The Beginning
Richard Fairs is a well-known figure in the fields of building surveying and conservation, but most people hadn’t heard of him until lately. He built his career on accuracy, trust, and practical repair as the founder and head of The Building Consultancy Ltd. Richard became famous overnight when he married comedian Miranda Hart, but he is still very dedicated to his job, showing that quiet excellence can still have a big effect.
Fairs has more than 40 years of experience in property diagnostics, heritage conservation, and commercial consulting. His legacy isn’t measured by headlines, but by the listed buildings he has helped protect, the clients he has helped, and the jobs he has inspired. This piece talks about his rise from a trainee surveyor to a well-rounded expert in the field and a low-key public figure.
Schooling and Early Goals
Having studied building science in school
Richard started his career at Thames Polytechnic, which is now the University of Greenwich. In 1987, he got a BSc in Building Surveying with honors. He became interested in building integrity and structure at a young age, which is why he chose an apprenticeship model over a merely academic one.
He later went on to become even more specialized by getting a Diploma in Building Conservation in 2004. This academic path helped him learn more about old buildings and find a job that fit his interests in heritage preservation, an area he would later master.
Beginnings and Schooling
Richard started out as a trainee at Rumball Sedgwick in Watford in 1982. He quickly became known for being accurate and persistent. During his training, he learned how to evaluate conditions, find problems, and fix things in the real world. These were skills that came in very handy when he became a leader.
He worked for Hogben Smith Barritt in London and then for J Trevor & Sons after his first job. The different kinds of properties he saw, from business units in cities to listed cottages in the country, shaped the way he would do consulting in the future.
Rise in your career and business leadership
A Dream Come True: The Building Consultancy Ltd.
Richard Fairs did something very brave in 1997 when he started The Building Consultancy Ltd in Bristol. Offering high-quality, personalized building surveying advice without the red tape of big companies was the simple idea behind the business. The thing he wanted to do was put professional honesty above business growth.
The company is an expert in dilapidation reports, conservation planning, building state surveys, and leasehold advice. Property developers, insurers, and private renters all over southern England have trusted it for a long time, even though it is a small business.
Integrity-Based Leadership
Leadership is more than just running a company; Richard possesses both vision and accountability. His clients appreciate his clear communication, practical guidance, and dedication to their tasks. Over the past quarter of a century, his practice has built a reputation for itself on the principles of candor, technical accuracy, and openness.
Today, despite widespread media coverage, Richard continues to prioritize physical structures over corporate jargon. His career is defined by his calm strength, and that quality is evident in his daily job as well.
Acclaim from the Public and Private Lives
After Marrying Miranda Hart, I Went From Surveyor to Star
When Richard wed Miranda Hart, a British comedian, actor, and writer, in 2024, he began a whole new chapter in his life. During the COVID lockdowns, Hart’s home was the site of a mould remediation effort; this was the unusual beginning of their relationship, as Hart described in her memoir.
Hart casually announced their marriage on national television, turning their intimate July 2024 wedding in Hampshire into tabloid news. Though he was taken aback at first, Richard has dealt with the media’s interest in his initiatives with the same level of poise he always displays.
Mastering the Art of Privacy Management in the Light of Fame
Despite his newfound fame, Richard keeps a low profile in the media. As far as possible, he avoids the tabloids, and neither he nor his children from a prior marriage are in the spotlight. Reflecting his lifelong predilection for professionalism and secrecy, he strikes a balance between public interest and personal dignity.
My Strengths and Work Ethics
Preservation and History Master’s Program
Richard stands out due to his expertise in historic structures. Offering services such as conservation strategy, structural viability reports, and listed-building permit applications, he assists clients in striking a balance between current use and historic integrity.
With his diploma in building conservation from RICS under his belt, his counsel has more weight and authority. Richard provides a unique blend of heritage awareness and practical expertise to help landlords and developers revitalize historic homes.
Real-World Answers Rather Than Speculative Ones
Avoiding quick fixes or excessively speculative ideas is what makes Richard really effective. Whether it’s a commercial disagreement over lease responsibilities or a leaking 18th-century cellar, his guidance is focused on practical, feasible outcomes. Because he is forthright about constraints, timeframes, and expenses, his clients have faith in him.
Sector Effects and Legacies
The Unassuming Trailblazer in Surveying
Richard may not be a TED speaker or a best-selling author, but his impact in his industry is substantial. Throughout southern England, he has protected architectural history, taught future surveyors, and presided over hundreds of condition reviews. His impact is measured by the quality of his legacy, which he has constructed piece by piece.
Embracing Professional Simplicity for the Future,
affiliated with T.C. Ltd., Retirement is not being discussed; rather, there is a fresh emphasis. He continues to be a model of success for self-employed people who don’t want to become famous or develop empires.
In summary
An unusual breed of professional exists in Richard Fairs; he has attained substantial success without sacrificing ethics. He has led with honesty, competence, and perseverance from his humble origins in Watford to the establishment of a prestigious consultancy in Bristol. His identity as a dedicated surveyor who places a premium on structures and people remains unchanged, despite the increased attention he has received since his marriage.
Silent work often provides the strongest foundations, as Richard Fairs reminds us in a world full of noise.
FAQ
Richard Fairs—who is he?
The Building Consultancy Ltd. was founded by Richard Fairs, a licensed building surveyor from Britain. He is an expert in conservation and historical preservation initiatives.
To what extent is Richard Fairs famous?
Being married to British actress Miranda Hart and being renowned for his knowledge of building conservation are two of his most notable accomplishments.
I was wondering what kinds of projects he takes on?
Building surveys, conservation plans, dilapidation studies, and lease consulting services are all handled by his organization. His clients range from private individuals to large corporations.
Tell me where The Building Consultancy is located?
Bristol, England is home to The Building Consultancy Ltd, which provides services to clients all around the South of England.
Does Richard Fairs still have a job?
In fact, Richard is still actively involved in the business as of 2025, serving clients with competent and practical surveying services in his role as managing director.
