Featuring Senior Project Surveyor Joy Tsui, MCABE,IEng, Registered Building Inspector

In a sector where precision matters and responsibility is high, Joy Tsui brings clarity, calm, and a deep respect for process. As a Senior Project Surveyor at Salus, her journey from admin support to frontline building control is not only inspiring—it reflects the very evolution of the industry.

We spoke with Joy about her career path, what’s changed under the new regulations, and how collaboration, not just compliance, keeps projects on track.

“I Fell Into It” – A Journey Built on Curiosity

Joy didn’t set out to work in building control. In fact, she began her career at Salus as a part-time administrator while studying criminology and criminal justice at university.

“I found the admin side easy—it wasn’t challenging. But over time, I started picking up plans and asking questions,” she says. That curiosity led to colleagues encouraging her to consider training in the technical side of building control. Eventually, she made the leap—and never looked back.

Her move into building surveying was gradual, hands-on, and full of learning. “It was like going back to school,” she laughs. “There was so much to take in, but it was the challenge that drew me in.”

A New Role in a New Era

Today, Joy oversees projects from start to finish—quoting, checking plans, consulting with authorities, and attending inspections at key stages. While much of that sounds standard, she’s quick to highlight that things have changed.

“When I started, part of the value we offered was design advice. Now, that’s off the table,” she explains. “We’re here to check compliance, not tell people how to achieve it.”

The role of the building inspector has shifted from advisor to assessor. It’s a more regulated, more defined, and in some ways, more demanding position.

The Compliance Tightrope

“Ask anyone — I’m thorough in what I do,” Joy says. That attention to detail serves her well, though she acknowledges that applying it within the constraints of tight construction schedules can be complex.

“In an ideal world, we get appointed early enough to review everything before work starts. In the real world, things move fast. Sometimes we’re brought in late and have to catch up quickly.”

That’s where organisation—and experience—matter most.

Raising the Bar Across the Board

One of the more interesting shifts Joy has seen is not just within Salus, but across the industry. Clients and contractors, once reliant on building control for advice, are now becoming more proactive.

“They’re getting better,” she says. “They know they have to propose compliant solutions rather than just approaching us to provide design advice. There’s more care, more attention to detail.”

That shift has come in part through education—Joy and her team have had to help clients understand what’s changed, and why. “We can’t answer questions like ‘what thickness does this need to be or what fire rating is required?’ anymore. That’s their design, their construction and therefore their responsibility.

Collaboration in a Compliance World

With these changes, the pressure has increased—but so has team spirit. Joy emphasizes how much she values Salus’s collaborative culture.

“I overthink everything,” she admits. “But I can always pick up the phone. Whether it’s a colleague or a director, I know someone will talk it through with me.”

The openness to second opinions, shared learning, and mentorship—especially during training periods—makes a big difference in getting it right, especially when accountability is so high.

Culture That Builds Confidence

Salus isn’t just structured for compliance; it’s built for confidence. From approachable leadership to a strong support network, Joy says she always feels empowered to make the right call.

“It’s not a place where you’re afraid to ask. Everyone understands the responsibility we carry—it’s not about hierarchy, it’s about getting the job done right.”

And while the work can be intense, Joy’s approach is steady. “Every day is a school day,” she says with a grin. “But I like it that way.”

Final Thoughts: Doing It Right, Every Time

Joy Tsui’s journey is proof that technical strength is built—not assumed—and that doing things thoroughly is always worth it. As the industry shifts toward stronger regulation and clearer accountability, voices like hers show how Salus is not just adjusting but setting the standard.

Because in building control, doing it right isn’t optional. It’s the whole point.