With a degree in economics, Sophie’s career took a welcome turn to Quantity Surveying after studying for her master’s. Sophie is now a director in Soben’s US business, specializing in Data Centers – embracing all the changes that come with this fast-paced industry. When not crunching numbers, you can find Sophie watching Arsenal or Suits.
Tell us about your career journey to date
I did my undergraduate degree in economics, as I was initially looking to go into investment banking. However, during my summer vacation, I had the opportunity to work at a General Contractor (GC), assisting their Quantity Surveyor (QS) team. I found the experience surprisingly enjoyable and rewarding, which planted the first seeds of a career shift.
After graduating, I quickly realized that investment banking wasn’t for me. I thought about doing a law conversion, but my instincts told me it wasn’t the right path. While figuring out my next steps, I returned to the GC and found myself in a team that I loved. With my economics background, QS felt like a perfect fit, allowing me to apply my analytical skills in a dynamic environment. I was responsible for all the numbers within the company, and the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the work kept me engaged.
I decided to pursue a master’s in QS while continuing to work at the GC, where I stayed for about five years. During my degree I took a module on International Construction, and which involved trips to Vancouver and San Francisco. It was there that I fell in love with the idea of moving to the US. Growing up, I had visited the States on vacation, but it wasn’t until I started meeting people there that I realized the dream of moving could become a reality.
When I was offered a QS role in the US, I made the move in around three to four weeks. That was five years ago. Since then, I’ve focused on the Data Center sector, where I’ve truly found my specialty. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m grateful for the experiences and the people who have helped guide me along the way.
Which project stands out the most for you?
The project that really stands out for me is the Four Seasons Hotel in Tower Hill, London. It was my first experience as a Quantity Surveyor (QS), as I was still a trainee at the time. The project was a hybrid—part restoration of a listed historic building and part new build on top, with luxury apartments above the hotel. The fit-out was extraordinary, with marble imported from Italy, and bathrooms painted in pure gold. I’d never seen anything like it before.
What made it memorable was the restrictions that come with working on a listed building. We had to find creative ways to accommodate a spa, despite the building not being designed to support it. Managing client expectations was critical, and this experience really set the tone for my career. I was also assigned to work with the MEP team, and that experience led me to specialize in service-heavy projects, particularly Data Centers.
What has been a challenging project you’ve worked on, and why?
One of the most challenging projects I’ve worked on was a Data Center (DC) in Phoenix. It was by far the most expensive in the client’s portfolio, and as a result, it came under intense scrutiny. The approval process for the budget was tough, and I had to provide an incredible amount of cost analysis, much more than what I had done on previous projects. The DC market is extremely competitive right now. With so much construction activity, costs have gone up significantly. Managing the financial aspects of such a high-profile project requires a lot of work, making it a standout in my career.
What has been your favorite project to work on, and why?
My favorite projects have been in the Data Center space. I love this sector because the evolution of technology is outpacing construction, which creates an intense and fast-paced environment. It’s great to work in an industry where innovation is constantly pushing boundaries, and the work I do has to keep up with these advancements. The constant challenge makes it really rewarding.
What have been the defining moments of your career?
For sure, moving to the US. It marked a turning point, not just professionally but personally as well. This move allowed me to get into the Data Center space and the consultancy world, giving me incredible opportunities. I moved to San Francisco about 8 months before COVID hit, this gave me time to find my feet, adjust to the US market and navigate a whole new sector (and measurement system)!
Then, COVID happened. The lockdowns in San Francisco were really strict, and living alone meant I couldn’t go outside much, so I just threw myself into work. I’m naturally a positive person, so instead of letting the isolation get to me, I used the time to hone my career. I was lucky because while many people experienced layoffs, I found myself busier than ever.
Did you always want to be a Director? If you weren’t, what would you be doing?
I’ve always been ambitious in my career, so I definitely wanted to reach a point where I could have a real impact, being a Director allows me to have influence and lead projects.
If I wasn’t a Director, I’d probably be a lawyer—I’ve always been drawn to the profession, or maybe because of my obsession with the show Suits! Another career path would have been a sports agent, which mixes my passion for business with sports.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
It would be to prioritize working with great people, especially finding a good line manager and leadership team – the people you work with will have the biggest impact on you. A strong company leadership and supportive management are key to your growth and success. So, work with good people.
To find out more about Soben’s consultancy services in North America you can contact Sophie on the details below:
Director
