Who we are
Mark Watson
Partner
Mark studied at the University of Northumbria, graduating in 1994 with an honours degree in Building Surveying, and gaining Chartered Building Surveyor status in 1998. He joined Wakefields in 2001 and became a Partner in the practice in 2007.
Primarily involved in building surveys, and building pathology, he regularly undertakes building surveys on a wide range of property types, from dwelling houses, churches and public houses, through to larger scale industrial and commercial premises.
Mark is also an RICS Registered Valuer and has a wealth of experience in construction contract administration, the implementation and updating of planned maintenance schedules for both individual buildings and larger property portfolios, along with dilapidations and party wall matters.
Outside of work, Mark has recently completed the renovation of his home and is enjoying some well deserved free time, mountain biking and hill walking with his wife and mischievous border terrier.
Andrew Lorimer
Partner
Andrew obtained an honours degree in Information Management from Queen Margaret University College in Edinburgh in 2000 and went on to become a Senior Business Analyst before deciding upon a career change to Building Surveying. He subsequently obtained a Postgraduate Diploma, with Merit, in Building Surveying from the College of Estate Management in Reading and qualified as a Chartered Member of the RICS in 2008.
Since joining Wakefields in 2005, Andrew developed his role within the company and became a Partner in 2011.
He has particular expertise in; architectural design and specification, construction contract administration, party wall matters and boundary disputes. Andrew also provides professional surveying services in relation to defect analysis, planned maintenance, condition surveys, schedules of condition and dilapidations.
Andrew lives in the Tyne Valley countryside with his family and in his free time enjoys outdoor sports and fitness.
Heather Butterfield
Partner
Heather joined Wakefields as a placement student in 2008 and returned following graduation form Northumbria University in 2010 with an honours degree in Building Surveying. Since, she has developed into an integral member of the Wakefields team, gaining Chartered Building Surveyor status in 2012 and becoming a Partner of the practice in 2016.
Heather is primarily involved in defect analysis, dilapidations, acquisition surveys and the preparation of planned maintenance schedules and programmes of work for long-standing Clients. In more recent years, Heather has gained experience as an Expert Witness and continues to develop in this role.
Away from work, Heather likes to spend her free time with her young family and black Labrador.
.
Sam Nicholson
Partner
Sam obtained his honours degree in Building Surveying from the University of Northumbria in 2010. He then embarked on a journey within the sustainability sector, leading projects for a multinational consultancy. Returning to his roots in building surveying, Sam joined Wakefields in 2019, focusing on defect analysis, dilapidations, architectural design and specification.
In 2022, Sam achieved Chartered Membership of the RICS and received the prestigious 2022 Brain Crumbley Shield, honouring his dedication and accomplishments early in his career. He was also named a finalist for RICS Young Surveyor of the Year in 2022 before going on to win the award in 2023.
In July 2024, Sam attained Fellowship status (FRICS) recognising his significant contributions to the profession. That same year, he ascended to become a Partner in the practice, marking another significant milestone in his career journey.
Outside of work, Sam resides on the coast, indulging his passion for surfing and competing in triathlons.
Adam Mullen
Building Surveyor
Adam has over a decade of experience leading a team within a multinational manufacturer of scientific reagents. In 2017 Adam changed his career, putting himself on the path to become a Building Surveyor. Following graduation from Northumbria University in 2021 with a first class honours degree in Building Surveying, he joined the Wakefields team.
Adam is primarily involved in measured surveys, architectural design and specification and dilapidations.
Outside of work Adam spends his time with his family walking, climbing and exploring all that the North East has to offer.