Independent Chartered Surveyor Practice

Chartered Building Surveyor & Engineer. RICS Certified Historic Building Professional

With more than 30 years of experience as a Chartered Building Surveyor and Chartered Building Engineer in the south west of England, our director, Shaun Watts, has accumulated a vast store of knowledge about local buildings and their possible defects.

Expertise & Accreditation

Our extensive knowledge and expertise gained over many years covers all types of property including, those of historic or conservation interest across the UK but primarily throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. Shaun Watts is a certified Historic Building Professional and acts as an assessor for both RICS and ICE for their Conservation Accreditation Schemes.

Chartered Construction Manager. Building Surveyor

Rosie brings a unique blend of technical knowledge, housing expertise, and people-focused practice to Nova Surveyors. As a Building Surveyor, Chartered Construction Manager, and experienced housing consultant, she specialises in damp and mould diagnostics, environmental monitoring, landlord–tenant communication, and strategic housing advice.

With a strong track record over the past decade of supporting homeowners, social and private landlords, her work has been recognised nationally for its innovation in tackling damp and mould using real-time monitoring, behavioural insights, and meaningful engagement. She delivers training, carries out in-home investigations, and helps clients resolve complex disputes through evidence-led, empathetic consultancy.

Heritage Building Surveyor and Chartered Architectural Technologist

Rick is a Chartered Architectural Technologist, Chartered Building Engineer and Heritage Building Surveyor with an MSc in Building Conservation and over 10 years’ experience working on historic and sensitive buildings across the South West. He specialises in the conservation and adaptation of listed and traditional properties, providing measured surveys, technical drawings, project coordination and planning support.

His work includes managing planning and listed building consent applications, preparing building regulations submissions, and coordinating consultants and contractors on residential and commercial projects, guiding heritage schemes through complex regulatory environments with a practical, proportionate approach. In his spare time, Rick volunteers with the National Trust as a Heritage Archaeology Ranger, supporting the care and understanding of historic places.

Building Surveyor

Emma is Nova Surveyors’ only dedicated residential surveyor, having trained and qualified specifically to carry out homebuyers surveys to the highest standard. She brings fresh insight, strong analytical skills, and up-to-date knowledge of modern surveying techniques, materials, and regulations.

Emma has helped bridge the gap between current academic best practice and real-world application. Her presence on site ensures that Nova remains forward-thinking and responsive to the evolving needs of clients - blending established expertise with new-generation perspectives.

Operations and Client Support

If you’ve contacted Nova Surveyors, there’s a very good chance you’ve already spoken to Vanessa.

Having been with Nova since the very beginning, Vanessa is the friendly voice and steady hand behind much of what keeps the business running smoothly. From handling initial enquiries and quotation requests to answering client questions and coordinating next steps, she is often the first point of contact - and very much the face (and voice) of Nova for many of our clients.

Vanessa brings deep knowledge of how Nova operates, a calm and practical approach to problem-solving, and an instinct for client care that sets the tone for the whole practice. She also has a natural ability to keep the surveyors organised and aligned - no small task.