Richard Fairs: The Mould Inventor of the Silent Building Revolution in Britain

The introduction

Although most people had never heard of ‘Richard Fairs’ until lately, he is a well-respected expert in the fields of building inspection and preservation. Being the creator and director of The Building Consultancy Ltd., he has established a career based on accuracy, reliability, and useful restoration. Despite being unexpectedly brought into the spotlight after marrying comedian Miranda Hart, Richard is firmly established in his career, proving that quiet brilliance can still have a significant impact.

With over forty years of expertise in business consultancy, heritage conservation, and property diagnostics, Fairs’ legacy is judged not by news stories but rather by the listed buildings that have been protected, the customers they have advised, and the careers they have inspired. This article examines his development as a surveyor trainee, industry specialist, and public personality.

Early Aspirations and Education

Building Science Academic Background

Richard started his career at Thames Polytechnic, which is now the University of Greenwich, where he graduated in 1987 with a BSc in Building Surveying with honours. Early on, he had an interest in constructing integrity and structure, which steered him away from a strictly academic path and towards a practical apprenticeship approach.

Later, in 2004, he earned a Diploma in Building Conservation after pursuing more specialisation. He was able to align his work with heritage preservation, a field he would eventually master, and broaden his understanding of historic structures thanks to this scholastic growth.

Career Advancement and Corporate Leadership

The Building Consultancy Ltd.: A Realisation of the Dream

Making a big move, “Richard Fairs” established The Building Consultancy Ltd. in Bristol in 1997. The concept was straightforward: provide individualised, top-notch building surveying consultation without the red tape of large companies. His objective was to prioritise professional ethics over business growth.

Building condition assessments, conservation planning, dilapidation studies, and leasehold advising are the company’s areas of expertise. Property developers, insurers, and private landlords throughout southern England have long trusted it, even though it is a microbusiness.

Integrity in Leadership

Richard leads with vision and accountability in addition to managing his company. He is renowned for his ability to communicate well with clients, stay actively involved in projects, and offer practical suggestions. Transparency, technical accuracy, and honesty are the cornerstones of his work and have moulded his brand over the course of 25 years.

Even now, despite widespread media attention, Richard is still more interested in structures than in business jargon. The same calm strength that characterises his profession is evident in his day-to-day job.

Personal Life and Public Recognition

Being married to Miranda Hart: From Surveyor to Star

In 2024, Richard married British comedian, actress, and author Miranda Hart, starting a whole new chapter in his life. During the COVID lockdowns, they started dating while working on a mould removal project at Hart’s house. She later wrote about this peculiar beginning in her novel.

Hart casually announced their marriage on national television in July 2024, turning their quiet Hampshire wedding into tabloid news. Richard has handled media attention with the same poise he applies to his projects, despite the fact that it startled him at first.

Handling Notoriety While Maintaining Privacy

Richard keeps a quiet public profile in spite of his increased prominence. He tries to keep his relationship with Hart out of the headlines and his children from a previous marriage out of the spotlight. His enduring predilection for prudence and professionalism is reflected in this harmony between private dignity and public curiosity.

Key Competencies and Work Ethics

Master of Conservation and Heritage

Richard stands out for his expertise in historic structures. By providing services like listed-building permit applications, structural viability reports, and conservation strategies, he assists customers in striking a balance between historic integrity and contemporary utility.

His building conservation diploma, which has been validated by RICS, lends authoritative depth to his recommendations. Richard provides a unique blend of heritage awareness and practical expertise to developers and landlords looking to revitalise old houses.

Realistic Answers Instead of Eye-Catching Claims

Richard avoids taking cheap cuts or coming up with too theoretical answers, which is what really makes him effective. His advise concentrates on practical, effective solutions, whether it’s a financial issue over lease responsibilities or a leaking 18th-century cellar. His honesty regarding expenses, schedules, and restrictions has earned him the trust of his clients.

Impact and Legacy on the Industry

A Silent Trailblazer in Surveying

Richard’s impact in his area is indisputable, despite the fact that he may not publish bestsellers or appear on TED stages. He has overseen hundreds of condition inspections, taught junior surveyors, and protected southern England’s architectural legacy. He left behind a legacy that is based on quality rather than quantity.

A Future Stemming from Workplace Simplicity

Richard is still employed by The Building Consultancy Ltd. full-time as of 2025. Retirement is not being discussed; only a renewed emphasis. He continues to serve as an example of how self-sufficient professionals can succeed without having to go after glory or establish empires.

In conclusion

Richard Fairs is an example of a unique kind of professional who has attained significant success without sacrificing anything. From his humble origins in Watford to establishing a reputable firm in Bristol, he has led with honesty, competence, and fortitude. He is still a hands-on surveyor who takes buildings and people seriously, despite his recent increase in public profile brought on by his marriage.

Richard Fairs serves as a reminder that in a noisy society, the greatest foundations are frequently laid by quiet labour.

FAQs

Richard Fairs—who is he?”

The Building Consultancy Ltd. was founded by British certified building surveyor Richard Fairs. Heritage and conservation projects are his areas of expertise.

What has made Richard “Fairs” famous?

He is well-known as the spouse of British actress Miranda Hart and for his proficiency in building conservation.

What types of tasks does he manage?

His company oversees dilapidation reports, conservation planning, building surveys, and lease consulting services for both individual and business clients.

What location does The Building Consultancy have?

The Building Consultancy Ltd is situated in Bristol, England, and services clients in the South of England.

Has “Richard Fairs” resumed his professional career?

Indeed, as of 2025, Richard remains the managing director of his company, concentrating on providing competent and useful surveying services.