The Take Off - The Quantity Surveying Podcast

What’s it really like moving to Australia as a Quantity Surveyor?
In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Mick breaks down the reality of relocating overseas to build a career in construction — from starting out on site and improving communication skills, to navigating different construction cultures across Europe and Australia.
The episode explores the pressures of early career decisions, the value of hands-on site experience, and why mastering construction fundamentals still matters in an industry increasingly shaped by AI. Mick also reflects on working on globally significant projects, including stadium developments at FC Barcelona, and leading cost strategies within major international organisations.
A candid conversation about ambition, risk, caree r patience, and what it really takes to build a sustainable Quantity Surveying career abroad.
🎧 Listen now to understand the real trade-offs behind moving overseas for work.
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From small family contractors in Spain…
to working on the Camp Nou redevelopment for FC Barcelona…
to leading cost strategy for Amazon across Europe and beyond.
In this episode, We're joined by Alberto Fernandez, MRICS chartered quantity surveyor and Senior Cost Engineer at Amazon, to talk about a truly global career in construction – and how AI is about to reshape the industry.
Alberto shares how early days on site with a labour–owner taught him the realities of construction, why he left Spain during the financial crisis to improve his English in Australia, and how that eventually led to roles with major contractors, FC Barcelona and now Amazon.

We dive into:
Growing up in Spain and “falling into” construction via a technical architect degree

Early years on site: concrete on your boots, drywall, rebar and understanding the real basics

How the global financial crisis forced him to reset and move to Australia

Discovering quantity surveying and the RICS route later in his career

Landing the role at FC Barcelona and working on Camp Nou & Johan Cruyff Stadium

What it really takes to deliver complex stadium projects under huge pressure

Moving into Amazon and leading cost engineering across Europe and beyond

His take on AI in construction – what’s hype, what’s real and what’s coming next

Why companies will need their own AI tools and “internal schools” for juniors

Advice for young QSs and cost engineers entering an AI-powered industry

If you’re interested in stadiums, global careers, cost engineering or AI in construction, this one is packed with insight.

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Or Connect with Alberto

What happens when an electrical engineer, estimator, and salesperson becomes a construction tech founder?
You get The Measuring Company — and one of the fastest-growing remote estimating models in Australia.
In this episode, Joey Hidalgo, Founder & CEO of The Measuring Company, breaks down his journey from the Philippines to Australia, the flaws he saw in traditional estimating, and how he built a global team delivering measurement, estimating and procurement support for builders and subcontractors.
Joey shares:
Why most builders lose profit long before a job starts

The true bottlenecks in estimating teams

How offshore talent can increase accuracy — not reduce it

Why AI won’t replace estimators, but estimators who use AI will win

How TMC trains engineers to work at Australian standards

The future of estimating, outsourcing, and construction tech

A must-listen for estimators, QSs, builders and anyone shaping the future of construction operations.
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What does it really take to become a quantum expert in construction?
In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Joe Stewart, Director at JS Held, shares how he went from a 16-year-old university student in Scotland to a trusted figure in dispute resolution and expert witness work.
Joe breaks down:
⚖️ The real difference between QS and expert roles
📋 How adjudication and arbitration actually work in practice
🧠 Why mastering fundamentals still matters in expert work
🤖 The power — and danger — of AI in claims and analysis
📉 Why tier-one contractors are pulling back from high-risk markets
Whether you’re an aspiring expert, a senior QS, or just curious how construction disputes are won and lost — this is a must-listen.
🎧 Listen now on The Take Off Podcast

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Can you build a high-level career in construction without giving up your personal life?

Orla Kellehan, Senior Quantity Surveyor at John Sisk & Son and chartered member of the SCSI and RICS, proves you can.
In this episode of The Take Off Podcast, Orla shares her 20-year journey through Ireland and Australia

— from her early days juggling part-time study and site work, to becoming a respected voice for flexibility and inclusion in the industry.

We dive into:
The realities of being a woman and mother in construction

How Orla negotiated a 4-day hybrid role while staying on major projects

Why true equality starts with flexibility, not slogans

Her advice for young women considering a career in quantity surveying

And how mentorship, continuous learning, and empathy can reshape leadership in construction

It’s honest, practical, and deeply relevant to anyone who believes career and life don’t have to compete.
🎧 Listen now on The Take Off Podcast
🏗️ Build your next move at gedonexecutive.com