Claire Prosser

Claire is a senior cost consultant and has enjoyed transatlantic success after taking her Mace career from England to New York and back again. 

How did you get into what you do?

When I was at school I was really interested in Sarah Beeny’s property programmes; I loved the idea of using creative design to develop properties. I was fortunate to have a careers adviser who knew about property development degrees and so began my quest into the industry.

I obtained a scholarship through the Construction Industry Training Board with Hampshire County Council (HCC) in their quantity surveying team. I worked during holidays, and when my university timetable allowed, to gain invaluable on-the-job experience while completing my degree in property development with quantity surveying. After being at HCC for six years, the opportunity arose to move to America where I joined the New York office.

How has your career progressed since joining Mace?

I started as a cost consultant and was given the opportunity in North America to manage my own account for one of the world's largest clothing retailers. It gave me fantastic exposure to build a relationship with the client in the US and I even visited their headquarters in Sweden to understand the construction requirements for the flagship concepts.

I am now back in the UK and work on the account of a national retailer.

What has been your proudest achievement at Mace?

The project that I am most proud to have been a part of was a retailer's store in Herald Square, which was opposite our New York office. Being able to look out the window and show clients that we helped shape a part of prime New York real estate was very rewarding.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

There are many routes into the industry at many stages in someone’s career. For quantity surveying, specifically the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) are great places to learn more about professions in the industry and routes to membership. You do need to be committed and determined to work hard for any professional qualification.

I have represented Mace on the RICS Tri-State board, focusing on university engagement, which provides some fantastic networking opportunities.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I really enjoy photography, particularly focusing on nature and the outdoors. I was successful in Mace's 25th anniversary photography competition for capturing a ‘Day in the Life’ at work.