Business Details
26 Years
experience
Heritage Consultants & Surveyors in Berwick-upon-Tweed
Smith & Garratt is a family-owned firm of specialist surveyors established in 2000, operating from the Scottish Borders with clients across England and Scotland. Our founding surveyor, Hugh Garratt, combines over 25 years of experience in land agency, planning consultancy, and heritage building conservation with a unique dual qualification in surveying and law. We specialise in delivering practical solutions for property management challenges, including listed building consent, conservation projects, and private client advisory services. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates architectural, legal, and surveying expertise to address complex issues in historic buildings, planning appeals, and property valuations. Recognised as award-winning heritage consultants, we received the Historic Houses/Sotheby's Restoration of the Year Award in 2018 for our work on Marchmont House.Our clients value our pragmatic problem-solving, technical excellence, and commitment to preserving architectural heritage while meeting modern needs. We provide expert witness reports, building pathology assessments, and specialist surveys for residential, agricultural, and commercial properties in all conditions. Our team's deep understanding of building healthcarefrom routine maintenance to structural repairsensures clients receive tailored advice grounded in decades of hands-on experience. We maintain professional affiliations with RICS, Historic England, and the Heritage Lottery Fund, reflecting our industry authority and dedication to conservation standards. Our work spans from designing energy-efficient solutions for historic buildings to managing large-scale restoration projects like Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Oak Room at V&A Dundee.
Services
Heritage Consultancy
Building Surveys
Listed Building Consent
Planning Appeals
Conservation Restoration
Private Client Services
Building Pathology
Expert Witness Reports
Measured Surveys
Compulsory Purchase
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We have 25+ years of planning consultancy experience in England and Scotland
- Our principal surveyor is uniquely qualified in both surveying and law
- Award-winning heritage consultants with the Sotheby's Restoration Award 2018
- Recognised by Historic England for specialist conservation expertise
- Proven track record in complex listed building and planning projects
Associations and certifications
- RICS
What people say
Fantastic job
Delighted with transformation
Successful conclusion
Invaluable help
Excellent work
Services
Heritage Consultancy
We provide expert guidance on historic building preservation, including listed building consents and conservation area projects. Our team combines architectural knowledge with legal expertise to navigate regulatory requirements while maintaining heritage integrity. Clients benefit from our award-winning experience in restoring Scheduled Monuments and managing complex conservation challenges.
Building Surveys
Our comprehensive surveys identify structural issues and provide detailed condition reports for residential and commercial properties. We specialise in diagnosing defects in historic buildings, offering practical solutions for repairs and maintenance. Our reports help clients make informed decisions about property investments and development opportunities.
Planning & Development
We guide clients through the planning process, from initial applications to appeals and public inquiries. Our expertise covers residential developments, listed building alterations, and renewable energy projects. We work closely with local authorities to achieve optimal outcomes for complex planning challenges across England and Scotland.
Private Client Services
Our tailored services combine surveying, legal, and architectural expertise to address property management needs. We assist with compulsory purchase claims, expert witness reports, and building pathology assessments. Clients receive practical solutions for both immediate issues and long-term property strategies.
Conservation Restoration
We manage restoration projects for historic buildings, including structural repairs and traditional material conservation. Our work on Charles Rennie Mackintosh's Oak Room demonstrates our capability in preserving architectural heritage. We balance modern functionality with historical accuracy in all restoration projects.
People
Hugh Garratt
Senior Surveyor
Founding surveyor with 25+ years' experience in heritage buildings and planning. Holds RICS accreditation and law qualification. Led award-winning restoration projects including Marchmont House and V&A Dundee's Oak Room.
Questions
What services do you specialise in?
We focus on heritage consultancy, listed building conservation, planning appeals, building surveys, and private client advisory services.
Do you work with historic buildings?
Yes, we're specialists in heritage properties, including listed buildings and Scheduled Monuments.
Which areas do you cover?
We operate throughout England and Scotland from our Berwick-upon-Tweed base.
How can you help with planning issues?
We manage planning applications, appeals, and public inquiries with 25+ years of experience.
What qualifications do your team hold?
Our principal surveyor holds RICS accreditation and is qualified in both surveying and law.
