Until recently, Richard Fairs was a respected but relatively private figure in the world of property surveying. That changed in late 2024 when British comedian and actress Miranda Hart revealed she had quietly gotten married — and the groom was none other than Richard Fairs, a long-established chartered building surveyor from Bristol.
This article explores who Richard Fairs is, his professional background, how he came into the public spotlight, and what his work in the building industry entails. It also touches on how his personal and professional worlds intersected to create an unlikely but heartwarming media story.
Early Life and Background
Very little is publicly known about Richard Fairs’ early life, as he has largely maintained a private profile. However, what is verifiable is that he has built a reputable career in the UK property sector, specifically within building surveying, a highly specialized field governed by professional regulation and standards.
Unlike many public figures who become known for entertainment or social media fame, Richard Fairs earned his recognition through a career that prioritizes technical skill, reliability, and client trust — values highly regarded in the construction and property management industries.
Career Overview
Director of The Building Consultancy Ltd
Richard Fairs is a director at The Building Consultancy Ltd, a well-established surveying practice based in Bristol, England. The company provides comprehensive surveying and property consultancy services to both private and commercial clients.
The firm operates under the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a globally recognized organization that regulates surveyors and enforces professional standards. This affiliation indicates that Fairs’ practice adheres to the ethical and technical benchmarks that ensure high-quality service and accountability.
As a chartered building surveyor, his work likely involves:
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Assessing building conditions and identifying defects
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Advising property owners and investors on maintenance or refurbishment
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Overseeing construction projects and ensuring compliance with UK building regulations
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Conducting structural surveys and providing reports for property transactions
Professional Reputation
The Building Consultancy has a reputation for technical precision, client-focused service, and independent advice. Although it’s not a household name, within the property industry it’s recognized for consistent, high-quality work — the kind of firm that thrives on long-term client relationships and referrals rather than advertising.
Fairs’ position as a long-term company director (since the late 1990s) demonstrates both experience and stability — two essential qualities in an industry where trust and accuracy are paramount.
What Does a Chartered Building Surveyor Do?
To understand Fairs’ profession, it helps to unpack what a chartered building surveyor actually does.
A chartered surveyor is a trained expert in building design, construction, and maintenance. Their responsibilities can include:
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Evaluating the condition of properties before sale or lease
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Identifying structural issues such as damp, rot, or subsidence
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Advising on renovation and repair strategies
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Ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations
In many cases, surveyors act as independent advisors — they do not sell, build, or design properties themselves but assess them for clients, ensuring that investments are sound and buildings are safe.
Because this work affects high-value assets, surveyors must be registered with RICS, which enforces strict rules on competence and ethics. That registration adds a layer of professional credibility — something Fairs clearly possesses.
Relationship with Miranda Hart
How They Met
Richard Fairs entered the public eye through his relationship with Miranda Hart, one of Britain’s most beloved comedians and actresses, known for her self-titled sitcom Miranda, her roles in Call the Midwife and Spy, and her successful career as a writer and performer.
According to widely circulated reports, the two met when Fairs was called to inspect Hart’s home for a mould problem. What started as a professional encounter developed into a relationship, and eventually, a private romance.
Marriage and Media Revelation
In October 2024, Miranda Hart revealed during a BBC appearance on The One Show that she had married, describing herself playfully as “a young bride at 51.” This lighthearted revelation surprised fans, who were unaware of any public relationship.
The announcement sparked widespread curiosity about her husband’s identity — and soon, Richard Fairs’ name surfaced in British media. Reports indicated that the two had married in July 2023, after several years of dating. While exact details of their wedding remain private, the couple’s union was celebrated by fans who admired Hart’s long commitment to privacy and authenticity.
Personal Life
Fairs reportedly has two children from a previous relationship, and he and Hart now share a quiet life largely out of the public spotlight. Friends and colleagues have described him as grounded, professional, and understated — qualities that complement Hart’s more public-facing career.
Their story has resonated with many fans because it reflects a genuine connection born out of everyday circumstances — proof that love stories don’t always begin in glamorous settings.
Professional Philosophy and Values
Those familiar with The Building Consultancy describe its work as pragmatic, solutions-oriented, and ethical. Fairs’ long-term leadership at the firm suggests a commitment to quality over quantity, and to maintaining strong client relationships built on trust.
His career exemplifies professional integrity — the kind of behind-the-scenes excellence that keeps Britain’s buildings safe, habitable, and properly maintained.
For those unfamiliar with the property industry, it’s worth noting that building surveyors like Fairs play an essential role in:
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Ensuring older structures remain sound and compliant
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Protecting clients from costly hidden defects
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Advising on restoration and sustainability initiatives
These responsibilities require not just technical knowledge but also honesty and diligence — traits that often go unnoticed outside the professional community.
Media Attention and Privacy
The newfound attention around Richard Fairs is primarily due to his marriage to a high-profile entertainer. Despite this, Fairs has continued to maintain a low media presence. He does not appear to have active public social media accounts and continues his work at The Building Consultancy largely unaffected by the celebrity spotlight.
In a world where many people seek fame, Fairs stands out as someone who prefers privacy, professionalism, and modesty. This contrast with Hart’s public career has even been praised by fans who appreciate the couple’s grounded and genuine approach to life.
Lessons from Richard Fairs’ Career
Richard Fairs’ story is not one of overnight fame, but of sustained professional excellence. His decades-long career as a surveyor reflects a type of success that’s often underappreciated — success built on consistency, expertise, and reputation rather than publicity.
For anyone pursuing a career in the built environment, Fairs’ trajectory offers several takeaways:
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Longevity matters: Building a professional reputation takes time, and consistency is key.
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Ethics build trust: Compliance with professional standards (like RICS) enhances credibility.
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Privacy can be powerful: Staying focused on the work, not the attention, sustains professional respect.
What We Can Learn from the Public Reaction
When Miranda Hart revealed she was married, social media exploded with curiosity — not because people were obsessed with fame, but because her announcement felt authentic and joyful. The public’s fascination with Richard Fairs wasn’t about celebrity gossip; it was about seeing a real person enter the spotlight for a wholesome reason.
In a culture saturated with influencer relationships and PR-managed narratives, Fairs represents something refreshingly normal — a skilled professional whose private life simply crossed paths with public interest.
FAQs About Richard Fairs
Who is Richard Fairs?
A Bristol-based chartered building surveyor, company director, and husband of comedian Miranda Hart.
What is his profession?
He is a chartered building surveyor and director at The Building Consultancy Ltd, providing professional surveying and property consultancy services.
When did he marry Miranda Hart?
The couple reportedly married in July 2023, with the news publicly revealed by Hart in October 2024.
Does Richard Fairs have children?
Yes, reports indicate that he has two children from a previous relationship.
Does he have a public social media presence?
No. He maintains a private life and does not appear to have any official social media accounts.
What does his company do?
The Building Consultancy offers surveying services such as condition assessments, refurbishment advice, defect diagnosis, and property management consultancy.
Read Also: Gráinne Hayes: Biography of Nigel Farage’s First Wife
Conclusion
Richard Fairs exemplifies a rare blend of professional integrity and quiet personal authenticity. For over two decades, he’s contributed to the built environment through technical expertise and ethical leadership — and now, by chance, he’s become part of one of Britain’s most beloved celebrity stories.
While many now know his name because of Miranda Hart, his professional legacy stands firmly on its own. Behind the headlines is a man whose steady dedication to his craft represents the kind of everyday excellence that keeps industries — and relationships — strong.
