People

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

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.

Associate Director (Remedial Architecture and Design)

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.

Specialist Surveyor & Building Scientist

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.

Senior Building Technician

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.

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.

Historic Building Defects Surveyor & Wood Scientist

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.