Tim Hutton
Background
Chief Executive and Scientific Director
MA, MSc, Vet MB, MRCVS
Tim studied Statistics, Comparative Pathology and Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge University followed by an MSc in Aquaculture Pathobiology at Stirling University.
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.
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 is in the investigation of the failure of historic buildings’ structures and environments, particularly cases involving organic materials, biological, health and environmentally related issues.
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 on specialist surveys of buildings ranging from Hampton Court Palace to Brighton Pavilion.
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 in 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
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 Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and qualified as a RICS Certified Historic Building Professional. He is a member of various learned societies, including the Association for Studies in the Conservation of Historic Buildings and Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, and was Monument Scholar on 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 senior research fellow at De Montfort University (1996–05), where he taught on postgraduate conservation courses and training programmes for individual 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 also lectures regularly to academic and professional audiences on subjects relating to architectural conservation and building pathology, and has been external examiner for undergraduate building surveying and postgraduate conservation courses at various academic institutions. He is 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).
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.
He is honorary senior research fellow in the Institute for Sustainable Heritage at University College London and a committee member for the Church Buildings Council.
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.
Areas of Practice
Peter is a Fellow of the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers (ISSE), formerly the Institute of Remedial Treatment Surveyors. He was a director of the institute for over five years and initiated the institute’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
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.
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
Peter Monaghan
Background
Building Surveyor and Rothound Handler
ND (Dist) Forestry
Before joining H+R, Peter worked in forestry conservation for English Nature and the private sector, specializing in the management of native broadleaved woodlands.
A founding member of a British International Search and Rescue dog team, past member of SARDA (Lakes) and Langdale and Ambleside Mountain rescue team. Peter is a specialist dog trainer and search dog handler. He has pioneered the use of search dogs for fungal pathogen detection, notably dry rot, in both buildings and open ground. He also has worked with other bodies related to the use and training of air scenting search dogs.
Areas of Practice
Peter joined H+REI in 2006. He is qualified in timber strength grading of both hard and softwood timbers and carries out specialist timber condition investigations and analysis of penetrating damp.
Peter also trains and handles the Rothounds for building surveys.
Peter Collings
Background
Wood Scientist and Building Surveyor
BSc (Hons) Forest Products Technology, MSc Environment Management
Peter studied for a BSc in Timber Technology at Buckinghamshire College of Brunel University, High Wycombe followed by an MSc in Environmental Management. He then gained an RICS accredited Postgraduate Diploma in Building Conservation at the College of Estate Management, Reading.
Peter is a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, an Associate member of the Institute of Wood Science, the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers (ISSE) and an affiliate member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
Areas of Practice
Peter joined H+R in 1993 and specialises in the provision of timber consultancy advice for architects and structural engineers. He specialises in wood identification, in-situ timber strength grading, fungal and wood boring insect advice and site inspections.
Peter has worked on notable historic buildings and structures of national importance including Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Brighton Pavilion, and various National Trust properties.
He provides CPD and workshop training at the Weald and Downland Open Air museum for MSc students on behalf of H+R.
Tim Jordan
Background
Historic Building Defects Surveyor & Materials Scientist
BSc (Hons), MSc
Tim has obtained a degree in Building Surveying at Edinburgh Napier University and a 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 has established links with The Stone Federation and continues to pursue his interest in stonemasonry, brickwork, render and mortars.
Tim is proficient in conducting investigations from high level access platforms and is currently heavily involved in the Hanover Square Master Plan and the Kings Court Development in Covent Garden. Experience in material and structural defects as well as conservation management continues to evolve in conjunction with studies towards RICS and IHBC qualifications.
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 Institute 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 Institute 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 the 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 for 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.
Jenny Brown
Background
Heritage Building Surveyor and Assistant Marketing Manager
BA (Hons), MSc (Hist Cons)
Jenny studied Interior Design at the University of Portsmouth where she specialised in architectural history. This progressed to her gaining a MSc in Historic Conservation at Oxford Brookes University and the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. She has significant experience of working with historic buildings through volunteering and work placements with the National Trust and Oxford City Council.
Jenny is an affiliate member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation and is working towards becoming an associate member. She is also a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
Areas of Practice
Jenny joined H+R in 2014 and her interests lie in researching and assessing historical features in listed buildings for their continued conservation.
Jenny has undertaken heritage assessments, specialist building material condition and building performance investigations on many structures particularly Grade I listed buildings and those subject to refurbishment and conversion.
As well as her surveying work, Jenny manages the company’s website, marketing, social media and attendance at different exhibitions throughout the year.
Vytas Liubertas
Background
Specialist Building Material Surveyor
BEng (Hons)
Vytas is originally from Lithuania and moved to the UK in 2010 to obtain a Civil Engineering undergraduate degree at Swansea University and he is currently studying towards a MSc in Timber Engineering at Edinburgh Napier University where he will graduate in 2017.
Vytas has gained extensive experience of working with the structural properties of timber through his work as a Graduate Structural Engineer and Building Inspector both here in the UK and in Lithuania for a range of specialist material testing companies. He is certified by Trada as a timber strength grader
Areas of Practice
After joining H+R in 2016, Vytas has worked extensively on material analysis and building performance issues including the growing H+R involvement in determining the condition, vulnerability and service life of Unilog structures in school playgrounds and public spaces the condition of glued-laminated and cross-laminated timbers
Chris Whitfield
Background
Specialist Building Surveyor (Northern)
BSc (Hons)
Chris studied Building Surveying at Nottingham Trent University (RICS accredited) graduating with a first-class degree with honours and 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 Institute of Historic Building Conservation and is studying towards becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
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 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 provides a powerful asset to the firm.
Sam, Wilson, Yan & Pip
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 of 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. Both 8 year old Sam, 11 year old Wilson and 2 year old Yan are Labradors a breed of dog with a well-documented sense of smell. 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 carry out a risk assessment for themselves and the dogs, to read the dog’s reactions to a live scent and to 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
Rothounds are often re-homed. Sam came from a rescue centre in Cumbria and Wilson from a farm near Kendal.
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 false 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