Honorary Membership awarded to Mr. Trevor E. Kay during Presidential Tour to the Eastern Cape

This afternoon, we gather not only in celebration of our profession but in recognition of a truly remarkable individual whose contributions to the built environment and the quantity surveying profession span an extraordinary 57 years.

Today, the ASAQS Board has the distinct honour of awarding Honorary Membership to a man whose career has exemplified professional excellence, integrity, leadership, and lifelong commitment to the industry—Mr. Trevor E. Kay.

Mr. Kay’s journey is one that bridges engineering, construction management, dispute resolution, and quantity surveying across both local and international arenas.

He began his professional journey by obtaining a National Diploma as a Construction Supervisor from PE Technikon in 1969. This foundational training set him on a path with Murray & Roberts, where he rose to become part-owner and Managing Director—gaining invaluable hands-on experience in civil engineering and construction.

Recognising the importance of cost expertise in the built environment, Mr. Kay transitioned into the quantity surveying profession. He pursued his academic goals further, obtaining a BSc in Quantity Surveying in 1988, followed by an MSc in Quantity Surveying in 1992, both from Nelson Mandela University.

In 1992, he established his own practice in Port Elizabeth, specialising in the building construction sector.

Between 2000 and 2005, Mr. Kay extended his expertise internationally, contributing to complex projects in Hong Kong, Qatar, The Netherlands, Italy, Ethiopia, and the United Kingdom—primarily in the areas of claims preparation, dispute resolution, and contract administration.

His commitment to resolving disputes in the construction industry led him to achieve Fellow Membership of the Association of Arbitrators. He served on numerous Dispute Adjudication Boards between 2003 and 2017, and completed a number of certifications including specialisation in Construction Law.

His involvement with professional bodies is equally inspiring:

• With the Master Builders Association, Mr. Kay held several leadership roles, including:
• Chairman of the Contractual Committee
• Member of the Joint Practice Committee
• Chairman of the PE branch
• Member of the Executive Committee
  In recognition of over three decades of service (1974–2007), he was awarded Honorary Membership in 2008.
• As a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited Civil Commercial Mediator, Mr. Kay further enhanced his contribution to the profession through global best practices.
• Within the ASAQS, Mr. Kay’s contributions have been longstanding and impactful:
• Vice Chairman of the Eastern Cape Chapter (1995–1997)
• Chairman (1997–1999)
• He continues to serve as a dedicated member of the Chapter Committee, representing ASAQS on the MBA Joint Practice Committee.

Mr. Kay, your work ethic, cross-disciplinary knowledge, leadership within industry bodies, and unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards have not only advanced the profession but have inspired many of us to serve with purpose.

In recognition of your lifelong contributions, professional integrity, and unwavering service to the built environment, the Board of the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors is proud to confer Honorary Membership upon you, Mr. Trevor E. Kay.

Your legacy stands as a shining example to emerging and established professionals alike. It is with heartfelt appreciation that we celebrate and honour you today.

Congratulations, Mr. Kay – and thank you.