Raphael Stipic

MRPSA ACABE PDD (Building Cons)

Tell us about your role and your main focus
Carrying out building surveys and producing the reports, which will include trawling through numerous photos taken on site, and if required, referring to my extensive library of subject related material.

What key skills or experience specifically make you shine?
Being fascinated since an early age with old buildings, in particular timber-framed properties, and how they have been constructed. Over the past twelve years, I have been keen to stay up to date with traditional building conservation and repair, construction materials, fire-safety requirements, and retrofitting.

What’s the best thing about your job?
No two properties are the same — each one presents a distinct set of challenges and learning opportunities. You never stop learning.

What’s the biggest challenge in your work?
Technical and diagnostic challenges are the biggest challenges in my work. Many issues (e.g. timber decay, damp ingress and movement) are concealed and require experience, and sound judgement to diagnose accurately. Also, complex building fabrics, particularly with heritage or hybrid structures, where original materials interact with modern interventions (cement over lime, retrospective cavity insulation in old walls, etc.).

What do you think makes Desbruslais a great company to be part of?
A well-respected company with a great group of experienced, professional and friendly surveyors and business support team.

What does your perfect weekend look like?
Relaxing with my wife, trying to keep active, especially at my age (motion is the lotion), some good food and red wine!