Andrew Leonard BSc (Hons)
Founder of Survasai
Andrew studied Building Surveying at the University of Reading, graduating in 1990.
While many of his peers chose traditional dissertation topics, Andrew explored computer-aided learning for building surveying — a forward-thinking project that allowed users to navigate properties through text and images using HTML. Remarkably, this was three years before the internet — which also uses HTML — became publicly available.
After qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor, he consistently looked for ways to modernise professional workflows:
- In 1992 produced a business case for the introduction of voice dictation software to speed up report writing.
- Developed standardised survey clauses for consistency and fast report writing using the voice dictation software
- Implemented a departmental intranet to improve knowledge sharing
- In 1996, required digital cameras and broadband on-site to enable real-time issue reporting for large construction projects. Such a success the main contractor started using it on their other large projects
At the end of the 1990s, Andrew transitioned from surveying to launch a successful lean, systemised automated e-commerce business. At a time when no commercial platforms existed, he taught himself to code and developed a bespoke e-commerce system from scratch — combining technical innovation with a deep understanding of workflow automation and user experience.
Now, with decades of experience at the intersection of property and technology, Andrew is returning to the profession through Survasai — an early-stage initiative exploring how AI and automation can support the next generation of building surveyors.
Heather Leonard BSc (hons)
Junior Data Scientist | AI & ML Researcher | Vision-Language Specialist
Heather is a first-class honours graduate in Data Science and Machine Learning from the University of Exeter, with a strong foundation in statistical analysis, AI development, and visual computing.
Her final-year research focused on analyzing patterns across TikTok dance trends—using computer vision and engagement metrics to explore how choreography style influences user interaction (likes, comments, follower growth). This innovative project showcased her strengths in emerging vision-language models, combining creative and technical disciplines. In addition she has a good skill base in Python, SQL, R.
Heather brings a dynamic, research-led perspective to Survasai’s AI-driven property surveying platform, with a keen interest in pattern recognition, image analysis, and data insight generation. Outside of tech, she’s an avid dancer.