Simon Thornton-Smith

Associate Director, Faithful+Gould

Simon, who studied Quantity Surveying in the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society, now works as an Associate Director at Faithful+Gould.

What was your experience of doing an undergraduate degree at Heriot-Watt University?

I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt the Campus facilities and location were a huge help in achieving my degree. The facilities are exceptional, especially for sports, and Heriot-Watt has some great people working across all functions, from lecturing to catering.

Can you tell us about your current job?

I am Associate Director of Faithful+Gould in Edinburgh, responsible for overseeing service delivery and maintaining commercial procedures. I lead a team that delivers core quantity surveying duties, including cost planning, contract drafting and valuing the works.

How has your degree prepared you for industry?

Completing the Quantity Surveying programme positioned me well for entering the industry. I gained technical knowledge, and developed my social and interactive skills. I also now appreciate that Heriot-Watt and its undergraduate programmes are held in high regard within the industry.

What advice would you give to a prospective student considering embarking on their studies at Heriot-Watt?

It's a great place to study. Gaining early experience within your chosen industry is extremely important and Heriot-Watt not only encouraged this, but actively assisted me to achieve it.