If there’s something strange in your neighbourhood, who you gonna call? Richard Peszynski, that’s who. As director, he’s one of the linchpins in our Project & Building Services team, and his unflappable seen-it-all-before approach lends credence to his valuable advice in all things buildings related.
Cool, calm and collected, he’s often approached by the younger members of the team who jostle to be included in his legendary personable chats. A man of many skills, he’s as comfortable wading knee-deep in flooded buildings as he is advising world-famous musicians about their studio needs.
We took five minutes with him to find out more about what goes on behind the scenes.
How long have you been with Hartnell Taylor Cook?
I’ve been at HTC for nine years, joining in June 2015, having decided not to enter the corporate world after the previous company I had worked at since 2000 was acquired.
What was your route into surveying? Did you always want to be a surveyor?
My route into surveying was slightly different from the norm. Having left college in the mid 80s I spent seven years working as an architectural assistant in London where I completed a part-time degree in architecture with a view of pursuing a career as an architect. The big recession of the early 90s however saw me move back to Bristol where I joined the family residential sales and lettings business. Here I was introduced to a well-respected Bristol building surveyor at the time who suggested the career and I’ve not looked back since.
What do you like most about working here?
I always set my stall out on the basis of a gut feel, and the first time I sat down with Alex Moat and Lyall Kennedy for what I supposed could be called an interview, I had a very positive vibe about the business, its people and culture. Nine years on and five years into a five-hour commute, I’m still here, very much enjoying that same positive vibe.
Briefly, how would you describe your role to someone who isn’t a surveyor?
This is a question often asked and I always give the same reply – I’m a jack of all trades – and that’s one of the joys that led me to building surveying in particular. No two days are ever the same: one minute you’re the project manager on a £3m new hub for South Western Ambulance Trust and the next you are negotiating a £10k dilapidations claim – and that’s just the one day!
What advice would you give someone wanting to become a surveyor?
If you want a job that offers excitement, adventure and a challenge, then become a surveyor; you’ll get these by the bucket load. It’s not a job that will make you a millionaire, but you’ll always have something rewarding.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your career?
Over a 30-year long surveying career I have had many challenging, weird and funny experiences that have ranged from the downright hilarious to the most terrifying. For example, my survey of a very old vacant pub in Cornwall is a very good camp fire story – the hairs on the back of my neck still stand when I think about that experience!
I have also brushed with the famous on occasions, including having undertaken a pre-acquisition survey in West London for a famous musician for his new studio, which I see he still has.
Outside of work, what makes you happy?
In my spare time I can sometimes be found – and my wife will say heard (usually cursing) – in my garage/workshop/mancave making and upcycling bits of old furniture.
What’s something people might not know about you?
Over the past two years I have been blessed with two wonderful grandchildren – yes, I know it’s hard to believe – I don’t look old enough!
What are your future goals in life?
That’s easy. As I enter my fourth working decade it’s retirement.
Our Consultancy team offer a full range of services from building consultancy, cost consultancy and lease advisory to Mechanical & Electrical, project management, rating and valuation. Lean more about our services here: https://htc.uk.com/consultancy/
