Celebrating the Career of Piers Street: Nearly 60 Years in Surveying
At the end of March, we said farewell to our colleague and Partner, Piers Street, who retired on 31st March 2026 after an exceptional career in surveying spanning nearly 60 years.
Piers carried out his first valuation report in February 1967, beginning a career that would see him advise on an extraordinary number of properties and client matters over the decades. While it is difficult to quantify the sheer volume of surveys he has undertaken, his experience and contribution to the profession are undeniable. Being christened Piers Street he was destined to peer down countless streets of houses in Brighton and indeed along the south coast.
A third-generation surveyor, Piers began his working life in the family’s London office, developing his knowledge of property from an early stage. He went on to gain broad experience across London, North Norfolk and Sussex, working on both residential and commercial matters. He qualified as a Valuer in 1978 and has since built a reputation for providing clear, balanced and reliable advice. His USP from a client’s viewpoint, was that you were being advised by a gentleman from the old school of courtesy and manners. From the many testimonials received this was much prized. His partners witnessed at first hand his patient and gentle demeanour when dealing with distressed and confused property owners. He took his time with them and despite his vast experience never spoke down to them but explained carefully and clearly how he could help resolve their issues. In this way he was a true professional.
Piers joined Sussex Surveyors in 1997, based in our Hove office, and went on to become a Partner of the firm, playing an important role in its continued development and reputation. Sussex Surveyors has long been established as a trusted, independent firm of Chartered Surveyors across the South East, providing professional advice to private clients, solicitors and other professional contacts. Our focus has always been on delivering practical, well-considered reports, underpinned by local knowledge and experience, qualities that Piers consistently demonstrated throughout his time with us.
During his career with Sussex Surveyors, Piers undertook a wide range of work, including RICS HomeBuyer Reports, both with and without valuations, as well as residential and commercial valuation work for probate, matrimonial matters and taxation purposes, including Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax. He also carried out commercial rent review instructions, applying his depth of knowledge to a variety of property types.
Piers has been known throughout his career for his thorough and methodical approach. His reports have always reflected careful consideration and attention to detail, providing clients with the clarity and reassurance they require when making important property decisions. He has also been a dependable colleague, offering support and insight built on many years of experience in the industry.
As a firm, we place great value on experience, professionalism and continuity, and Piers has embodied these principles throughout his time with us. His contribution has not only been in the work he has delivered, but also in the example he has set to colleagues across the practice.
On behalf of his partners and colleagues Piers was a delight to work with. He is possessed of a well-developed sense of humour and even in the depths of a crisis could lighten the mood with a witty or leftfield statement. The firm traded successfully through some trying times: a few financial crises, a world wide pandemic, Brexit and the innumerable changes in regulations which occasionally make the world of a professional very trying. Having Piers at your side through such turbulent times was an invaluable source of reassurance. This company is the success it is due to his financial prudence and sage counsel in such dire straits.
However, this misses the point about Piers as anyone who has had the briefest of acquaintances with him would agree. There is a restless fizz to him which means he is always busy. He is never one to leave a job for tomorrow when he could do it today. This sense of enthusiasm coupled with his engaging personality is highly contagious and is one of the reasons you just had to come into the office to see him. He is a great fan of cricket and has been generous in sharing this with his colleagues, clients and friends of the company. He had an uncanny ability to pick a sunny day for his day at Arundel Castle cricket ground. Many of us will treasure those summer days in his company relaxing and enjoying the game and hospitality.
We are grateful to Piers for his longstanding service and the role he has played in supporting both our clients and the wider professional community. He retires with our sincere thanks and very best wishes for a long, healthy and well-deserved retirement.
As we celebrate Piers Street’s remarkable contribution to the surveying profession and his many years of dedicated service, Sussex Surveyors remains committed to providing the same trusted, professional and client-focused advice that has defined the firm for generations. Whether you require a residential survey, property valuation or specialist professional advice, our experienced team is here to help.
To speak with one of our Chartered Surveyors, contact Sussex Surveyors and discover how we can support your property needs.
