.
As I progressed in my career, I realised that many of the objectives I had set towards becoming a chartered quantity surveyor have been achieved. This led me to make the decision to pursue my APC. I view this as a crucial step for my professional growth, not only to advance my career but also to earn the respect and trust of clients, colleagues and stakeholders. Becoming a member of a globally recognised professional body like RICS will also open up a wealth of international opportunities in the built and natural environments.
Mohammad Luqman Futloo MRICS
What have you learnt during the APC process so far that you think will benefit you as your career evolves?
The APC process has been an invaluable learning experience, significantly enhancing both my technical expertise and industry knowledge. It has also provided me with the opportunity to improve my skills by applying project management techniques to my daily responsibilities. Through this journey, I have developed a deeper understanding of the importance of continuous professional development and staying current with industry trends and best practices.
These insights will undoubtedly empower me to contribute meaningfully to sustainability, encourage diversity, equity and promote inclusive spaces. Additionally, throughout the APC process, I have gained valuable knowledge through the RICS Practice Information such as managing complaints, understanding key conflict avoidance strategies that quantity surveyors must proactively implement like "Good client management, Good constructor management, Good project management, Good design team management, etc." Moreover, during the APC process, it is crucial to adhere to the highest ethical standards set by RICS.
What’s been the most challenging aspect of the APC process during your journey?
The most challenging aspect of the APC process has been balancing the demands of my daily work with the requirements of the APC. Managing day-to-day activities while simultaneously documenting competencies, attending CPD sessions and preparing for assessments has required a great deal of discipline. Another challenge was preparing the case study, particularly in translating complex technical issues into a concise and focused narrative within the word limit.
How do you think this status will help your career, your business, or the team that you lead?
Achieving RICS Chartered status will greatly enhance my career prospects by opening doors to more senior roles and increased responsibilities. The recognition associated with RICS status will also bolster my credibility within the industry and with clients, which is essential in today’s competitive market. At office, as a team leader, achieving this status will enable me to bring a higher level of expertise and strategic insight to decision-making processes, professionalism, ensure compliance with ethical standards and effectively mentor junior professionals. Moreover, this status will encourage respect from team members, foster a culture of trust and professionalism and help build a stronger and confident team.
What advice would you give potential candidates who might be considering the journey towards membership at RICS?
Becoming a Chartered Surveyor through RICS requires dedication, consistency and a systematic approach. While the APC journey can be demanding, with careful planning and perseverance, it is entirely achievable. Many candidates hesitate to submit their competencies and case studies for fear of failure, delaying their final interview. To overcome this fear, remember that RICS acknowledges that “the best candidates may be referred,” meaning they understand that everyone has areas to grow. RICS does not want you to only be a technical expert, but also be an ambassador for the profession.
I strongly recommend that future candidates read the RICS Black Book, familiarise themselves with the RICS Rules of Conduct and Ethical Standards and maintain a thorough monitoring and control process as they document their competencies and case studies. It is important not to focus solely on the presentation of your case study, as it constitutes only 40% of the interview. The remaining 60% of the interview will focus on your competencies, ethics, and CPD. I encourage candidates to seek guidance from their mentors and to strengthen any weak areas so as to keep on improving. Additionally, RICS offers free CPD through platforms like LionHeart and iSurv, which can be valuable resources throughout your journey.
Lastly, once you achieve MRICS status, always treat others with respect, show empathy towards underrepresented groups and foster an inclusive and diverse environment.
