Why Blackbird?
Blackbird is a name chosen with purpose and pride. Inspired by Paul McCartney’s song, (although dare we upset Beatles fans by saying we love the Beyonce version more), it speaks to empowerment, resilience, and new beginnings—values that shape how we work.
Independent by design
As a proud Black-owned business, the name nods to the freedom and responsibility of building something of our own. It reminds us to approach every project with courage, care, and a commitment to creating opportunity.
A watchful, practical spirit
Like the bird that gives the name its strength, we bring acute observation, adaptability, and steady judgement to every inspection and report.
Client-centred empowerment
We aim to give clients clarity and confidence: practical, evidence-led advice that frees people to make better decisions about their homes, investments, and disputes.
Rooted in integrity
Our values—technical excellence, transparency, and fair-minded collaboration—shape everything we do and reflect the dignity behind our name.
Blackbird is more than a brand; it’s a promise to work with precision, empathy, and purpose—helping people and places flourish.
Building lasting relationships founded on trust, integrity, and professionalism.
Learie Gonsalves
BSc (Hons), FRICS
Technical Director
Learie is a Chartered Building Surveyor and Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS), with over 20 years of experience across residential, commercial, and public sector projects. His portfolio includes iconic buildings in Leicester and landmark commissions such as the Palace of Westminster.
Known for his technical depth and precision, Learie leads Blackbird’s Building Surveying service lines with a client-first ethos rooted in quality and professionalism. As a Chartered Fellow of RICS, he brings sound professional judgement, and a commitment to the highest technical building surveying standards — ensuring every instruction is delivered with clarity, integrity, and purpose.
You can follow Learie’s reflections, technical insights, and stories from the field on his blog: Adventures in Property Surveying — a thoughtful look at the challenges and triumphs that shape the built environment.
🎾 When They’re Not Surveying…
Beyond the clipboard, Learie is a passionate advocate for increasing diversity within the surveying profession. He regularly collaborates with local colleges and universities to inspire the next generation of surveyors. When he’s not on site, you’ll find him curating his vinyl collection or DJing in the kitchen — often with a nod to his favourite soul and reggae classics. His chosen charity is Prostate Cancer UK, a cause close to his heart.
Our People
Blackbird Property Surveying Ltd is committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities within the community. Passionate about diversity and inclusion, we aim to ensure our growth benefits people from all backgrounds. Every role within the organisation contributes specialist expertise to deliver property development projects efficiently, on time, and within budget — while upholding the highest quality and regulatory standards.
Chartered Surveyors
Blackbird Property Surveying Ltd will engage qualified Chartered Surveyors or partner organisations as required to deliver professional commissions and maintain the highest industry standards.
Administration
Our business relies on a strong foundation of administrative support, including bookkeepers, accountants, and office administrators. While some services are already in place, continued growth will create new opportunities for skilled individuals to help plan and organise company activities.
Property Development Partners
Our success depends on collaboration. We will build a diverse network of professionals, including architects, construction managers, and contractors, to deliver high-quality, efficient, and compliant property development projects.
Emerging Talent
To support growth and our social responsibility commitments, we will partner with local educational institutions to nurture emerging talent through work experience and placement opportunities, helping shape the next generation of property professionals.
Learie Gonsalves, FRICS, brings a powerful fusion of technical expertise and strategic commercial leadership — that underpins Blackbird Property Surveyors Ltd’s commitment to excellence.
Learie’s depth of knowledge in building surveying, grounded in the highest professional and ethical standards of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, aligning technical delivery with strong relationship management to achieve outstanding client outcomes.
Enables Blackbird to maintain a watchful eye on every aspect of service, building trusted collaborations and laying the foundation for long-term success.