Mark Omitola is a Surveyor at GIA. Here he shares a bit about his unique role in the business, combining skills in architecture, design analysis and surveying, and also considers what Black History Month means to him.
After graduating from the University of Portsmouth with a degree in Architecture, I worked for an architectural practice for a few years as an Architectural Technician, working on several residential projects throughout London. I joined GIA in 2015 as a Design Analyst, new to the world of daylight and sunlight. I progressed to Senior Design Analyst and Team Leader and then became a Surveyor, spearheading the hybrid role at GIA.
While working as a Design Analyst I was able to learn the fundamental principles of rights to light and daylight and sunlight from a technical point of view. By undertaking detailed analysis and reviewing daylighting results, this has enabled me to transfer vital skills and knowledge into my role as a Surveyor.
My current role allows me to provide consultancy while remaining involved in the technical process. My technical background has given me an in depth understanding of how changes to the built environment impact the light enjoyed by neighbouring properties.
In my time at GIA, I have had the pleasure of working on a range of projects, such as 2 Lucan Place, 72 Welbeck Street and Borough Triangle. I enjoy performing various tasks contributing to the success of a project, one of which involves using VU.CITY and the newly developed GIA App to help clients save time, cut costs and add value with live feasibility studies, context analysis and amenity impacts.
I like that GIA have a positive outlook on innovation and technology and how the company handle ever-evolving challenges in the industry. The people are the life and soul of the company which help make it a great environment to work in, along with the swanky new office!
I believe there is a huge importance in the “celebration” of Black History Month. It’s an opportunity to uplift and acknowledge black individuals for their contributions to society, which may sometimes be overlooked and teaches people about our cultures. I say cultures, as even within the Black community there are a variation of cultures. I feel it’s important for people from similar backgrounds to witness the achievements of others to give them inspiration. People like Barack Obama becoming first Black President has given black children new hope.
Black history however is not just a month for me, it’s my every day. I don’t celebrate it as I would do a festive holiday, but I like to attend the events and learn more about the achievements of black people from various backgrounds. I also love how it educates us all and sparks the conversations between us, which is massively helpful. I’m part of an exceptional DEI team at GIA that have played their part in recognising black history month by spreading awareness over the past few years.
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