Many people were unaware of Richard Fairs until a few years ago, yet he is an authority in the fields of building surveys and conservation. His career as the director and creator of The Building Consultancy Ltd. has been built on accuracy, confidence, and a pragmatic approach to restoration. Richard is still dedicated to his career, demonstrating how subtle excellence may lead to long-term success. He was mysteriously thrown into the spotlight following his marriage to comedian Miranda Hart.
With over 40 years of expertise in property diagnostics and business advising, Fair’s history is best described by the preservation of listed buildings, the advice given to customers, and the impact on their careers rather than by headlines. His journey from surveyor trainee to professional with extensive industry expertise and a cunning public character is chronicled in this essay.
Academic Background in Building Science
Richard’s professional beginnings were with Thames Polytechnic (now University of Greenwich), and he graduated received a BSc in Building Surveying with commendation in 1987. His passion for structural integrity and building was first sparked, and this was the reason he chose an apprenticeship that was hands-on instead of a strictly academic route.
He then pursued further specialization, earning the Diploma in Architectural Conservation in 2004. This academic advancement enabled him to increase his knowledge of historical structures and to make his career more aligned with the preservation of heritage structures and conservation, a subject that he would later become an expert in.
Early Life and Training
Beginning as a trainee with Rumball Sedgwick in Watford in 1982, Richard quickly developed a reputation for his accuracy and persistence. Training was centered around condition assessments as well as defect diagnosis and restoration techniques — abilities that proved valuable when he was later in leadership positions.
After his first assignment in the firm, he subsequently worked for Hogben Smith Barritt in London as well as J Trevor & Sons. His exposure to various property types, ranging from commercial buildings in urban areas to listed country cottages, provided the basis for his future style of consulting.
Professional Rise and Business Leadership
The Building Consultancy Ltd – A Vision Realized
The year 1997 was when Richard Fairs made a major leap of faith and established The Building Consultancy Ltd in Bristol. The concept was simple: provide high-end, personal consultation in building surveying, without the complexities of big companies. He aimed to put the integrity of his work above expansion by corporations.
The firm specializes in surveying the condition of buildings, conservation planning, dilapidation reports, and leasehold consultation. Despite being a micro-business, it has gained long-standing trust from property developers, insurers, as well as private landlords throughout southern England.
Honest Leadership
Richard does more than just run his business; he is also a leader by example and takes responsibility. He’s known for staying actively involved in projects, advising on the spot, and a clear communication with customers. His business model is based on a focus on transparency, technical accuracy, and integrity -values that have helped shape his image over the last 25 years.
Today, despite the growing national media interest, Richard remains focused on the building, not on business. His work day reflects the same calm strength that has defined his professional career.
Public Recognition and Personal Life
Marriage to Miranda Hart – From Surveyor to Spotlight
In 2024, Richard was able to begin a brand new era when he got married to British actor, comedian, and author Miranda Hart. Their marriage began in the mold remediation project that took place at Hart’s home during COVID lockdowns – an unorthodox beginning, which Hart later outlined in her book.
Controlling Fame and Privacy
Despite his newfound fame, Richard maintains a low public image. The children of an earlier marriage are kept away from the spotlight, as does the relationship between him and Hart is kept out of the tabloids to the extent feasible. This balance of public interest and his private dignity reflects his long-standing desire for professionalism and discretion.
Core Areas of Expertise and Work Ethic
Master of Heritage and Conservation
Richard’s focus on historic buildings distinguishes him. He helps clients achieve the balance between modern convenience and historical integrity. He provides solutions such as listed-building permission applications, structural viability assessment, and conservation strategies.
The RICS-accredited certificate in conservation of buildings adds expertise to his suggestions. For developers and landlords seeking to revitalize historic buildings, Richard offers the rare combination of practical expertise and sensitivity to heritage.
Practical Solutions Over Flashy Claims
What makes Richard the most efficient is his aversion to quick fixes or a reliance on overly abstract solutions. It doesn’t matter if it’s a water-damaged 17th-century cellar or a dispute about lease obligations; Richard’s advice is focused on achieving effective results. Customers appreciate his candor and honesty regarding timelines, limits, and expenses.
Industry Impact and Legacy
A Quiet Pioneer in Surveying
Although he’s not on TED stages or even writes bestsellers, Richard’s influence is evident in his domain. He has educated young surveyors, facilitated hundreds of condition reviews, and helped protect the architectural heritage of southern England. His legacy is based on quality, not quantity legacy is constructed with bricks.
A Future Rooted in Professional Simplicity
From 2025 onwards, Richard continues to work as a full-time employee of The Building Consultancy Ltd. There’s no hint of retirement, renewed focus. Richard remains an example of an independent professional being able to succeed without the need to create empires or pursue fame.
Conclusion
Richard Fairs represents a rare kind of professional who has been able to achieve significant results without compromising. From a humble start in Watford to the establishment of a highly regarded consulting firm in Bristol and beyond, he has managed with integrity, competence and tenacity. The recent increase in public recognition because of his marriage hasn’t altered the core of who he is: a real-time surveyor who takes building and peoplevery seriously.