A graduate surveyor at DM Hall has successfully qualified as a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) after passing her Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). Morgan Smith, who is based in the firm's Dunfermline office, was the inaugural recipient of DM Hall's annual bursary scheme in 2022.

The bursary was established as a tribute to John Hamilton Young, a former Senior Partner at the firm who passed away in 2021. Ms Smith, originally from Bridge of Allan, took only two years to meet the rigorous professional standards required by the RICS to achieve chartered status.

In her current role, she focuses on Home Reports and maintains a particular interest in Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). Beyond her technical work, she is dedicated to fostering client relationships and advocating for the surveying profession.

Morgan Smith commented on her achievement: "I am just delighted to have completed the APC, which was challenging, but at the same time rewarding. As DM Hall has so many specialist departments, I was able to gain varied experiences which developed my overall understanding.

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"I found it interesting moving from the atmosphere of university to full-time work in a professional role with responsibilities and deadlines to meet. It was a learning curve, but one managed with a supportive team around me.

"I have enjoyed getting out and about in the community, meeting new people, meeting clients and hearing their stories. Every day has been different, but it has always been fun and engaging."

Having joined the firm in 2023, Ms Smith holds a degree in Business Studies and a Master's in Real Estate from the University of Glasgow. Her progression marks a significant milestone, as the APC is considered the gold standard within the property and construction industries.

The bursary she received honours the legacy of John Young, who joined DM Hall in 1970. He was instrumental in the firm's growth, opening the Glasgow office and overseeing an expansion in the 1980s that resulted in the current network of 23 offices and 225 staff.

Chris Stark, a Director at DM Hall who supervised and mentored Ms Smith in Dunfermline, said: "We are delighted Morgan has been successful and achieved her MRICS qualification.

"Morgan has shown dedication, determination and an eagerness to learn since she joined the firm and, as the first winner of the John Young bursary, she has fulfilled the high expectations which accompanied her.

"We expect to see further rapid progress in her career and we are delighted that she has become such a valuable member of the team."

Reflecting on the support she received during her training, Ms Smith added: "I cannot thank Chris and the team enough. There is no doubt in my mind, that I couldn't have achieved this without the guidance from them."