People

Tim Hutton

Tim Hutton

Background

Chief Executive and Scientific Director

MA, MSc, Vet MB, MRCVS

Tim studied Statistics, Comparative Pathology and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Cambridge followed by an MSc in Aquaculture Pathobiology at Stirling University.

As a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, he worked as a vet in private practice before spending three years as a regular officer in the RAVC undertaking research for the MOD.

 ei@handr.co.uk

Areas of Practice

Tim joined H+REI in 1987 and since then has built it into the premier specialist surveying company in the UK. Tim founded the study of ‘Building Pathology’, the diagnostic study of building failures to allow proper risk management and remedial specification. Following his work with army sniffer dogs, Tim pioneered the training of dry rot search dogs in the UK (‘Rothounds’).

For several years, he organised the annual international conference, Building Pathology. Tim specialises in the investigation and monitoring of buildings in the built environment, especially after fire and flood, and those involving damp problems, bio-deterioration or health problems.

His particular interest and experience are in the investigation of the failure of historic buildings’ structures and environments, particularly cases involving organic materials, and biological, health and environmentally related issues.

James Hutton

James Hutton

Background

Managing Director

James studied Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge and Estate Management at Oxford Brookes University. He began working at Hutton and Rostron in 1986, specialising in electronic publishing, primarily for the construction industry.

Prior to joining H+REI full time he undertook project-specific historic research and assisted with specialist surveys of buildings ranging from Hampton Court Palace to Brighton Pavilion.

 ei@handr.co.uk

Areas of Practice

James became a director of H+REI in 1999. He continues to work as a building surveyor and historic building consultant with an emphasis on the built environment of the Georgian period and ecclesiastical buildings. He liaises with Conservation Officers and Planning Departments all over the country but with a particular focus on London.

His experience is valuable to developers and property agents trying to achieve the best value on their projects, especially in the discharge of conditions issued by insurers such as Premier and NHBC.

David Watt

David Watt

Background

Associate Director (Eastern)

BSc (Hons), Dip Arch Cons (Leic), PhD, MSc, FRICS, IHBC

David is a chartered building surveyor and historic buildings consultant, with a degree in building surveying, a post-graduate diploma in architectural conservation, a post-graduate degree in conservation science and a doctorate in aspects of architectural recording. He also qualified as a general practice surveyor with the former Incorporated Society of Valuers & Auctioneers. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS), a full member of the Institution of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and accredited as an RICS Certified Historic Building Professional. He is a member of various conservation and heritage societies, and was a Monument Scholar at the Attingham Summer School for the study of country houses and collections in 1992.

David has worked in both private and public sectors, including architectural and surveying practices (1986–91) and as Conservation Officer with Norfolk County Council (1991–96). He was a Senior Research Fellow at De Montfort University (1996–05), where he taught postgraduate conservation courses and training programmes for professionals, supervised research students and provided consultancy services to a range of clients. He also undertook and published research on various aspects of architectural conservation and building pathology.

David lectures regularly to academic and professional audiences on subjects relating to architectural conservation and building pathology and has been an external examiner for undergraduate building surveying and postgraduate conservation courses at various academic institutions. He is the author of Surveying Historic Buildings (1996, 2011) and Building Pathology: Principles and Practice (1999, 2007), co-author of Measurement and Recording of Historic Buildings (1993, 2004) and was editor of the Journal of Architectural Conservation (1995–05).

 david@handr.co.uk

Areas of Practice

David joined H+REI in 2005. Much of his work deals with the survey, documentation and investigation of historic buildings and sites, and providing pre-and post-contract services for the conservation and repair of listed buildings and ancient monuments. His particular interests relate to the use of traditional building materials and the influence of people and environmental conditions on historic buildings.

In July 2023 David was appointed as a Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment at Oxford Brookes University. David will be working with the School of the Built Environment in areas of professional practice and research relating to building pathology and continuing his earlier involvement as external examiner with the university’s successful postgraduate Historic Conservation course.

David and his colleagues at H+R will be using this new professorship (chair) to encourage the understanding and application of building pathology in academic institutions, the building industry, and in government throughout the UK and abroad.

Peter Bannister

Peter Bannister

Background

Associate Director (Northern)

BA (Hons), CSRT, FISSE

Peter obtained a BA Honours Degree in Fine Arts at Manchester Metropolitan University before training in carpentry within his family’s building firm and later studying Building Surveying and Conservation.

He has over twenty-five years of experience working in the UK construction industry employed as a contract manager and surveyor in refurbishment, remedial treatment, repair and rehabilitation of buildings.

 mottram@handr.co.uk

Areas of Practice

Peter is a Fellow of the Institution of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers (ISSE), formerly the Institution of Remedial Treatment Surveyors. He was a director of the Institution for over five years and initiated the Institution’s inaugural international conference on Dry Rot in 1995.

He is a member of the Property Care Association’s (PCA) board of Independent Consultants. He successfully introduced the UK’s first full-scale, scientifically controlled treatment of dry rot using heat as the lethal agent rather than chemicals and now specializes in the strategic management of moisture and decay problems in buildings.

Peter joined H+REI in 1998 as an independent consultant in building pathology and remedial treatments. His consultancy work involves building inspections for decay and dampness, expert witness reports and specification and supervision of works on historic and modern buildings throughout the UK.

Michael Almond

Michael Almond

Background

Associate Director (Remedial Architecture and Design)

BSc (Hons), Dip Arch (UCL), BSc (Hons) (Estate Management) RIBA

On completion of his Architectural training, Michael worked for ten years in the entertainment industry designing staging and special effects for concert tours, outdoor events and theatre.

He returned to private practice as an architectural consultant in 1996, working on a variety of projects for residential and commercial clients and specializing in the alteration and refurbishment of listed and period buildings.

 ei@handr.co.uk

Areas of Practice

Michael joined H+R in 2005. His work for H+R has included technical consultancy, building inspections for defects caused by damp penetration and the design and specification of remedial details for use by clients and contractors.

Tim Jordan

Tim Jordan

Background

Historic Building Defects Surveyor & Materials Scientists

BSc (Hons), MSc (Edi), MCIOB, MSFE

Tim has obtained a degree in Building Surveying from Edinburgh Napier University and an MSc in Architectural Conservation from the University of Edinburgh. While living in Scotland, Tim worked with various charities including the National Trust for Scotland and The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust carrying out investigative and survey-based tasks.

Further work alongside The Scottish Lime Centre and The British Geological Survey saw Tim develop his interest in analysing, sourcing and matching building materials.

Areas of Practice

After joining H+R in 2012, Tim regularly attends building conservation master classes at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation and continues to pursue his interest in stonemasonry, brickwork, render and mortars.

Tim is proficient in conducting investigations from high-level access platforms including ladder training, tower scaffolding training and even baskets suspended from cranes. Tim is the certified remote pilot for the H+R drone which involves ongoing liaison and approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority.

Tim attained Membership in the Chartered Institution of Building in 2019 and Membership in the Society of Facade Engineering (CIBSE) in 2022.  He continues to work towards an MBA qualification with part-time studies

Andrew Wade

Andrew Wade

Background

Specialist Surveyor & Building Scientist

BSc (Hons), MSc (An. Chem.), MSc (Hist. Build. Cons.), MRSC

Andy studied Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Warwick, followed by an MSc in Instrumental and Analytical Methods in Biological and Environmental Chemistry at the same university. He then worked at the Law Society of England and Wales before returning to Warwick University to conduct 4 years of postgraduate research in chiral-at-metal catalysis.

A second MSc was undertaken in Historic Building Conservation at Kingston University. An affiliate member of the Institution of Historic Building Conservation, a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, a full member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and is currently studying towards becoming a full member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

He has also worked for MRDA Architects, The Churches Conservation Trust and the National Trust.

Areas of Practice

Andy joined H+R in 2012. Recent areas of work include historic research of buildings and local areas for inclusion in conservation management plans and national databases, energy management (both building and conservation) and the interpretation of associated data for key buildings in the National Trust’s portfolio, as well as degree day analysis used to help focus future goals and milestones for energy efficiency.

His interest lies in continuing to integrate his scientific background with his interest and knowledge of the conservation of historic buildings and areas. Particular areas of interest are environmental monitoring and building pathology and diagnosis leading to the rectification of building failures.

Chris Whitfield

Chris Whitfield

Background

Specialist Building Surveyor (Northern)

BSc (Hons)

Chris studied Building Surveying at Nottingham Trent University (RICS accredited) graduated with a first-class degree with honours and was awarded the prize for achieving the highest grade in the heritage and Conservation module. He undertook a 12-month work placement as an Intern Building Surveyor with the Royal Household Property Section principally Project Managing the repair and maintenance of Windsor Castle and the Home Park Estate.

Upon graduation, he was employed as a Project Manager for a national property consultant providing Building Surveying, Project Management and Architectural Design services for mainly larger high-end residential properties and new builds.

Areas of Practice

Chris joined H+R in 2016 with a special interest in the protection of our industrial heritage. He is an affiliate member of the Institution of Historic Building Conservation and is studying towards becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Clive Stonehill

Clive Stonehill

Background

Senior Building Technician

City and Guilds (Plumbing)

Clive worked extensively in the building trade specializing in plumbing, heating and roof coverings.

He has been a member of Surrey Fire and Rescue for 36 years, presently as a crew manager at his local fire station.

Areas of Practice

Clive joined H+R in 1978 after being recruited from the team carrying out the restoration of Netley House. Over the past three decades with the firm Clive has worked on every major H+R project.

His wide practical knowledge and experience of the built environment provide a powerful asset to the firm.

Matthew Wellesley-Smith

Matthew Wellesley-Smith

Background

Renewable Energy and moisture control Technologist and Consultant Surveyor

MA, MSc

Matthew has several years of experience working in building and energy conservation: As a project manager of building refurbishments, a designer of building integrated renewable energy systems, and as a technologist delivering design and installation advice for improving comfort and energy use in traditional buildings. This role also included consultancy work for DECC and the Sustainable Traditional Buildings Alliance on moisture control strategies for buildings, and delivery of guidance to National Trust surveyors on how to approach energy efficiency. He has worked closely with leading building physicists at UCL on the same subject and contributed analysis to the SPAB Building Performance Survey.

After graduating with an MA at the University of Edinburgh, his first MSc culminated in research on the interrelationship between moisture levels of embedded timbers and brick in walls with restricted drying potential. He is following this with further studies toward an MSc in building conservation.

Areas of Practice

Matt joined H+R in 2018 as a specialist surveyor.  Matt’s principal areas of expertise are climate change resilience and the hygrothermal impact of energy efficiency measures on traditional buildings. He closely follows developments in environmental monitoring techniques and moisture modelling software which can be used to minimise the need for destructive investigation. He sits on the UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings technical working group for monitoring and modelling moisture in buildings.

Andrew Ellis

Andrew Ellis

Background

Historic Building Defects Surveyor & Wood Scientist

MSc, BA (Hons)

Andrew studied for his BA in Fine Art at the University of Leeds before deciding to become a Traditional Timber Framer and Conservation Carpenter with the Green Oak Carpentry Company in Hampshire.  He completed his MSc in Timber Building Conservation with York University through the Weald and Downland Living Museum in West Sussex.

Areas of Practice

Andrew Joined H+R in 2018 as a specialist timber surveyor and timber engineer. He specialises in the provision of timber structure analysis and consultancy advice to architects and structural engineers. With years spent as a conservation carpenter and framer, he has gained a significant understanding of how the historic built timber environment was fashioned as well as the practical skills and knowledge of how to sympathetically repair, reconstruct and conserve these significant historic structures.

Isabel Mar

Isabel Mar

Background

Specialist Surveyor, Conservator and Rothound Handler

BA (Hons), PgD (Cons)

Izzie studied BA (Hons) Conservation and Restoration at the University of Lincoln, her dissertation investigated whether the use of Retrospective Planning applications should be terminated for Listed Buildings. An interest in wooden structures and working with wood this led to her gaining a Postgraduate Diploma in the Conservation of Furniture and Related Materials at West Dean College. While studying Izzie specialized in the conservation of decorative surfaces and developed a strong interest in Paint Analysis through conservation courses as well as work experience with Patrick Baty (Historic Paint Consultant).

Areas of Practice

Izzie joined H+R in 2018 and her interests lie in researching and assessing historical interiors and features in buildings particularly listed buildings for their continued conservation. Izzie has also taken on the role of Rothound handler and works with ‘Pip’ the newest member of the Rothound team.

Joe Lovelock

Joe Lovelock

Background

Specialist Surveyor and Materials Scientist

BSc (Hons)

Joe spent several years at Leeds and Canterbury Christchurch University studying classical music composition at the degree level before deciding to enter the construction industry. The renovation of a number of houses led to the completion of an apprenticeship in Carpentry & Joinery with an award-winning Timber Systems construction company in Glasgow, followed by self-employment as a Joiner/Cabinet-maker. He then spent several years as a Carpenter/Joiner with the National Trust based at West Wycombe Park in Buckinghamshire carrying out sympathetic timber repairs to historic buildings, as well as manufacturing and installing joinery products.
Joe later obtained a BSc in Building Surveying from the University College of Estate Management in Reading.

Areas of Practice

Joe joined H+R in 2018 as a specialist surveyor. He investigates damp and decay issues affecting both timber and masonry structures providing remedial advice to architects and structural engineers. Having spent many years in the construction industry, several of those involved in the heritage sector, Joe has gained valuable knowledge of the built environment, as well as practical experience in the sympathetic repair of historic buildings.

Matthew Amis

Matthew Amis

Background

Specialist Building Surveyor and Conservator

BA (Hons), MSc

Matthew decided to follow scholarship opportunities to the United States for his higher education, completing his BA in History at Reinhardt University and MSc in Historic Preservation at Clemson University and the College of Charleston. During graduate school, Matthew came to specialise in the digital documentation of historic structures and published his graduate thesis investigating three-dimensional modelling within the heritage sector. His other areas of expertise include historic paint analysis and material conservation.

Areas of Practice

Matthew joined H+R in 2018 as a specialist surveyor and conservator. He investigates damp and decay issues affecting both timber and masonry structures and vulnerable finishes; so as to provide advice to structural engineers, conservators and architects. Matthew is particularly interested in laser scanning, photogrammetry, and three-dimensional modelling.

Katie McAndrew

Katie McAndrew

Background

Historic Building Surveyor

BSc (Hons), PG Cert

Katie is a heritage professional with over 20 years’ experience working with historic buildings and is a full member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. She has a degree in architectural and urban conservation at Northumbria University (1997-2000) followed by a post-graduate certificate in archaeology of standing buildings at Leicester University (2007-2009).  Before joining H+REI Katie spent 18 years working as a local authority conservation officer and has a comprehensive working knowledge of the heritage protection system and wider planning system. She is a longstanding member of Society of Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Victorian Society and an active contributor to the War memorials online, photographing Britain’s war memorials and assessing their condition. In 2022 she also became a committee member on the IHBC East Anglia Branch committee.

Areas of Practice

Katie joined H+R in 2020. Her work includes recording historic buildings along with building fabric assessment and undertaking conditions surveys to identify defect and cause. She is experienced in preparing documents associated with building recording, statements of significance, heritage statements and conservation management plans. She particularly enjoys researching historic buildings and studying documentary evidence in conjunction with consideration to fabric evidence to fully understand the significance of historic buildings and their fabric. She also enjoys championing solutions for buildings at risk.

Will Woodward

Will Woodward

Background

Specialist Surveyor

BSc (Hons) 

After learning that the reality of being a Vet was far detached from childhood expectations, Will explored other potential career avenues. Several years of experience in the construction industry working on-site in various operational capacities and weekend work on his own account led to a realisation that his interests lay in Built Heritage. Subsequently, he studied Historic Building Conservation: obtaining a foundation degree at the Building Crafts college, followed by a degree in historic building construction at Kingston School of Art.

During this time he undertook work placements with specialist contractors, which included developing joinery skills at the Tower of London and lead sheet repair at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury.

Areas of Practice

Will joined H+R in 2020 and possesses an interest in sustainability and adaptive design in the context of historic buildings; with a belief that these practices can help to solve the global issues we face today.  He is currently advancing his IHBC membership, whilst developing his skills and understanding of building pathology and risk management.

Patrick Hughes

Patrick Hughes

Background

Specialist Surveyor

MSc

Having become qualified in graphic design at a degree level, Patrick then decided to train as a traditional boat builder on the Dorset coast. After working in this industry for some time, Patrick then began working in the building conservation world as a timber framer and conservation carpenter for companies such as McCurdy’s and the Green Oak Carpentry Company. He completed his MSc in Timber Building Conservation through the University of York and the Weald & Downland Living Museum in West Sussex in 2021.

 

Areas of Practice

Patrick joined H+R in 2021 as a specialist surveyor and building pathologist where he investigates damp and decay issues in contemporary and historic buildings with a specialisation in timber, providing remedial advice to Architects and Structural Engineers. His experience as a conservation carpenter has allowed him to gain an understanding of the construction techniques and methods employed within the historic built environment as well as correct practice with regard to repair, reconstruction and conservation.

Kester Banks

Kester Banks

Background

Graduate Surveyor

BSc (Hons)

Kester studied Building Surveying at Sheffield Hallam University graduating with a first-class degree in 2021.  During his studies he undertook a placement year at the Chatsworth Estate in the Peak District National Park, managing planned and reactive maintenance of their property portfolio which included residential properties and commercial agricultural buildings.  He completed his dissertation on the practicalities and performance of natural vs synthetic internal wall insulation of traditional solid masonry walls.  He has a wider interest in both the historic and modern built environment, including Town Planning and the reuse and rehabilitation of historic buildings.

Areas of Practice

Kester joined H+R in 2021 as a Graduate Surveyor. He primarily investigates dampness and timber decay within traditional buildings.  However, he also enjoys troubleshooting failures in modern buildings with a particular focus on deficient architectural detailing and poor site practice.  Following on from his dissertation he is interested in the retrofit of traditional buildings and how this can best be achieved without damaging the original building fabric.

Bradley Fisher

Bradley Fisher

Background

Specialist Surveyor

BA (Hons), MSc

Bradley obtained a Combined Honours degree in History and Archaeology from the University of Exeter in 2009. He followed this with more than a decade of experience in residential development, project management and new-build defect resolution. Seeking to combine his practical knowledge with an enthusiasm for built heritage, he gained an MSc with Distinction in Historic Building Conservation at the Kingston School of Art. His research investigated the understanding of energy efficiency amongst owners of homes of traditional construction. Bradley is a Supporter of the IHBC, and a member of both the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Heritage Trust Network.

Areas of Practice

Bradley joined H+R in 2021 as a Specialist Surveyor focussed on both historic and contemporary structures. He specialises in the care and maintenance of historic windows, as well as providing advice on holistic approaches to energy efficiency improvements. Following recent study with the Technological University of Dublin, he undertakes computer simulation of constructional build-ups to inform hygrothermal risk assessment. More broadly, he is interested in conservation approaches that combine both the historic and natural environments, as well as how the public communication of built heritage can contribute to climate action.

Catherine Knowles

Catherine Knowles

Background

Specialist Surveyor

BA, MSc (Hons)

Catherine studied Archaeology at the University of Exeter graduating with a first-class degree in 2019. During her studies she undertook excavations at Ipplepen in Devon, and during her second year she supervised inexperienced students and volunteers in excavation and recording processes. After taking time out of the heritage sector she returned and completed a master’s programme with the Royal Agricultural University studying the recording, conservation, and management of historic buildings in the UK. During this time, she worked at the castle and gardens at St Michael’s Mount in West Cornwall, developing her knowledge of current conservation practices at heritage attractions. She enjoys investigating the historical development of buildings shown through building fabric and historical interiors.

Areas of Practice

Catherine joined H+R in 2022 as a Graduate Surveyor. She investigates damp and decay problems in traditional and modern buildings and provides condition surveys of historic building fabric. She has particular interest in the recording and conservation of historic features within the context of the UK planning system. She is developing her knowledge of building pathology in modern and historic buildings and enjoys researching the uses of three-dimensional modelling of historic structures within the heritage industry.

Ellen Wise

Ellen Wise

Background

Specialist Surveyor

BA (Hons), MSc

Ellen began her career by gaining a place on the Princes Foundation’s Young Heritage Apprenticeship in Traditional Building Crafts Programme where she trained as a carpenter and lime plasterer. she then went on to work as a self-employed carpenter and lime plasterer for a variety of conservation companies including cliveden conservation, croft conservation and dolmen conservation, as well as working for her own private clients. Her work on site saw her involved in many projects including the Houses of Parliament (Westminster Hall), Christchurch Cathedral (Oxford), Reading Abbey and Worcester Cathedral.

Alongside starting her apprenticeship, Ellen also began a BA in History with the Open University. She continued to study part-time whilst working on site, graduating in 2021 with first-class honours. She then took a year out to complete an MSc in Historic Conservation at Oxford Brookes University. Her dissertation (entitled: ‘Patina or Damage: Should graffiti be conserved as part of the historic built environment’) investigated how graffiti is currently dealt with by conservation professionals and whether current attitudes and practices are appropriate.

Areas of Practice

Ellen joined H+R in 2022 as a surveyor. She investigates damp and decay issues affecting both timber and masonry structures. Her previous work as a carpenter and lime plasterer has given her practical experience of the sympathetic repair of historic buildings and structures. In addition to her work for H+R, Ellen remains involved in her family’s lutherie workshop where she works repairing bowed string instruments.

Matthew Pepper

Matthew Pepper

Background

CAD Technician and Surveyor

BA

Having studied Architecture as an undergraduate at the University of Edinburgh, Matt spent time in varying sized architectural firms in the South East of England, specialising predominantly in high end residential construction. With a growing interest in the built environment, he has begun to focus on the latent defects in historic and contemporary buildings

Matt has a particular enthusiasm in phenomenology as a philosophy within design. Matthew joined H+R in July 2022 taking on the position of CAD Technician and is furthering his knowledge of building pathology. Matt also undertakes site survey tasks concentrating at the interface of original and new construction.

Areas of Practice

Having used varying CAD systems through his professional career Matthew now specialises with AutoCAD producing survey mark ups and bespoke details for clients. In addition, he manages the H+R Standard Details library along with the drafting of new solutions to historic and contemporary fabric issues. Recently Matthew undertook a WUFI Pro and BuildDesk course allowing for the creation of numerical condensation risk analysis reports.

Robert Branch

Background

Surveyor

BA (Hons), MCIOB, AssocRICS

Robert studied Architecture, Building Management and Technology at the University of Liverpool.  Following his studies he worked on-site for 20 years in construction management, mostly on a design and build basis in a wide range of sectors, including new build and refurbishment.

From 2014 – 2019 he worked in New Zealand where he focussed on seismic construction along the Alpine Fault line.  The construction projects he managed were required to meet very high seismic performance standards on account of the frequency of very large earthquakes in this region.  He frequently worked on projects involving precast and in-situ seismic concrete frames as well as a selection of traditional timber-framed developments

Robert’s experience of constructing buildings led into an interest in building pathology and a career as a chartered residential surveyor and valuer.  His most recent experience entailed providing RICS condition surveys and private valuations to mainstream lenders

Areas of Practice

Robert joined H+R in 2023 as a surveyor.  With his extensive knowledge of different construction methodologies, materials, and principles he investigates the condition of all elements of the built environment, providing remedial advice to his private clients, architects, and structural engineers

Robert’s particular interest is in the properties of building materials and their interaction with the environment, and comparing the performance of vernacular buildings with modern methods of construction

Rhiannon Kelly

Background

Building Surveying Placement Student

Rhiannon is studying BSc Building Surveying at Liverpool John Moores University.

Alongside her studies, Rhiannon previously spent 3 years working in a Loss Adjustors as a technician for a building surveyor and diary assistant for a large team of adjusters. She assisted with report production and issue, policyholder queries, and ensured that information used by adjustors was relevant and up to date.  She is proficient in data handling and input, and worked to GDPR standards. She is pursuing a career in Building Surveying and has specific interests in Southeast Asian Architecture and the vernacular historical architecture of the British Isles.

Areas of Practice

Rhiannon joined H&R’s Northern Office in September 2023 as a Building Surveying Placement student, on an industry year as part of her undergraduate degree. Rhiannon is starting to study to become a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and is looking forward to developing her skills and understanding during her year in industry.

Pip

Pip the dog

 

Background

H+R Rothound Dogs

Rothounds are typically part of an H+R specialist surveying team and operate throughout the UK.  They support H+R surveyors by sniffing out active dry rot (Serpula lacrymans). Dogs 2-3 years old are best for training as they have lost their puppy behaviour and are still at a stage where they can bond with their handler.

Sprocker Pip was re-homed from a farm in North Yorkshire and has graduated as a Rothound having passed her initial training.  Pip now currently enjoys her ongoing training with her Rothound handler as part of her personal development.  All our Rothound handlers are Dog First Aid trained to ensure the well-being of Rothound dogs.

When looking for potential search dogs we look for dogs with a good scenting ability, a tendency to be single-minded and the willingness to work. These are not always the type of dog you would select as a pet but are more natural hunting or working dogs.

Rothounds need to safely operate in the mixed environments found in industrial and historic buildings. They also need to be able to operate in areas where there may be distractions such as people, machines and other operations taking place. The handlers need to be able to carry out a risk assessment for themselves and the dogs, read the dog’s reactions to a live scent and interpret how the dog is reacting. Once the location of the scent source is located or narrowed down by the dogs, the handler is able to carry out a professional assessment of the findings using traditional surveying methods

As the dogs become used to their handlers and working in buildings it is interesting to see the dogs actually narrowing down the factors that they attribute to dry rot. They learn to hone in on damp areas (which they associate with their target scent and a reward) and in many cases this can be useful to the handler in identifying other problems

Areas of Practice

It only takes about two or three weeks to train a dog to locate a specific scent. However, it takes about 6 months to train an H+R Rothound. This dog training does not involve any food rewards as this can cause the dogs to falsely indicate. Instead, training focusses on the searching being part of a big game for the dog and their reward is to play with their training toy and to be praised by their handler.

Bella the Office Cat

Bella the Office Cat Image

Background

Mouser, Nap Queen, Sun Worshipper, Lap Warmer, Human Trainer

3-year-old Bella is Hutton + Rostron’s Office Cat and looks over all the daily going on. Bella was re-homed as a kitten from Battersea and re-purposed as not only a furry friend but the office mouser!

Areas of Practice

A cat of many talents who don’t need any PPE but is yet to pass her CSCS training. Ladder training is not necessary as high-level work is part of her skill set.