Stuart Bowler

BSc (Hons) IHBC MRICS

Tell us about your role and your main focus
I carry out building condition surveys for buyers and existing owners of primarily historic and listed buildings of all sizes, age and type, ranging from small timber framed cottages to substantial multi-million-pound country estates. I also carry out detailed dampness and timber decay investigations and archaeological interpretation surveys.

What key skills or experience specifically make you shine?
I hold a degree and diploma in Building Surveying out of Reading University, am a full chartered member of the RICS, have conservation accreditation with the IHBC and have undertaken numerous additional courses. I am on the committee with the Wealden Buildings Study Group and undertook the West Sussex Dendrochronology Pilot Project. My main professional interests and expertise are building pathology and archaeology, in historic buildings.

What’s the best thing about your job?
Being a house ‘detective’, by working out the physical history of fascinating historic buildings or diagnosing their ailments. Then having the opportunity to prescribe appropriate remedies to preserve them.

What’s the biggest challenge in your work?
Balancing a professional role with a young family.

What do you think makes Desbruslais a great company to be part of?
The wide array and large number of interesting historic buildings we get to see.

What does your perfect weekend look like?
If not travelling, then an early morning workout followed by chasing my kids (or being chased by them!) around a lovely National Trust garden, then a nice evening meal. If I am lucky, squeeze in some rock climbing or a track day.