James Hands

[BSc] MRICS

Co-Founder & Company Director

James is a co‑founder and Director of Evolda Limited, known for his pragmatic, straight‑talking approach to building consultancy and his ability to cut through complexity to deliver clear, commercially focused advice.

With nearly two decades of experience, James supports investors, landlords, managing agents and occupiers with confident decision‑making across asset management, refurbishment and compliance‑driven projects.

A graduate of Birmingham City University, James began his career at DBK Group (now part of RPS), where working within a smaller consultancy gave him early exposure to a wide range of surveying instructions and responsibility for complex projects. During this period, he focused on improving efficiency and value for clients, including the development of a streamlined schedule of rates for a Housing Association, and qualified as a BREEAM Retail Assessor and Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor.

James went on to work at GVA (now Avison Young) and Malcolm Hollis (Hollis Global), gaining experience across large‑scale commercial assets and a broad mix of property types. In 2015, he was appointed to establish and lead the Building Consultancy department for Workman in Birmingham, building the team to 14 and becoming a Partner.

His project experience includes major retail and commercial assets such as Bullring, Grand Central, Touchwood, Arena Birmingham, the ICC, Beetham Tower, Five Ways Entertainment Centre, Star City and 103 Colmore Row.

Today, James leads Evolda with a focus on clarity, good governance and dependable delivery, ensuring clients receive straightforward advice backed by technical expertise, commercial insight and real‑world experience.

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