About SMT Associates

Stephen founded SMT Associates in 1996 and has more than 35 years’ experience in property, construction, planning and historic buildings. A Chartered Building Surveyor with an MSc in Historic timber conservation and Building Conservation, he combines development feasibility, complex planning, heritage significance, Building Regulations and construction knowledge to find practical solutions for difficult buildings and sites.

Building pathology is central to Stephen’s work. He specialises in defect analysis, damp and moisture investigations, historic timber conservation and the diagnosis of decay and structural deterioration in traditional buildings. His detailed surveys and evidence-based reports help clients understand the true cause of a problem before committing to repairs and have been accepted by building-warranty providers.

Stephen has written research papers on lime mortars in 1999 and 2016, and has been at the forefront of the use of St Astier natural hydraulic lime in the UK since its introduction in 1997. His specialist advice has been sought by architects, building surveyors, the National Trust, Historic England, national housebuilders, historic-building trusts and private clients. Clients value his ability to see the wider picture, investigate difficult problems and provide clear, direct advice founded on extensive practical experience.

Jeremy has more than 30 years’ experience and an in-depth working knowledge of both the planning system and Building Regulations. This is particularly valuable on complex changes of use, where achieving planning permission is only part of the challenge. Jeremy tests whether the proposed layout, fire strategy, access, ventilation, energy performance and construction work can also be delivered within the existing building.

He undertakes detailed feasibility studies to identify conflicts, hidden costs and potential deal-breakers before clients commit to a purchase or fixed design, helping avoid expensive mistakes later. Jeremy is also highly experienced in historic-building surveys and building pathology, investigating dampness, decay, structural movement and construction defects before developing practical, building-sensitive solutions. He can then guide a project through design, approvals, contract administration and construction to completion.

Lauren leads SMT’s photorealistic 3D modelling and photogrammetry work, supported by accurate measured building and topographical surveys. She transforms detailed survey data into credible, survey-based representations for planning applications, heritage assessments and design development, helping clients, consultees and planning officers clearly understand a proposal and its relationship with the surrounding site. This combination of surveying accuracy and photorealistic visual communication is a key capability that sets SMT apart.

As a Building Surveyor, Lauren also supports planning, Building Regulations, historic-building investigations and building-pathology work. Her ability to connect accurate site information with the planning and technical requirements of a project helps the wider team identify constraints, explain proposals and make well-informed design decisions.

Lewis undertakes technical drone surveys, inspections and photogrammetric capture for buildings and development sites. His work provides accurate aerial information for inaccessible roofs, chimneys and elevations while supporting measured surveys, planning evidence, three-dimensional models and construction monitoring.

His ability to safely capture detailed information from difficult locations reduces the need for scaffolding or other costly access during the early stages of investigation. Working alongside Lauren and the surveying team, Lewis helps turn aerial data into useful evidence for planning, inspection and project delivery.

George undertakes drone photography and supports SMT’s energy-assessment services through EPC inspections and property-data collection. His aerial photography provides clear visual records of buildings, sites and their wider surroundings for surveys, planning submissions, condition assessments and project monitoring.

By combining visual information with an understanding of building energy performance, George helps strengthen the evidence available to clients and the wider project team.

Kerry coordinates appointments, project communications, documentation and the day-to-day organisation of the practice. Her efficient and supportive approach ensures clients receive clear information and timely updates while allowing the surveying team to concentrate on progressing their work.

Working across the practice, Kerry provides the organisational continuity that keeps projects, submissions and communications moving in the right direction.