Surveying Sites to Safety Boots: Sophie Perkins’ Construction journey as a Chartered Building Surveyor

This conversation with Sophie Perkins is more than a career story — it’s about driving change in the construction industry. From women’s safety gear and PPE to mentorship and representation.

We discuss the challenges and advancements in personal protective equipment (PPE) for women in the construction industry, and the need for better-fitting gear, and Sophie shares her journey in creating a line of female-specific work boots.

Her story highlights why representation matters and how women can not only thrive in construction careers but also help shape the industry for the future.

If you’re passionate about women in construction, interested in building surveying, or curious about the future of safety equipment and inclusivity in the workplace, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways

• She started her career in building control and transitioned to building surveying.
• Travel is a significant aspect of her job, with experiences in unique locations like the Falkland Islands.
• She highlights the need for more women in the construction industry and the importance of representation.
• She believes in being authentic and encourages others to embrace their individuality in the workplace.
• The development of specialized PPE for women in construction is a key focus for Sophie. 
• Sophie Perkins has developed a line of female-specific work boots to address the needs of women in construction.
• Balancing work and family life can be challenging, especially for working mothers.
• Sophie believes in the importance of finding a job that one loves and is passionate about.
• The construction industry offers diverse opportunities for women, and they should not hesitate to pursue them.
• Sophie encourages women to seek mentorship and support in their professional journeys.

 Follow me: 

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_ 

Tiktok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie

Follow Guest: 

Instagram: @sophiethesurveyor

LinkdIn: Sophie Atkins

Link to the Sophie collection 

https://www.amblerssafety.com/collections/sophie-collection

Link to the directory of women’s ppe 

https://ppethatfits.com

Chapters

00:00 Sophie Perkins: Journey to Becoming a Chartered Surveyor

08:55 A Day in the Life of a Building Surveyor

11:38 The Importance of Safety and Support in Construction

12:46 Choosing the Right Employer: Culture and Safety

13:39 The Shortage of Building Surveyors and Career Opportunities

15:06 Navigating Safety Concerns as a Woman in Construction

15:21 Experiences of Women in a Male-Dominated Industry

17:38 The Evolution of PPE for Women in Construction

22:18 Creating a Line of Women’s Safety Footwear

27:23 The Journey of Developing Female-Specific PPE

33:33 The Importance of Specialized Workwear

35:34 Balancing Work and Family Life

37:44 Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Parent

40:12 The Role of Exercise in Daily Life

42:16 Mentorship and Its Impact

46:07 Quickfire Questions: Insights and Preferences

49:28 Future Aspirations in the Industry

53:54 Thank

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