Harj took his undergraduate degree in Architectural Technology but soon decided that his heart lay in building surveying.

After gaining some practical experience he took a Building Surveying Masters accredited by RICS. He then worked for a multidisciplinary consultancy in Leicester on a range of projects from school libraries to NHS healthcare.

After deciding to shift client side he joined the University of Leicester in the estates department. He forged great relationships with local stakeholders and colleagues, from professors to contractors and consultants. These would prove invaluable when he joined S2e in 2022.

Role at S2e

Harj joined S2e on 14 February, Valentine's Day, and so far it has been a love affair! “I really enjoy working here and was totally sold on the company from my interview. I had other interviews in the pipeline but cancelled them all because I knew immediately that this is what I really wanted to do,” he says.

His role as a building surveyor has two main parts. The first is professional services, such as school condition surveys. The second is the role that makes up most of his work, project management and project delivery.

Recent projects

He has been involved closely in four major projects for Lionheart Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust in the Leicester area. At Beauchamp College he is working on a double-storey science block that is a modular build; at Martin High and Humphrey Perkins it has been the installation of double-storey modular classrooms as well as standalone new builds. He has also been project managing the refurbishment of a swimming pool to bring it back to life, transforming a dilapidated building currently used for storage into a sparkling new facility. Finally, he has been involved in making a car park at Bosworth Academy work much better for all school users.

Engaging with clients

Harj revels in the varied and interesting set of challenges he is presented with every day. He explains:

“During my interview S2e painted a picture of what life could be like that was really positive. I was told that if I had a good idea, nothing was off the table and that I would be involved with developing the company not just acting as an employee. Although it is a cliché to say that no day is the same, that is exactly how it is. There are so many facets to running a project and I love to meet different people. It’s fascinating to engage with clients rather than be stuck behind a desk or computer all day.”

Surveying tech

Harj is hugely interested in the technology aspects of surveying and hopes to be able to carry out drone surveying. It’s a technique that will enable him to reach difficult areas of buildings, because roofs, high windows and other elevated areas can be so difficult to survey. “I’m really excited by finding innovative ways to do the job,” he says.

Surveyors to Education (S2e)

For more information on how we can help you develop the optimum learning environment for your pupils, contact us today at 01530 877969 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.