Richard Fairs: A Renowned Building Surveyor with Over 22 Years of Experience in Historic Building Conservation
Richard Fairs, the owner of The Building Consultancy, is a seasoned and highly qualified Chartered Building Surveyor with more than 22 years of professional experience. With expertise in historic building conservation, dilapidation advice, and the reuse of buildings, Richard has carved out a reputable career in the construction and surveying industry. His commitment to preserving historic buildings and providing expert advice on repairs, refurbishments, and the design of new buildings has earned him widespread recognition in the field.
Early Career and Education of Richard Fairs
Richard Fairs embarked on his professional journey as a Trainee Building Surveyor in 1982 with Rumball Sedgwick, where he honed his foundational skills. His dedication to the craft led him to work as a Graduate Building Surveyor at Hogben Smith Barritt in 1987-1988, before moving on to J Trevor & Sons (later known as J Trevor & Webster) from 1989 to 1997 as a Building Surveyor. These roles provided him with valuable experience and a deep understanding of the construction and surveying industry.
Richard’s pursuit of knowledge did not stop there. In 2002, he earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Building Conservation from the College of Estate Management, followed by a BSc in Building Surveying from the University of Greenwich in 1987. These academic qualifications equipped him with the expertise needed to excel in the conservation of historic buildings, making him a specialist in this niche area of surveying.
The Building Consultancy: Richard Fairs’ Business Legacy
In 1997, Richard Fairs founded The Building Consultancy, where he currently serves as the owner. The consultancy offers professional services to both commercial and private clients, specializing in the repair, refurbishment, and conservation of existing buildings. The firm also provides advice on the design and procurement of new buildings, further extending its range of services to meet the diverse needs of the construction industry.
With a focus on historic building conservation, Richard’s work includes providing guidance on the restoration of ancient structures, maintaining their heritage while upgrading them to modern standards. His deep knowledge of building techniques, combined with his passion for preserving the past, has established him as a trusted expert in the industry.
As a Chartered Building Surveyor, Richard has been able to offer expert advice on a variety of projects, working closely with clients to achieve their vision while ensuring the structural integrity and historical value of the buildings he works with. His ability to blend modern design with historic preservation has made him a go-to professional for those seeking to conserve or repurpose heritage buildings.
Richard Fairs’ Areas of Expertise
Richard’s expertise spans multiple facets of building surveying, with a particular emphasis on historic building conservation, dilapidation advice, and the use and reuse of buildings. His focus on these areas has made him an invaluable asset to both private clients and commercial entities.
Historic Building Conservation
One of Richard’s key specialties is the conservation of historic buildings. This involves preserving the architectural and cultural significance of structures while updating them to meet modern requirements. Richard is skilled in identifying the unique needs of heritage buildings and providing solutions that respect the integrity of the original design. His work ensures that these buildings are preserved for future generations to enjoy, while still being functional in the contemporary world.
Dilapidation Advice
In addition to his expertise in conservation, Richard provides dilapidation advice, particularly to commercial clients. This service involves assessing the condition of a property, identifying any necessary repairs or maintenance, and providing recommendations on how to address these issues. Whether it’s a leasehold property, a historic structure, or a newly developed building, Richard ensures that all aspects of the property are properly managed to avoid legal disputes or unnecessary costs.
Use and Reuse of Buildings
Another area in which Richard excels is advising on the use and reuse of buildings. This includes assessing how an existing building can be repurposed for a new function or how modern building practices can be integrated into an older structure without compromising its historical value. This aspect of his work is particularly relevant in today’s world, where the sustainability of repurposing old buildings is a growing concern.
Richard Fairs’ Professional Recognition and Memberships
Richard Fairs is a member of several prestigious organizations, which reflects his dedication to his profession. He is an affiliate member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and a member of the Associate of Building Engineers (ABE). His qualifications and professional memberships validate his position as a trusted expert in the field, ensuring that his work meets the highest standards of the surveying industry.
Richard Fairs and His Relationship with Miranda Hart
While Richard Fairs is best known for his work in building surveying, he has also gained public attention through his relationship with British comedian and actress Miranda Hart. In July 2024, the couple married after meeting during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Their first date, which involved a lengthy conversation over pizza, sparked a connection that led to their romantic relationship. Miranda Hart has spoken publicly about how she realized she was in love with Richard during that initial meeting.
Although Richard tends to maintain a low profile when it comes to his personal life, his relationship with Miranda Hart has brought him some media attention. However, his primary focus remains on his professional career, where he continues to provide expert building consultancy services to clients.
Conclusion: A Dedicated Professional with a Passion for Building Conservation
Richard Fairs is a highly skilled and experienced Chartered Building Surveyor who has made significant contributions to the field of historic building conservation. With over two decades of experience and a strong educational background, Richard has established himself as a trusted authority in building surveying. His work in preserving heritage buildings, offering dilapidation advice, and advising on the reuse of buildings makes him a versatile professional in the construction industry.
His commitment to maintaining the integrity of historic structures while modernizing them for contemporary use has earned him a stellar reputation among clients and peers alike. As the owner of The Building Consultancy, Richard continues to lead a successful practice that serves a wide range of commercial and private clients, helping to preserve the architectural history of the United Kingdom for generations to come.
