01. What is your name and role?
Hi I’m Alicia Low and I am a Quantity Surveyor.
02. What are the main tasks and responsibilities you handle on a regular day as a QS?
On a day-to-day basis, I mainly focus on managing project costs and making sure everything stays within budget. That involves managing and monitoring budgets, preparing and reviewing valuations and payment applications, assessing subcontractor variations, and processing payments.
A big part of the job is maintaining financial control while still supporting the wider team in successfully delivering the project. I’m based on site most of the times to ensure regular communication with site teams and subcontractors to make sure we’re commercially aligned and that any changes are properly recorded and managed. This also helps spotting potential risks early and dealing with them before they become bigger issues. Overall, it’s a balance of working with numbers, communicating effectively, solving problems, and maintaining good working relationships.
03. Where do you see yourself progressing to?
I would like to continue progressing into a Senior QS role and eventually into a Commercial Manager or Project Manager position. I’m keen to continue building my technical knowledge and experience, while also developing leadership skills and taking on greater responsibility in the future.
In the long term, I’d like to move into a role where I’m doing more than just managing costs — where I’m contributing to higher-level decision-making and helping guide the commercial and sustainable direction of projects.
04. How do you feel supported by people in the industry?
I’ve genuinely felt very supported since joining the company. I’ve been fortunate to work with colleagues who are approachable, collaborative, and willing to share their knowledge. I was trusted with responsibility, but I also had guidance from senior team members whenever I needed it.
Being surrounded by experienced people who are open to sharing their insight has made a big difference. That level of trust and support has really helped build my confidence, and allowed me to grow over the past few years.
05. How would you describe your experience working as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field?
To be honest, I haven’t felt a significant difference. Everyone I’ve worked with has been respectful and professional, and I’ve always felt treated the same as anyone else on the team. Although construction is often described as male-dominated, in my experience, it really comes down to competence, teamwork, and performance rather than gender.
That said, I do think diversity is important. Having people from different backgrounds and perspectives naturally strengthens a team. It encourages better communication, broader thinking, and more effective problem-solving. I’m proud to be part of an industry that’s becoming more diverse, and I think seeing more women in these roles brings the message that construction is a career open to everyone.
