In an era where celebrity status often overshadows professional expertise, Richard Fairs stands as a refreshing exception. While many know him as the husband of comedian Miranda Hart, his true legacy lies in decades of meticulous work preserving Britain’s architectural heritage. Richard Fairs is not just a building surveyor; he is a visionary who has built a respected consultancy focused on integrity, precision, and practical solutions rather than corporate expansion or public recognition.
This comprehensive article explores Richard Fairs’ remarkable career, his professional philosophy, and why independent practitioners like him remain crucial to the future of building conservation in the United Kingdom.
Who is Richard Fairs? Beyond the Headlines
Richard William Fairs was born in February 1964 in Bristol, England. Unlike the stereotypical portrayal of surveyors as purely technical professionals, Richard has developed a nuanced understanding that bridges the gap between architectural heritage and modern functionality. With over four decades of experience in building diagnostics, property assessment, and heritage conservation, he represents a new generation of professionals who prioritize quality over quantity.
At 60 years old, Richard continues to actively lead The Building Consultancy Ltd, a firm he founded in 1997. His career trajectory demonstrates that sustainable professional growth doesn’t require compromising core values or sacrificing privacy for publicity.
Key Professional Milestones
- 1987: Graduated with BSc in Building Surveying (with commendation) from Thames Polytechnic
- 1982-1990s: Trained at leading firms including Rumball Sedgwick, Hogben Smith Barritt, and J Trevor & Sons
- 1997: Founded The Building Consultancy Ltd in Bristol
- 2004: Completed specialized Diploma in Building Conservation
- Present: Continues as director and lead consultant at The Building Consultancy Ltd
The Foundation: Academic Excellence and Practical Training
Richard’s approach to building surveying reflects a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. His decision to pursue advanced qualifications decades into his career—completing his Diploma in Building Conservation in 2004—demonstrates an unusual dedication to mastering his field.
Education and Credentials
| Qualification | Institution | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Building Surveying (with commendation) | Thames Polytechnic | 1987 | Foundation in technical surveying principles |
| Diploma in Building Conservation | College of Estate Management | 2004 | Specialized expertise in heritage preservation |
| MRICS Membership | Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors | Active | Professional accreditation and ethical standards |
| MBEng Membership | Building Engineers | Active | Technical engineering validation |
These qualifications position Richard among the elite practitioners in building conservation, yet he remains remarkably grounded and accessible to clients at all levels.
The Building Consultancy Ltd: A Philosophy of Excellence
From Concept to Reality
In 1997, Richard took a bold decision. Rather than ascending the corporate ladder at an established firm, he chose to establish his own independent consultancy. The driving principle was simple yet revolutionary: deliver exceptional consulting services without the bureaucratic overhead and compromised values often associated with larger organizations.
Based in Bristol, The Building Consultancy Ltd operates as a deliberately scaled micro-business. This decision reflects Richard’s core belief that professional integrity outweighs corporate expansion. For over 25 years, this philosophy has attracted a loyal client base spanning property developers, insurers, private landlords, and homeowners across southern England.
Core Services and Specializations
The Building Consultancy Ltd offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to address the complexities of modern property ownership and heritage preservation:
- Building Condition Surveys: Comprehensive property evaluations assessing structural integrity, maintenance requirements, and potential issues
- Defect Analysis and Diagnosis: Specialized identification of problems such as mold, dampness, cracks, and foundation issues with practical remediation solutions
- Conservation Planning: Strategic advice for listed buildings and heritage properties ensuring preservation while maintaining functionality
- Dilapidation Reports: Detailed documentation of property conditions for legal, insurance, and leasehold disputes
- Leasehold Advisory Services: Expert guidance on tenant rights, landlord obligations, and property management
- Listed Building Consent Applications: Navigation of regulatory requirements for historic property modifications
Expertise in Heritage Conservation: Where Passion Meets Precision
Richard’s specialization in heritage and conservation work sets him apart in a profession often focused on contemporary property assessment. His approach recognizes a fundamental truth: historic buildings represent irreplaceable cultural assets that require specialized knowledge to preserve authentically.
The Philosophy of Adaptive Reuse
One of Richard’s most significant professional contributions is his advocacy for adaptive reuse—the practice of repurposing historic structures for modern needs without compromising their architectural integrity. This approach has become increasingly important as communities seek to preserve heritage while accommodating contemporary requirements.
For example, a Victorian warehouse might be transformed into modern office space or residential lofts, but only through careful planning that respects original architectural features. Richard’s expertise in navigating these transformations has made him invaluable to developers and property owners seeking to balance preservation with functionality.
Why Heritage Conservation Matters
According to industry data, the UK has approximately 380,000 listed buildings. Each represents a connection to our architectural past. Richard’s work ensures that future generations can appreciate and utilize these structures, transforming them from relics into living, functioning parts of modern communities.
Professional Approach: Practical Solutions Over Theoretical Idealism
What distinguishes Richard in a crowded field of building professionals is his pragmatic approach to problem-solving. He avoids shortcuts, overly complex jargon, and solutions that look impressive on paper but fail in real-world applications.
The Richard Fairs Methodology
- Transparency: Clear communication about timelines, costs, and potential limitations
- Technical Precision: Rigorous assessments grounded in established surveying standards
- Hands-On Involvement: Direct engagement with projects rather than delegation to junior staff
- Client Education: Explaining complex issues in understandable terms
- Honest Assessment: Acknowledging when solutions require compromise or present challenges
This approach has earned Richard’s firm an exceptional reputation among clients who value reliability over flashy marketing.
Industry Impact and Legacy Beyond Credentials
While Richard’s professional qualifications are impressive, his true impact lies in less visible contributions to the surveying profession and heritage conservation field. Over decades, he has trained emerging surveyors, led hundreds of condition reviews, and directly influenced the preservation of countless historical properties across southern England.
Contributions to Professional Development
Richard has consistently invested in mentoring the next generation of building professionals. This commitment reflects a belief that professional knowledge carries responsibility—the obligation to pass expertise forward and elevate industry standards.
The Miranda Hart Connection: Privacy as Professional Value
In 2024, Richard’s life intersected dramatically with public recognition when his marriage to comedian and actress Miranda Hart became public knowledge. Their relationship began in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown when Hart hired Richard to address a mold problem at her West London home.
What began as a professional engagement evolved into a personal relationship, culminating in a private wedding ceremony on July 6, 2023, at St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Hambledon, Hampshire.
Notably, Richard has handled this unexpected public attention with the same professionalism and discretion that define his career. He has not leveraged his connection to a celebrity for business advancement, instead maintaining focus on his professional practice. This choice reinforces an important message: true professional success transcends celebrity associations.
Why Independent Practitioners Matter in Modern Surveying
In an age of corporate consolidation and mega-firms, independent practitioners like Richard represent a valuable counterbalance. They offer:
- Personalized Service: Direct access to senior expertise without intermediary layers
- Accountability: Reputation built on individual performance rather than corporate brand
- Flexibility: Ability to prioritize client needs over quarterly earnings reports
- Specialized Focus: Deep expertise in specific areas rather than generalist approaches
- Ethical Standards: Professional decisions driven by values rather than profit targets
The Future of Building Conservation and Surveying
As of 2025, Richard continues working full-time at The Building Consultancy Ltd with no plans for retirement. His ongoing engagement reflects both professional passion and recognition that heritage conservation remains urgent. Climate change, aging infrastructure, and evolving building regulations create ongoing demand for expert surveying and conservation guidance.
The next generation of surveyors will benefit from the foundation Richard and professionals like him have established—a framework prioritizing authenticity, expertise, and client-centered service.
Conclusion: Excellence Through Quiet Dedication
Richard Fairs embodies a professional archetype increasingly rare in contemporary society: the expert whose reputation rests on substantive achievement rather than media presence. From his early training in the 1980s through founding his consultancy in 1997 and continuing into 2025, he has demonstrated that meaningful success emerges through consistent dedication to quality, integrity, and client service.
His work preserving Britain’s architectural heritage, training emerging professionals, and solving complex building problems represents a legacy that will outlast any celebrity connection. While the public may know him as Miranda Hart’s husband, those familiar with UK building surveying and heritage conservation recognize Richard Fairs as something more significant: a trusted expert who has shaped the field through decades of quiet excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Fairs
Who is Richard Fairs?
Richard Fairs is a chartered building surveyor and founder of The Building Consultancy Ltd in Bristol. He specializes in heritage conservation, building condition assessments, and listed building consulting. He gained public recognition through his marriage to comedian Miranda Hart.
What qualifications does Richard Fairs hold?
Richard holds a BSc in Building Surveying (with commendation) from Thames Polytechnic, a Diploma in Building Conservation from the College of Estate Management, MRICS (Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), and MBEng (Member of Building Engineers) memberships.
What services does The Building Consultancy Ltd provide?
The firm offers building surveys, defect analysis, conservation advice, dilapidation reports, leasehold services, and guidance on listed building regulations. They specialize in heritage and historic properties.
When did Richard Fairs found The Building Consultancy?
The Building Consultancy Ltd was founded in 1997 in Bristol and has operated for over 25 years as an independent consultancy.
How did Richard Fairs meet Miranda Hart?
They met in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown when Hart hired Richard to address a mold problem at her West London home. Their professional relationship developed into a personal one.
Is Richard Fairs still working?
Yes, as of 2025, Richard continues to work full-time as director of The Building Consultancy Ltd with no plans for retirement.
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