When Steve walked away from his successful kitchen fitting business in 2022, he made a bold decision. He could have stayed the course, but his heart was set on something new—building control. It wasn’t a decision made lightly. He accepted a significant salary reduction, all in pursuit of a profession that excited him and offered endless growth opportunities. As Steve walked into HBC as an Apprentice Building Control Inspector, he carried with him not just his toolbox but also a wealth of interpersonal and technical skills that would soon propel him into the spotlight.
Fast forward nearly two years and Steve’s name is now associated with one of the popular awards within the industry: the LABC Central Region Awards. His career within HBC is not just a reflection of his ability but also his commitment to mastering his new craft, one site inspection at a time.
A Remarkable Career Transition
Steve’s journey from kitchen fitter to Assistant Building Control Surveyor has been nothing short of extraordinary. Starting his apprenticeship in November 2022, he applied himself with unmatched tenacity, balancing a demanding work schedule with rigorous academic pursuits.
His promotion to Assistant Building Control Surveyor was a testament to his hard work. Steve was entrusted with site inspections unsupervised early on, and he delivered, impressing everyone with his ability to ensure compliance and provide guidance to builders, homeowners, and designers alike. His friendly demeanour, coupled with a confident, can-do attitude, made him the go-to person for both clients and peers.
Delivering Excellence in Building Control
Steve’s past experiences have shaped his understanding of quality. He approaches each project with an eye for detail and a mindset that goes beyond ticking boxes. He’s not content with just meeting the minimum standards—he actively looks for ways to improve. His problem-solving abilities are one of his standout qualities. He consistently receives positive feedback, with a recent Google review praising him for being “polite, helpful, and professional,” particularly in handling a difficult situation with poise and persistence.
Navigating Challenges with Professionalism
Challenges are inevitable in any job, but Steve excels at turning them into opportunities. A prime example occurred recently when a builder deviated from the approved plans, resulting in a potentially problematic inner-room layout. Instead of dictating a solution, Steve allowed the builder to propose a compliant design, adhering to the guidelines while keeping the project on track. His willingness to collaborate, rather than impose, ensured the issue was swiftly resolved, allowing the project to continue smoothly.
Steve is already proving to be a proficient and successful building control surveyor and continually takes on greater responsibilities within HBC including managing the regulatory process on more complex buildings, and having passed his Band A exam through the BSCF.
LABC Central Region Newcomer of the Year
Steve’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and continuous improvement makes him a standout nominee for the LABC Newcomer of the Year award. His ability to balance high standards with a reasonable and approachable attitude demonstrates true professionalism. Steve’s passion for his work, his commercial awareness, and his drive to ensure compliance is not just a job but a mission. His positive energy and problem-solving mindset inspire not only his team but also clients.
In just under two years, Steve has set a new bar for what it means to be a building control surveyor. From mentoring junior colleagues to managing complex projects, he has proven that he is a valuable asset to HBC and the industry as a whole.
We are proud to celebrate his achievements and look forward to what lies ahead for Steve Griffth!
