Lorraine Williamson
At PeopleDem property we believe in celebrating our community by spotlighting black excellence in property. Today we are celebrating Lorraine Williamson.
Lorraine is a Quantity Surveyor and Employer’s Agent at Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), specialising in mixed-use residential developments. With over 30 years of experience, she brings deep expertise, professionalism, and precision to every project she undertakes. Her extensive background including over 20 years as an Employer’s Agent spans developments valued up to £170M, covering private and affordable housing, PRS, hotels, retail, and public realm works.
Lorraine’s journey into property began with her early ambition to become an architect. A creative at heart, she loved drawing at school and naturally gravitated towards architecture. However, after realising the difference between artistic and technical drawing, she decided to pivot and discovered her true calling in Quantity Surveying.
Her new journey to become a surveyor started in 1978 at Willesden College of Technology, later earning a degree in Quantity Surveying from South Bank University. From there, Lorraine built an impressive career across the Civil Service, the GLC, local authorities, Hunters, Gleeds, and now her current role as Senior Associate at RLB.
Graduating in 1984 when female quantity surveyors were rare Lorraine forged her path while raising a family, balancing career aspirations with motherhood at a time when opportunities for working mothers were limited. She found her footing in the public sector, where “equal opportunities” were more than a slogan: flexible hours, parent-friendly initiatives, and transparent pathways allowed her to grow both personally and professionally.
Throughout her career, Lorraine has worked on a diverse portfolio, including fire stations, educational buildings, hospitals, residential estates, hotels, and commercial management for Metronet.
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. Lorraine was recently awarded RICS Mentor of the Year at the Matrics Surveyor Awards 2024 a testament to her impact and excellence. Judges described her as “a transformative force within her organisation and the broader industry.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Lorraine is a pillar of the community. She serves as a Committee Member of Black Women in Real Estate, a Youth Mentor with The Amos Bursary, and Chair of RLB’s REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) Network. Through REACH, she champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, working tirelessly to create spaces where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered.
Her leadership in this space has been instrumental. Lorraine believes that everyone should be able to bring their whole self to work a quality that stood out in earning her RICS recognition. She uses her platform to promote open, honest conversations about race and equality in the workplace, inspiring others to do the same.
Lorraine’s influence extends well beyond RLB. She collaborates with organisations such as the RICS DEI Community, Black Women in Real Estate, and Women in Social Housing, amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups across the built environment.
Reflecting on her mission, Lorraine shared:
“Supporting underrepresented groups is incredibly fulfilling, and this recognition further fuels my passion for driving change. RLB continues to push the boundaries when it comes to advancing the conversation around DE&I, and I am honoured to contribute to that journey.”
Lorraine is deeply committed to encouraging more women to pursue careers in construction. She visits schools to showcase the variety of roles within the built environment, engaging young girls and inspiring them to see themselves in the industry. She mentors aspiring professionals and emphasises the importance of visible female role models to guide the next generation.
Today, as pathways evolve, more women are joining apprenticeships and earning construction-related degrees a shift Lorraine actively supports. She also encourages women to seek mentorship and senior sponsorship within their organisations to help them navigate career development and progression.
Lorraine is passionate about her work, her industry, and her mission to empower others. She remains steadfast in her belief that the property and construction sectors can and must become more inclusive and equitable, creating environments where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
It is an honour to spotlight Lorraine Williamson. She embodies what it means to be a beacon of excellence as a Black woman, a working mother, a mentor, and a leader. Her achievements inspire us all, and we deeply appreciate the work she continues to do to uplift our community and transform the property space for generations to come.
