Richard Fairs is a distinguished British chartered building surveyor and heritage conservation expert who has quietly built a respected career over more than three decades. Best known professionally for his work preserving historic and heritage buildings, Richard Fairs gained wider public attention in recent years through his personal life — notably his marriage to celebrated British actress and comedian Miranda Hart.
Unlike the fleeting fame often associated with celebrity partners, Richard Fairs story is rooted in professional integrity, longstanding expertise, and a deep passion for the built environment. His journey from trainee surveyor to the founder and managing director of his own acclaimed consultancy firm illustrates a commitment to craftsmanship, precision, and sustainable conservation — qualities that have earned him respect across the UK’s property and historic conservation circles.
Early Life and Background
Richard Fairs was born in February 1964 in the United Kingdom and grew up with an early exposure to the world of buildings and architectural structures. Even as a child, he displayed a curiosity about how buildings stood, aged, and changed over time — an interest that would deeply influence his professional direction.
Richard Fairs pursued formal education in his field at the University of Greenwich (formerly Thames Polytechnic), where he earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Building Surveying between 1984 and 1987. His academic excellence and natural aptitude for understanding structural integrity laid the foundation for a successful career. Determined to gain deeper insights into the complexities of older structures, he later continued his academic development by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Building Conservation at the University of Reading’s College of Estate Management between 2002 and 2004.
This blend of practical and advanced education equipped Richard Fairs with the unique ability to bridge traditional surveying skills with specialized knowledge in conservation — a combination that would later define his professional identity.
Career and Professional Journey
Early Career
Fairs embarked on his professional journey in 1982 as a trainee building surveyor, with his first placement at Rumball Sedgwick in Watford. In this entry-level role, he gained hands‑on experience conducting condition surveys, assessing structural issues, and observing how ageing affected buildings in real environments. These early years were formative, immersing him in the realities of construction, defect diagnosis, and maintenance — lessons that textbooks alone could never fully convey.
After moving on to roles at companies such as Hogben Smith Barritt and J Trevor & Sons, Richard Fairs continued building his expertise, working on a wide range of projects including residential properties, commercial spaces, and historically significant buildings. These experiences broadened his technical skills and deepened his understanding of structural conservation, setting the stage for his next career milestone.
The Building Consultancy: Founding and Growth
In 1997, Richard Fairs founded The Building Consultancy Ltd, a Bristol‑based firm dedicated to delivering high‑quality building surveying and conservation consulting. His vision was straightforward yet bold: to offer detailed, client‑focused services without the bureaucracy and limitations often found in larger corporate practices.
Under his leadership, the consultancy earned recognition for specialized services including:
- Historic building condition surveys and conservation planning
- Dilapidation advice and defect diagnostics
- Leasehold and property condition assessments
- Adaptive reuse strategies for heritage structures
Fairs emphasized transparency and technical accuracy, valuing practical conservation solutions that respected architectural heritage while making structures functional for modern use. Over time, his firm built strong trust among private clients, commercial developers, insurers, and local authorities across southern England.
Professional Credentials and Expertise
Fairs’s qualifications include his status as a Chartered Building Surveyor, along with memberships in respected organisations such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). These credentials reflect his commitment to professional standards and adherence to the ethical practices expected within the field.
He is widely recognised for his heritage conservation expertise, especially in navigating the delicate balance between preserving architectural integrity and meeting modern safety, comfort, and energy‑efficiency needs. His work often involves detailed defect analysis — such as identifying moisture ingress, structural weaknesses, or materials degradation — and offering solutions that align with both client goals and preservation ethics.
Personal Life and Public Recognition
Although Richard Fairs spent most of his career outside the public spotlight, he became more widely known in the media following his relationship and subsequent marriage to Miranda Hart, the acclaimed British comedian and actress. The couple met in 2020 during the COVID‑19 lockdown period, when Fairs was hired to address mould issues in Hart’s home — a professional encounter that eventually blossomed into a personal relationship.
They married on 6 July 2023 in Hambledon, Hampshire, celebrating what many media sources described as a warm and personal ceremony. While Fairs maintains a relatively private personal life, his public appearances alongside Hart have introduced him to broader audiences beyond the property sector.
Despite this increased attention, Fairs continues to prioritise his professional work and personal values — choosing to let his expertise and integrity speak louder than celebrity status.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Richard Fairs stands as a quiet pioneer in heritage conservation and building surveying. His contributions have helped shape best practices for preserving older buildings while integrating contemporary needs such as sustainability and safety. Through meticulous analysis, honest consultancy, and client‑centred service, his influence extends beyond individual projects to broader architectural and conservation communities.
Fairs’s philosophy — that buildings are living stories worth protecting — continues to guide his consultancy. He remains committed to mentoring younger professionals, advancing conservation awareness, and promoting sustainable approaches to architectural preservation.
Conclusion
Richard Fairs’s life and career present a compelling story of professional dedication, expertise, and understated achievement. From his early days as a trainee surveyor to leading his own respected consultancy, Fairs has built a legacy rooted in quality, precision, and respect for architectural history. His work in heritage conservation and property consultancy has made a lasting impact on both clients and the broader field.
While his marriage to Miranda Hart brought him broader public recognition, his reputation as a trusted chartered building surveyor with deep conservation expertise remains the foundation of his legacy. Fairs exemplifies how passionate professionals can shape industries from behind the scenes — proving that true influence doesn’t always require the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Richard Fairs?
Richard Fairs is a British chartered building surveyor and founder of The Building Consultancy Ltd, known for his expertise in historic building conservation.
What is The Building Consultancy Ltd?
It is a Bristol‑based firm providing surveying, conservation planning, dilapidation advice and property assessment services to commercial and private clients.
How did Richard Fairs meet Miranda Hart?
The couple met when Hart hired Fairs to address mould issues in her home in 2020, leading to a personal relationship and eventual marriage.
What qualifications does Richard Fairs hold?
He holds a BSc in Building Surveying, a Postgraduate Diploma in Building Conservation, and professional memberships with RICS and IHBC.
What is his area of expertise?
Fairs specialises in historic building conservation, defect diagnosis, dilapidation surveys, and adaptive reuse of properties.
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