Amanda Clack interview

Quantity Surveyor to strategic leadership

Amanda Clack FRICS took office as RICS President on 27 June 2016 . Amanda joined EY as a Partner in August 2015 as the Head of Infrastructure (Advisory) for the UK and Ireland . Prior to this she was a partner at another of the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms . Qualifying as a quantity surveyor and in project management, Amanda is a Fellow of RICS, the Association for Project Management, the Royal Society of Arts, the Institute of Consulting and the Institute of Management . She is also a Companion of the Institute of Management, is a Certified Management Consultant and an Affiliate of the Institute of Accountants for England and Wales .

How are you finding your trip in Canada?

It is great to be here in Canada to witness the level of infrastructure investment occurring in the country . RICS is producing a research paper on the North American Market . It will look at what is happening in infrastructure and what advice should be given to both Government and Clients undertaking major infrastructure programs . • Cities – 54% of the world’s population live in cities, and by 2050 the UN predicts that this will increase to 66% . Currently in Canada, 85% of the population live in cities . Investment in infrastructure brings greater connectivity for cities to work . • Talent – Research shows that employers are concerned about attracting and retaining a more diverse talent pool to run the businesses of the future . As President, I am the global ambassador for the profession and feel it is important to respond to the needs of our professionals but always act in the interests of the public . This is why these themes are my main focus during my term .

What are the infrastructure challenges and issues, in your opinion, faced by Canadian cities?

The challenges and issues relating to infrastructure in Canada are similar to much of the developed world . We have taken our foot off the gas in terms of infrastructure investment . Infrastructure underpins the economy and attracts business . We are competing on a global platform, so it is crucial to invest in infrastructure for countries to remain competitive .

What role can cities play in relation to future growth?

Cities are the heart of major development programs; they are where people want to live, work and socialize . To ensure we create sustainable cities for the future, it is important to have strong leadership, vision blueprint and governance structure in place . These should also consider aspects such as green spaces, sustainability, future resilience and being ‘smart’ – which include combining technology, data and innovation to create more resilient cities . With a strong vision for our future cities, we can create the right environment for citizens, one that maintains heritage, a strong culture and a vibrant edge with green and community spaces .

What are your thoughts on current and forecast infrastructure initiatives in Canada?

Canada’s infrastructure investment is impressive . I visited the Eglinton Crosslink Project – creating 19km of sub and surface rail . With 15 underground and 10 over-ground stations, this will have a huge impact on people’s lives, as they will be able to move around the city 60% faster than they do currently . What is particularly notable is that it will be done within a relatively short construction period, including maintaining the current network, installing new track and having trains in service by 2021 .

What has been your international exposure?

I have had the privilege to meet with senior partners across the globe –

What are your objectives as RICS President?

As President, my themes are: • Infrastructure – McKinsey research estimates there will be a global infrastructure funding deficit of $57 trillion up to 2030 .

“It is great to be here in Canada to witness the level of infrastructure investment occurring in the country.”

from Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and China to the US, Germany, Brazil and, most recently, South Africa . RICS is global and as a result has collaborated with many different countries developing smart cities for the future . Currently, RICS is working in coalition with 40 Quantity Surveying professions (including the CIQS) and disciplines around the world to create a new International Construction Measurement Standard for building and infrastructure . It will take out some of the risk associated with measuring in these two areas and create global consistency .

When does your term end?

My term as President ends at the start of November 2017 . The new President will be John Hughes, a Canadian citizen who will be President in the 150th year of RICS .

Final thoughts on QS to strategic leadership?

The role of the Quantity Surveyor (QS) is not fully understood in North America and there needs to be a bigger drive

“Canada’s infrastructure investment is impressive.”

to advocate and educate clients on the benefits that QSs bring to projects in terms of cost engineering, commercial management, project management and delivering value for money benefits . QSs, do not be afraid to blow your own trumpet – as ensuring mega infrastructure projects deliver is now more important than ever!

About the author

Interview conducted by Arif Ghaffur, PQS, Editor of Construction Economist

“We are competing on a global platform, so it is crucial to invest in infrastructure for countries to remain competitive.”

Did you know that the CIQS is part of the International Cost Measurement Standard (ICMS) Coalition? This is an initiative of Quantity Surveying and Cost Engineering organizations across the world to standardize the way construction projects are measured . The CIQS has a strong presence on ICMS . Craig Bye is Joint General Secretary and Trustee for CIQS . Mark Gardin and Roy Howes are on the Standards Setting Committee and Ian Duncan is a trustee for PAQS .