Welcome to… Meet the Directors

Where you can learn a little more about our team and what makes us tick.

Please meet – Ben Kearns

How long have you been in the real estate industry and where were you prior to setting up Clarity Building Consultancy?

I’ve been immersed in the UK commercial property industry for over 20 years and it’s a sector I remain deeply passionate about. My journey began working toward chartership with the RICS as a building surveyor and over the years I’ve evolved into a project leader, delivering complex developments across a wide range of asset classes. Before co-founding Clarity Building Consultancy with Dan (former Director at Colliers) and Matt (former Director at Black Cat), I held a senior leadership role at Workman LLP, where I led the UK-wide Project Management team.

During that time, I was fortunate to work on projects ranging from £1million refurbishments to £100million+ new builds, across sectors including retail, office, industrial and high-density residential. That breadth of experience has given me a deep understanding of the full property lifecycle, from acquisition and feasibility through to delivery and occupation.

Setting up Clarity was a natural next step. It gave me the opportunity to take everything I’d learned in a large consultancy environment and apply it in an agile, focused, and client-centric way. I’m incredibly proud of what we’re building at Clarity, a consultancy that’s grounded in experience but driven by energy, creativity and a genuine passion for delivering great outcomes.

What makes Clarity different?

Clarity is built on a simple but powerful idea: that clients can have the best of both worlds, big-firm experience and small-firm agility. We’ve deliberately structured ourselves to be lean, responsive and director-led, so that every client benefits from senior-level input and advice that’s tailored to their specific commercial goals.

What sets us apart is our ability to cut through complexity and focus on what really matters. We don’t get bogged down in process for the sake of it. Instead, we bring sharp commercial insight, clear communication and a proactive mindset to every project. Our clients know that we’re not just advisors, we’re invested partners who care as much about the success of their project as they do.

In today’s market, where development appraisals are tight and risk needs to be carefully managed, that approach is more valuable than ever. We’re not afraid to challenge assumptions, think creatively, and move quickly when opportunities arise.

That’s what makes Clarity different.

How do you think you use your expertise to add value to clients?

My focus is always on helping clients navigate complexity and unlock value. I specialise in delivering projects on constrained brownfield sites, often in dense urban environments, where the challenges are many, but the opportunities are significant. These projects demand a high level of technical knowledge, stakeholder engagement, and commercial awareness and that’s where I thrive.

I bring a calm, solutions-focused approach to every project. Whether it’s negotiating with local authorities, managing sensitive neighbour relationships, or aligning the design team around a shared vision, I’m always looking for ways to move things forward constructively. I believe in building strong, collaborative teams and creating an environment where everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Ultimately, my role is to de-risk the development process. That means anticipating issues before they arise, making informed decisions quickly and ensuring that the client’s vision is delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standard. It’s about being a trusted advisor who brings clarity, confidence, and momentum to every stage of the project.

Clarity’s dynamic approach to management and delivery creates a powerful platform for building a consultancy rooted in social impact. By aligning commercial excellence with ethical responsibility, we’re shaping a future where business is a force for good.

What’s the most interesting or challenging project you have been involved with to date?

One project that really stands out was a high-rise residential development on the south coast. Midway through construction, the main contractor went into insolvency, a situation that could have derailed the entire scheme. It was a real test of leadership, resilience, and problem-solving under pressure.

We had to act fast to secure the site, retain key subcontractors, and maintain momentum while we restructured the procurement strategy. That meant everything from negotiating with crane operators and security teams to preserving warranty provisions and engaging with funders. At the same time, we were working closely with legal teams to manage performance bonds and ensure continuity of delivery.

It was a hugely challenging period, but also incredibly rewarding. The experience gave me a deep understanding of supply chain management, contractual risk, and the importance of clear, decisive communication. It’s a project I often draw on when advising clients on procurement strategy and risk mitigation.

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?

Without a doubt—teleportation! The ability to instantly be on-site for a critical meeting in one city, then jump straight into a design workshop in another, would be the ultimate project management tool. It would allow me to maintain the hands-on, personal approach that we pride ourselves on at Clarity, without the constraints of geography or travel time.

More seriously, it reflects how much I value being present and engaged with our clients and teams. There’s no substitute for face-to-face collaboration when it comes to solving problems, building trust, and driving projects forward.

How do you spend your spare time?

Outside of work, I’m never far from a project, whether it’s a home extension, a garden studio, or a bit of DIY. I love the process of transforming spaces and seeing the tangible results of good design and hard work.

I also coach my son’s football team, which is a brilliant (and often chaotic!) way to spend a Saturday morning. Trying to coordinate 15 enthusiastic kids with 15 footballs flying in different directions is a great lesson in patience and multitasking.

To unwind, I enjoy running, cycling, and swimming, especially in the countryside around rural England. It’s a great way to clear the head and stay energised. And when time allows, I love exploring new places with my family, both in the UK and further afield.