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.
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 accredited as a RICS Certified Historic Building Professional. He is a member of various conservation and heritage 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 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 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 on the approved lists of architects and surveyors for the dioceses of Ely, Lincoln, Norwich, Peterborough and Southwell & Nottingham.
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
Tim Jordan
Background
Historic Building Defects Surveyor & Materials Scientists
BSc (Hons), MSc, MCIOB
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 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 has recently been awarded recognition as a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building.
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 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 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.
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.
Matthew Wellesley-Smith
Background
Renewable Energy and moisture control Technologist and Consultant Surveyor
MA, Msc.
Matthew has several years’ 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, a 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
Background
Historic Building Defects Surveyor & Wood Scientist
MSc (Timb. Build. Cons.), BA (Hons)
Andrew studied for his BA in Fine Art with 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 for 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.
Ultan Donagher
Background
Remedial Architect and Specialist Building Surveyor (Northern)
Dip Arch (DIT), BArch Sci (Dub), MSc (Card), MRIAI
Ultan is a graduate of the Dublin Institute of Technology where he obtained a degree in architecture, and Cardiff University, where he obtained a MSc in Sustainable Building Conservation. Ultan has amassed experience across a broad range of construction industry sectors in Britain and Ireland; in the alteration and refurbishment of listed and period buildings with Paul Archer Design in London; on public housing projects with Derek Tynan Associates in Dublin; and, latterly, in conservation practice in his native north-west of Ireland
Areas of Practice
Since joining H+R in 2017, Ultan’s work has included building inspections for defects caused by damp penetration and the design and specification of remedial works for architects and main contractors. Ultan has a particular interest in the protection of our vernacular built heritage
Ultan is a member of the RIAI and is studying towards Associate membership of the IHBC
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. With an interest in wooden structures and working with wood this led to her gaining a Postgraduate Diploma in 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 to the Rothound team
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 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
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
Sam, Wilson & 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 10 year old Sam, 12 year old Wilson and 3 year old Yan are Labradors a breed of dog with a well-documented sense of smell. 2 year old Sprocker Pip, is the newest addition to the Rothound pack. Pip was re-homed from a farm in North Yorkshire and is currently undergoing her Rothound training with her Rothound handler. 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 are often re-homed. Sam came from a rescue centre in Cumbria, and Wilson from a farm near Kendal.
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, 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.
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.
Sam and Wilson have since retired from the workforce, and are comfortably enjoying retirement with their Rothound handlers, while also keeping Pip and Yan company!
Bella the Office Cat
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 ons. 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 doesn’t need any PPE but is yet to pass here CSCS training. Ladder training is not necessary as high-level work is part of her skill set.