Business Details
34 Years
experience
Expert Building Surveyors & Architectural Design in Wells
Established in 1992, D B & Paul is a respected firm of chartered building surveyors and architectural design specialists based in Wells, Somerset. With over three decades of experience serving the Mendip region and beyond, we combine deep local knowledge with RICS-accredited expertise in residential and commercial property assessments, planning consultancy, and architectural solutions. Our team delivers comprehensive services from initial surveys through to project completion, prioritising clear communication, technical excellence, and client-focused outcomes. We maintain strong professional accreditations while adapting to evolving industry standards, ensuring reliable guidance for property transactions, renovations, and new developments. 
Services
Building Surveys
Architectural Design
Planning Applications
Building Regulations
Commercial Surveys
Residential Valuations
Measured Surveys
Defect Analysis
Listed Building Consent
Project Administration
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of RICS-accredited surveying and architectural experience
- Our team holds specialist expertise in listed buildings and heritage projects
- We provide end-to-end project management from planning to completion
- Our local knowledge spans Wells and the wider Mendip area
- We maintain transparent communication throughout the surveying process
Associations and certifications
- RICS
What people say
Exceptional service
Prompt and proactive
Comprehensive reports
Highly recommend
Professional team
Services
Building Surveys
Our RICS-accredited surveyors conduct detailed property inspections to identify structural issues and maintenance requirements. We specialise in residential and commercial buildings across Somerset, providing clear condition reports with repair recommendations. Our surveys help clients make informed property investment decisions while maintaining strict professional standards.
Architectural Design
We create tailored architectural solutions for residential extensions, commercial developments, and heritage projects. Our team combines technical expertise with creative design to meet planning regulations and client specifications. From concept drawings to construction documentation, we ensure practical, aesthetically pleasing outcomes that maximise property potential.
Planning Applications
Our specialists prepare and submit planning applications to local authorities, ensuring compliance with current regulations. We guide clients through the approval process for new builds, extensions, and listed building modifications. With deep local authority knowledge, we maximise approval chances while addressing potential objections proactively.
Commercial Surveys
We assess commercial properties for investment portfolios and business premises, evaluating condition and compliance requirements. Our surveys cover industrial units, retail spaces, and office buildings across the Mendip area. Clients receive detailed reports with maintenance strategies and value-enhancement recommendations for commercial assets.
Project Administration
Our team oversees building projects from initial design through to completion, managing timelines and quality control. We coordinate with contractors and local authorities to ensure regulatory compliance. This service covers residential renovations, commercial developments, and heritage restoration projects requiring specialist oversight.
People
Nicholas German
Managing Director
RICS Chartered Building Surveyor with 10+ years' leadership experience, specialising in project management and architectural design. Graduated from Anglia Ruskin University with RICS-accredited qualifications, now directing surveying operations in Wells.
Robert Arnell
Chartered Surveyor
Senior RICS-accredited surveyor offering residential expertise in property defects, listed buildings, and maintenance advice. Joined D B & Paul in 2022 with extensive experience in home buyer surveys and building condition assessments.
James Paul
Consultant Surveyor
RICS Fellow with 40+ years' local experience, specialising in surveying and planning consultancy. Founded the business in 1992 and continues providing expert guidance on Mendip area property assessments and heritage projects.
Robert Knapp
Architectural Technician
Architectural design specialist with 30+ years' experience across domestic, commercial, and healthcare sectors. Leads CAD drawing production and project feasibility assessments, supporting clients from concept design to construction phases.
Brigitte Taube
Architectural Technician
South African-qualified architect with 30 years' international experience in commercial and residential design. Specialises in environmentally sensitive projects, bringing global expertise to local developments while adhering to UK building regulations.
Questions
What survey types do you offer for property purchases?
We provide RICS Homebuyer Reports, full building surveys, and condition assessments for residential and commercial properties.
Can you assist with listed building modifications?
Yes, our team specialises in listed building consent applications and heritage-sensitive renovations across Somerset.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
We offer surveying and design services for both sectors, including new builds, extensions, and investment portfolios.
How do you support projects through planning stages?
We prepare planning applications, manage regulatory compliance, and advise on building regulation approvals for all project types.
What areas do you cover beyond Wells?
While based in Wells, we operate throughout Mendip and surrounding Somerset areas for all our surveying and architectural services.
Can you manage complete building projects?
Yes, our project administration service oversees developments from initial design through to completion and final inspections.
Reviews (4)
Pam Robertshaw
Aug 26, 2020
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Professional, friendly and very helpful. That sums up my experience with db & Paul. My first contact was with Jeni, who was very pleasant and understanding. The visit from Nick German was excellent in terms of both the advice given and the report. He was helpful in recommending a suitable person to make repairs and liaising with us both.
Geoff Barratt
Oct 03, 2019
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It was a pleasure to work with a professional team ,we would love to work with again in the future, Barratt and Canniford ltd,
Jan Mills
Sep 28, 2019
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I have used db+Paul several times over the last few years, firstly to do full building surveys on two properties that I subsequently purchased, and secondly to investigate a damp problem in a bedroom. They have always been prompt and proactive and their surveys comprehensive and helpful. They will always be my surveyors of choice, and I would highly recommend them.
Elaine Elliott
Jul 26, 2019
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We wanted to convert a barn at our property which is a listed building, into a holiday let. We employed D B + Paul who oversaw the project from the planning stage right through to completion. The project has now completed and we are delighted with the help and support that we received from Nick German in particular. We would have no hesitation in recommending them for building projects and surveying.
