The Building Detective with Craig MacDonald

Surveying is often seen as a technical and process-driven profession, but Craig MacDonald, a chartered building surveyor based in Australia, challenges this perception in his new book, The Building Detective. In the book, Craig combines personal stories and professional insights, highlighting the adventurous and human aspects of the surveying profession.   Marion Ellis and Craig sat down just before the publication of the book to record an Episode of The Surveyor Hub Podcast to learn more.

Craig has over 20 years of experience in the property and construction sectors. He specialises in construction technology and building pathology in the Australian commercial real estate sector. He’s a fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the current chair of the RICS Member Engagement Group in Queensland, Australia, a registered APC Assessor, and a counsellor to APC candidates.

Motivation for Writing a Book

Craig’s book is more than just a technical manual—it’s a memoir, a guide, and an exploration of the hidden stories within the built environment. The Building Detective adopts a storytelling format, departing from the traditional textbook style often associated with the field. Craig’s goal is to make surveying accessible, enjoyable, and engaging for a broad audience, including those new to the field. As he explains, “I wanted it to be accessible and entertaining. Surveying is far from boring; it’s a big adventure, and I hope the book conveys that.” 

By focusing on the human and narrative aspects of surveying, The Building Detective resonates with early-career professionals, seasoned surveyors, and even those outside the industry.

Another Unconventional Journey into Surveying

Initially pursuing computer science, Craig quickly realised it wasn’t a good fit for him. A serendipitous encounter with building surveying led him to a career spanning the UK and Australia. “I looked for anything I recognised,” Craig recalled, “and there were the words ‘technical drawing’ under building surveying. As that was something I recognised, I said, "I want to be a building surveyor.”

Reflecting on his entry into the field, he adds, “So surveying wasn’t something I grew up aspiring to do. But once I discovered it, I knew it was the right fit.” Craig emphasises the importance of transferable skills and adaptability, the themes that recur throughout his book and professional life.

The Importance of Being an APC Counsellor

Craig’s appreciation for mentorship extends into his role as an APC counsellor. He finds great fulfilment in supporting candidates as they navigate the rigorous assessment process. “I relied on the guidance and expertise of my mentors,” he shared. “Once you get through your APC and become chartered, there’s this sense of, ‘That was so difficult, but it’s incredibly valuable.’”

He views his role as not just about guiding candidates but also learning from them. “There’s a two-way conversation always to be had. They know things I don’t, and I often get asked questions that challenge me.” For Craig, being an APC counsellor is about giving back to the profession, ensuring the next generation of surveyors are well-prepared to meet its demands.

Surveying Down Under

Craig’s career eventually took him to Australia, where he has embraced the unique challenges and opportunities of the region. “It’s a country that’s also a continent,” Craig remarked, sharing anecdotes about working in various climates, from the temperate Tasmania to the sunny but cyclone-prone Queensland. Despite the differences in terminology and regulatory frameworks, Craig has found his niche in technical due diligence, a role that allows him to blend his UK expertise with the demands of the Australian market.

One of the most striking differences Craig highlighted is the variation in standards between the UK and Australia. He noted that while Australia has robust licensing systems, such as those for pre-purchase residential inspections, the quality of reports can often leave consumers seeking further clarification. “The consumer is still not getting a good product at the end,” he explained. This reality has driven Craig and other UK-trained surveyors to bring their skills to Australia, filling a talent gap in areas like large-scale inspections and technical reporting.

The Building Detective’s Lessons for Surveyors

An immensely valuable lesson Craig has learned on his surveying path is the power of storytelling in client relationships, marketing and professional development. Drawing on his passion for narrative, he notes how stories captivate audiences and make technical information much more relatable. His belief in storytelling, both as a communication tool and a way to inspire, underscores his approach to both his work and his writing. With The Building Detective, he hopes to challenge perceptions of surveying as mundane and instead reveal it as an exciting and dynamic career filled with untold stories.