Passionate experts
Meet the Smith Heritage Surveyors Team
Meet our small, family-run team of surveyors and support staff, combining professional expertise with a personal, approachable service. We are based in Salisbury, with hub offices in London, Bath, and Winchester, allowing us to support clients across the South of England and beyond.
Our experienced team works with homeowners, buyers, developers, landlords, tenants, private investors, lenders, and listed building owners, providing clear, practical advice at every stage of a property’s life cycle, from purchase and maintenance through to refurbishment and sale.
Our team of independent, RICS-accredited building surveyors specialises in delivering detailed property surveys, listed building assessments, defect reports, and damp & timber investigations. With combined expertise in heritage, period and modern properties, we help homeowners, buyers and investors make confident decisions.
Director and Building Surveyor (Wiltshire)
David Smith MSc, MRPSA, AssocRICS, DipBldgCons
David Smith is a well-known and respected building surveyor and director of Smith Heritage Surveyors, with over a decade of experience working with buildings of all ages, from modern homes to some of the UK’s most significant historic and listed properties.
With a background spanning on-site construction, design, planning, and building inspection, David brings a practical, conservation-led approach to every survey. He has extensive experience working across Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Bath, and the wider South West, providing clear, honest advice tailored to each property.
David is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and an active member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), applying traditional building knowledge and best-practice conservation principles throughout his work. He has an MSc in building surveying from Kingston University, as well as a postgraduate diploma in historic building conservation from West Dean.
Areas of Expertise
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RICS Level 3 Building Surveys
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Listed Building & Heritage Property Surveys
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Traditional construction & materials
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Defect diagnosis and condition reporting
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Damp, timber decay & moisture-related issues
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Conservation-led repair and maintenance advice
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Pre-purchase and pre-sale surveys
Office Location and Contact Details
The Old Fire Station, 2 Salt Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1DU
📧 david@smithheritagesurveyors.com
📱 WhatsApp: 07568 513972
Historic Building Conservation Specialist (Bath)
Nicholas Bell MSc, MRPSA, AssocRICS
Nicholas “Nick” Bell is a pragmatic, meticulous surveyor known for his clear, evidence-led approach and strong attention to detail. Based in Bath, Nick carries out surveys across the South West, supporting homeowners and buyers with honest, practical advice, particularly on older and traditionally constructed buildings.
Nick holds a Master’s degree in Historic Building Conservation (University of Bath) and has developed specialist expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of damp in buildings. His experience spans a wide range of property types, with a particular focus on period and heritage homes where moisture performance and traditional materials require a knowledgeable, conservation-led approach.
Before moving into surveying and conservation work, Nick spent time “on the tools,” working hands-on with lime and traditional building materials. This practical background gives him a strong understanding of how buildings perform in real life and supports his ability to recommend appropriate, proportionate repairs that respect historic fabric.
Areas of Expertise
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Listed building and heritage property surveys
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Damp diagnosis (including condensation, penetrating damp and damp assessment)
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Traditional construction and breathable building performance
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Lime mortars, plasters and traditional repair methods
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Condition reporting and defect analysis for older properties
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Conservation-led maintenance and repair advice
Office Location and Contact Details
Northgate House, Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RG
📧 nick@smithheritagesurveyors.com
📱 WhatsApp: 07568 513972
Practice Manager & Client Services Lead
Emmeline Smith
Emmeline Smith oversees the legal, administrative, and client coordination aspects of Smith Heritage Surveyors, ensuring every enquiry and instruction is handled smoothly from first contact through to completion.
Often the first person clients speak to, Emmeline plays a key role in guiding homeowners and buyers at the outset of their enquiry. With a strong working knowledge of building surveying services, she helps clients understand which type of survey is most appropriate for their property and provides clear guidance on fees, timescales, and next steps.
Emmeline’s calm, organised approach ensures efficient communication between clients, surveyors, estate agents, and solicitors, helping projects progress without unnecessary delay. Her understanding of the surveying process means clients receive accurate, helpful advice from the very first call.
Based in Wiltshire, Emmeline enjoys reading and spending time outdoors walking her sheepdog, Albus, when she’s not keeping the practice running behind the scenes.
Areas of Expertise
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Client liaison and initial consultations
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Survey coordination and scheduling
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Fee guidance and service selection
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Legal and administrative support
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Communication with agents and solicitors
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Client aftercare and follow-up support
Office Location and Contact Details
The Old Fire Station, 2 Salt Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1DU
📧 info@smithheritagesurveyors.com
📱 WhatsApp: 07568 513972
Building Surveyor (Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire)
Hayley Holland BSc Hons
Hayley Holland is a qualified residential surveyor with a particular specialism in Victorian and 1930s housing, bringing a detailed understanding of period construction, layout, and materials to every inspection.
Hayley began her career with a degree in Environmental Studies, where she developed a strong academic interest in the built environment and how buildings perform over time. She went on to work as a teacher and educator for many years, a background that now underpins her ability to communicate technical findings clearly and accessibly to clients.
Her long-standing interest in historic and period buildings is reflected in her involvement with The National Trust, English Heritage, and The Civic Trust, and she has always had a particular enthusiasm for architectural detail and traditional housing design.
After raising a family, Hayley pursued her ambition to become a building surveyor and has since successfully completed her professional training diploma. At Smith Heritage Surveyors, she works closely with experienced building surveyors, undertaking residential inspections across a range of property types, with a strong focus on Victorian, Edwardian, and 1930s homes.
Areas of Expertise
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Victorian and 1930s residential properties
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Period housing construction and detailing
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Residential condition surveys
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Pre-purchase inspections
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Building performance and environmental considerations
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Clear, client-focused reporting
Office Location and Contact Details
The Old Fire Station, 2 Salt Lane, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1DU
📧 info@infosmithheritagesurveyors.com
📱 WhatsApp: 07568 513972
Senior Building Surveyor (Bath and the West Country)
Lawrence Phipps
Lawrence Phipps is a senior building surveyor with over 40 years’ experience in the construction and property industry, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge and insight to every survey he undertakes.
A former Royal Engineer, Lawrence developed a strong foundation in hands-on building skills early in his career, including carpentry, brickwork, and general construction techniques. This practical background has shaped his pragmatic approach to surveying and his ability to identify defects, assess workmanship, and recommend realistic repair solutions.
Following his military service, Lawrence spent a number of years developing and selling high-end residential properties in London, gaining extensive experience in property development, refurbishment, and quality control. He later settled in Wiltshire, converting a historic chapel near Tisbury, a project that has allowed him to apply decades of experience in traditional construction and building conservation.
Lawrence’s depth of practical knowledge, attention to detail, and willingness to go the extra mile make him a highly valued member of the Smith Heritage Surveyors team. Clients particularly appreciate his clear explanations, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to achieving the best outcomes.
Areas of Expertise
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Residential building surveys
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Period and traditional construction
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Defect identification and diagnosis
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Carpentry, masonry, and structural elements
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Property development and refurbishment assessment
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Practical repair and maintenance advice
Office Location
Northgate House, Upper Borough Walls, Bath, BA1 1RG
Contact
📧 info@smithheritagesurveyors.com
📱 WhatsApp: 07568 513972
Building Surveyor (London)
Joe Hanrahan BSc Hons, MCIOB
Joe Hanranan is a building surveyor with over 15 years’ experience in construction project management, gained primarily within the high-end commercial sector. This background provides Joe with a strong technical foundation and a detailed understanding of construction processes, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
Having transitioned into building surveying, Joe brings a methodical, detail-driven approach to the inspection and assessment of buildings. His experience managing complex projects enables him to identify defects, assess workmanship, and understand how design and construction decisions impact a building’s long-term performance.
Joe has a particular interest in building performance and sustainability, helping clients understand how their properties function and how they can be improved responsibly over time. His strong communication skills support clear collaboration with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders, ensuring advice is practical, proportionate, and aligned with best practice.
Joe works across a range of property types, applying the same high standards expected within commercial construction to residential and mixed-use buildings.
Areas of Expertise
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Building condition surveys
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Construction project management insight
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Regulatory compliance and building standards
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Defect identification and quality assessment
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Building performance and sustainability
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Client and stakeholder liaison
Office Location and Contact
Oriel House, 26 The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1DL
📧 info@smithheritagesurveyors.com
📱 WhatsApp: 07568 513972
Assistant Surveyor | Building Surveying Support
Chris Bright
Christopher “Chris” Bright has recently joined Smith Heritage Surveyors and is already proving to be a valued and integral member of the team.
Working closely with our senior and chartered surveyors, Chris supports the delivery of residential and heritage building surveys, gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of property types. His role involves assisting with inspections, reporting, research, and the day-to-day technical work that underpins the high standards Smith Heritage Surveyors is known for.
Chris brings a keen willingness to learn, strong attention to detail, and a professional approach to every project. His enthusiasm and reliability help ensure surveys are carried out efficiently and to the level of quality our clients expect.
As he continues to develop his skills and experience within the practice, Chris is building a solid foundation in building surveying principles, defect identification, and property assessment, making him a valuable part of the team’s future.
Areas of Involvement
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Supporting residential building surveys
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Assisting with heritage and period property inspections
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Survey preparation and reporting support
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Defect identification under supervision
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Technical research and site assistance
Office Location and Contact
Oriel House, 26 The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1DL
📧 info@smithheritagesurveyors.com
📱 WhatsApp: 07568 513972
Family run practice
First for independent advice
Smith Heritage Surveyors has operated as an independent building surveying practice since its inception, providing expert advice to clients across the UK, with a strong focus on London, the South of England, and the West Country.
If you are seeking a truly independent expert opinion on a property, our experienced surveyors can help. We undertake RICS Level 3 Building Surveys, listed building surveys, defect reports, damp and timber surveys, and investigations into dampness, condensation, and structural issues for properties of all ages and types.
To speak directly with an independent, RICS-accredited surveyor and discuss your property or survey requirements, please contact us today for clear, honest advice you can rely on.
Heritage Specialism:
We specialise in listed, period, and heritage buildings, applying conservation-led principles and traditional building knowledge to every survey.
📞 Speak directly to one of our surveyors today to discuss your property and the right survey for your needs.
Speak to Smith Heritage
Contact us today
If you are purchasing, maintaining, or responsible for a historic or period property, Smith Heritage Surveyors can provide clear, professional advice.
Please contact us to discuss your property and arrange an appropriate survey.