Our Built Heritage

In this episode I am joined by Mark Hosea, Director of Estates and Conservation at the Old Royal Naval College and Tom Billington, Director of Oculus Management.   Mark is a chartered surveyor and member of the RICS. He is responsible for balancing the commercial and conservation objectives of the Old Royal Naval College, aligning them with the values and expectations of their many audiences and stakeholders. Along with overseeing the complex estate and its significant budgets, notably conservation and collections.   Tom has extensive knowledge of built assets, having worked on contemporary buildings and large construction sites such as the London Olympic Park, whilst also having managed and developed around 100 listed buildings and structures -including being responsible for the estates of 2 UNESCO world heritage sites.   We talk about how they both got into their respective industries and their incredible work journeys which is inspiring and insightful. It just goes to show that you don’t have to have everything mapped out from the start!   We discuss the importance of having the right people roundthe table when you are working on a project and the need for collaboration and open communication.   The meaning of heritage and how it is important and what this means when you are a custodian so that people can enjoy the spaces which also includes immersive experiences.   We talk about some myths when working on large sites and the lack of funding support from the government and what this then means to those looking after them. Along with the usual common themes and misconceptions in their respective lines of work. Plus, advice for anyone embarking on a project and the importance of having fun!   It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Caitlin an experienced archivist.   We talk about our love of things old, visiting libraries and archives and how special they are. The power of the OS map, census information and trade directories.   We discuss the social standing and how land may have been obtained and divided up which had an impact on how people lived and how this links to finding out more information about your property.   Caitlin helps debunk how to research people and buildings so that you can find out more about the architectural and social side of a building and how they are linked.   She also talks about what happens when you visit an archive and how they can support you with your searches during your visit but also how an archivist can do the work for you if you need additional help.   We get into some of the common misconceptions when it comes to a buildings history and we touch on digital archives. Plus, how you might become an archivist if this is a career that interests you. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Carolyn who is the proud custodian and owner of a beautiful Grade 1 listed property in Carlisle. The building has a fortified tower dating back to 15the century with alterations dating from the 16th century and an extension in the late 17th century.   The listed entry has little detail and what it does describe is the exterior of the building and some of the materials used to build the property. It briefly mentions the interior by saying “Interior of the tower is thought to be of some interest but unable to gain access at the time of survey. Small single-storey additions to tower are not of interest.”   Anyone who has seen a listed entry will know that is typically all you get, if you are lucky! They can be even more vague.   We talk about what it is liked owning and caring for a listed property and the lessons she has learned along the way. What and how to implement improvements to your home, dealing with an act of God and the importance of getting the right people involved when you need help.   It is a great listen and hearing first hand advice from a Grade 1 listed property owner.

In this episode I am joined by Claire Truman from Heritage Revival, an independent conservation architects practice specialising in listed buildings based in Berkshire but works across the UK.   We talk about what our buildings can tell us about the way we used to live and how buildings and societies have evolved. Along with how she manages a project and works with her clients.   We talk about what trickery can be found in buildings and the importance of researching a buildings history to ensure work carried out is appropriate, plus the need to talk about budgets and the implications of not talking about budget can have on a project.   It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Tiffany Snowden from Blue Willow Heritage. Tiffany is the Director of Blue Willow Heritage, having founded the company following over a decade of work in the historic environment sector with a focus on both built heritage and archaeology. She is a fully accredited member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists at their highest level (MCIfA) as well as being a full member of the Institute for Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). Tiffany currently serves as a Trustee of The Victorian Society, one of the statutory consultees forming part of the Joint Committee of the National Amenity Societies. Key interests and experience include design advice, retrofit of historic buildings, Victorian architecture, and the sustainable conversion of traditional agricultural buildings.   We talk about how she got into the industry and the roles she undertook before starting Blue Willow Heritage. It is very inspiring when you are not sure what you want to do but how embracing the unknown and working in different roles can shape the work you get involved in and how invaluable that experience is in helping clients with their projects.   It is interesting to hear a how archaeology intertwines with a buildings fabric and the stories it can tell and what that can mean when you are embarking on a project and how to get the best results.   We also talk about how confusing it can be when it comes to looking at things like windows, and some of the claims made around traditional designs and authenticity and the complications this could cause down the line on a project.   It will be an interesting listen for anyone who owns an older property and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Sean Matten from Ramboll, a global architecture, engineering, and consultancy company, delivering expertise and sustainable solutions to clients and partners. Ramboll were Founded in Denmark in 1945 and today they operate across 35 countries. They combine deep local insight and experience with a global knowledge base to create sustainable societies and drive positive change for their clients. Sean is a Program Director at Ramboll working on historic buildings.   We talk about how Sean got into the industry and how he went from being in the army to the role he now undertakes. Plus, what it is like to own a Grade 2 listed Georgian property. The joys of finding a bat in your property and the types of contractors you might need to engage with on a project and how it can impact on not only your budget but also on your projects timescales.   Sean describes a few buildings that are being adapted to be more climate efficient and visually interesting and how buildings can be repurposed depending on how it was constructed. Plus the need to maintain your building along with the usual misconceptions and advice if you are about to embark on a project.   It will be an insightful listen for anyone who owns an older property and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined delighted to be joined by Peter Galloway from the Printmaker’s Inn in Savannah, Georgia. Peter is the proud owner of a historic building which is older than Savannah itself!   We talk about how Peter came to be the proud owner of 2 historic mansions. The history and work he has undertaken especially after he dismantled and reassembled one of the houses from its original location in East Hartford to Savannah.   We discuss the differences and similarities in building regulations between the UK and the USA and how people approach buildings and projects and the impact of finding the right trades to support a project.   Travel has clearly had a massive influence, and his story will no doubt resonate with many listeners and how inspiring visiting different places and countries can have on you.   It will be great listen for anyone who loves older buildings and wants to hear about how Peter tackled his project and anyone looking for some guidance or is generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Mark Somerfield, a heritage consultant working with private clients and currently working with the Canal & River Trust as an advisor.   We talk about how Mark came to work in the industry and some of the incredible projects he has been involved in including the work he is currently undertaking with the Canal & River Trust. It is a real eye opener into what constitutes as heritage and what additional factors you might need to consider such as ecology, bats, swallows, structural engineering, waterways and bridges. Mark also shares advice on how to care for a traditional property, the importance of teamwork and buying the right property.   It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Philip Gaches from Gaches Traditional Plasterers. A family owned business offering conservation services in historic plasterwork drawing on over 75 years of experience working in the conservation of plaster internally and externally.   They have worked on some incredible buildings including a few you may have heard of such as Strawberry Hill House, a Gothick Revival property in London where they led the complete replastering of the exterior. Apethorpe Palace which is a Grade 1 listed country house under the care of English Heritage where they worked on the ceiling and coving in the library to reinstate it and Hardwick Hall an Elizabethan National Trust property to name a few.   We talk about apprenticeships and how they have changed during Philips working lifetime along with some incredible advice on how to get into specialist plaster work.   We get into common themes and misconceptions relating to plastering and get a bit scientific when it comes what it is made from and some potentially surprising ingredients and the way carbon and CO2 comes into it.   Philip also shares advice on how to care for a traditional property, especially if you are needing help.   It will be an interesting listen, especially for anyone wanting to get into working in such a specialist industry and anyone else either embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance or you are interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Shanell Johnson, an experienced Senior Project Leader working within the government, including looking after the Houses of Parliament after starting as a sandwich student and working her way up. We talk about the changes she saw during her time whilst working at the Houses of Parliament. Both in terms of to the building itself, where parts of it are over 1,000 years old, and the breaking down of barriers in the way people worked and related to each other. We discuss the how important it is to take a chance and see where it can take you and for Shanell that was working on some incredible projects during her time at the Houses of Parliament which she goes in to. We cover the need for collaboration and open conversations whilst understanding the end goal and separating this from people’s personal agenda and layering in understanding the historical setting. Plus, how to manage a project, irrespective of the nature of it, and talk about some of the ways to ensure it is a success especially when you are dealing with a historical building. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Diane Benn from High Flying Comms, an independent marketing communications consultancy specialising in working with clients in the built environment sector. Diane has worked with many of the biggest names in the industry advising and developing their brand and communications strategy. Whilst it may seem strange talking about marketing and communications strategies on a podcast related to Our Built Heritage, we felt that this is something that may be of interest to any commercial property owners. You may be about to launch a business or be going through a rebranding exercise or a refresh of your existing material and need help on how to maximise the value of owning a heritage property and ultimately drive revenue. We talk about how the wealth of information you will have gathered to support developing your property is too powerful for it to be left in a planning application! A good marketing strategy should not only tell your story but that of your traditional property to help generate interest and a buzz from the start of your journey and why it is important that you don’t leave it to the last minute irrespective of your budget. Diane explains the power of case studies and how they are still relevant in today’s world along with the other forms of marketing and advertising that are available and what might be appropriate in the heritage sector. We also discuss myths and common perceptions when it comes to marketing and the need to develop clarity in your business. The power of authenticity! It will be a valuable listen to anyone who is needs help with working out how to market their property and tell their story.

In this episode I am joined by Holly Gerrard from ID Planning, an independent planning consultancy offering creative and innovative planning solutions to complex regeneration proposals based in Leeds and Sheffield but working throughout the UK. Holly is their specialist heritage consultant. Holly and I discuss her work and how she found herself in such an interesting industry. We talk about the range of traditional buildings and what needs to be considered when working with them whilst retaining the spirit of the building and when it might be appropriate to seek the advice of a professional to ensure your project is a success. Holly shares what she has found when it comes to the planning process and what should be included and how this links to how I develop design concepts. We talk about the thought processes of clients, developers and those involved in the project and how this can impact on the success of a project.  We discuss top tips in relation to dealing with traditional properties and the complexities of working with listed buildings and cost implications. Plus, how you might be found out if you go rogue with your building and the consequences associated with this and the potential danger of following advice on social media without qualifying what is said as it could land you in trouble! It will be great listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Marie Woods from Heritage Adventures, an independent archaeologist and heritage consultant working with councils, contractors and architects to support them with their projects by examining sites and producing reports to assist them in achieving their goals. Marie also runs heritage workshops with schools and museums working nationally. Marie and I discuss where her interest in heritage and archaeology came from along with grossest thing she has uncovered when working on a site. She also shares common items you might find when working on a traditional property and what you might want to do with them once you have uncovered them. We discuss the skills gap and lack of opportunities for people to learn. The cultural and architectural value of a building and how important it is to understand these when approaching any work especially if you are planning on making any changes and how this feeds into a planning application. Plus, top tips and how important it is to have a maintenance plan. We also pled to certain programmes to mention more about working with a traditional (and listed) property to help raise awareness on planning requirements and appropriateness of materials and not just glossing over it as they sometimes (often) do. It will be interesting listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Ian Collins, co-founder of Mesh Architects in Chapel Allerton, Leeds. They are an award-winning practice who work on residential and commercial projects including repurposing and caring for traditional and listed buildings. Ian offers some top tips and great insights into how he and his team works using a few case studies to bring it to life. Along with his favourite phrase which feeds into the way he works, especially when it comes to older properties. We also talk about working with traditional properties including the complexities of working with a listed building and some common misconceptions. The importance of reading a building and allowing its story to be told and how it needs to be balanced with the client’s intention and that it is not always about preserving the building in every case. Adaptation and evolution can and is necessary but how you go about it is key which we discuss. It is a must for anyone embarking on a project and is struggling to wrestle with how to introduce modern interventions in a sensitive yet creative way.

In this episode I am joined by Clare Booth from CLB Heritage, an independent heritage planning consultancy helping to guide clients through the entire planning process from conception to development working in the public and private sectors working across North Yorkshire and North East.  Clare and I discuss her work and how she found herself in such an interesting industry and where her sense of pride comes from! We talk about working with older properties and how important it is to understand your traditional building, especially when it is listed. Claire has a wealth of experience after working in different roles and sectors including a background in the building trade which means she can see all sides of a development proposal and has a better understanding to help her clients achieve their goals. This includes ways to cut down on wasted time which can equate to wasted money, especially if it comes to preventing the amount of back and forth with a planning department. Claire offers a helpful perspective on the planning process along with the planning departments and shares the level of detail required in a planning application and how it has evolved over the years. We also share top tips and how to build a strong team around you so that you can minimise the risk of the dreaded “unknowns” and hidden costs. Plus, the thought process in approaching a property and how you use it now but also in the future so that it can still cater for your needs and not just for a period in time. When it comes to working on a building we discuss the term “like for like”, “repair” and “conservation” and what this all mean when it comes to a building. It will be great listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Michiel Brouns from Brouns & Co. A UK manufacturer of natural linseed oil paint based in West Yorkshire where the paints’ raw ingredient, flax, is grown. The business was founded by Michiel a historic building conservation specialist, who gained his expertise surveying historic buildings in his native Netherlands, before moving to the UK in 2006 and setting up Brouns & Co. His products have been used all over the world on varying sized properties in a commercial and domestic setting along with high-profile clients such as Chatsworth House, the Duke of Westminster’s Grosvenor Estate, and Channel 4’s Grand Designs team. They are also making an impact in the US, where, in regions such as New England, the maintenance of historic wooden buildings is a major conservation issue. Michiel and I talk about when and how to use linseed paint and how it differs from the more modern acrylic style paints. He describes its application and use and how he works with specifiers and contractors. Michiel’s passion for his products and preserving our build heritage is addictive but it also highlights how “green” his products are, their durability and how cost effective they are which isn’t always known in the industry. There are some myth busters in there and top tips when working with traditional buildings and how we need to create a movement for change! It will be thought provoking listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Dr Joanne Harrison from Harrison Architectural Heritage, an architectural practice based in Wakefield. Joanne is an architect, retrofit assessor and coordinator, heritage consultant and researcher, with specialisms in historic building conservation and sustainable design. Her work includes private residences, educational facilities, commercial projects along with work in the retail and industrial sectors. We talk about how Joanne got into the industry and the knowledge she gained from undertaking her formal qualifications. Joanne and I discuss working with older properties and how early engagement is so important. Along with the need for recognising that traditional buildings are different and the way they should be cared for must also be different. Not all buildings are created equally or in the same way. We talk about the stigma attached to back-to-back houses but how important they are. Plus, the joy and fun and problem solving when working with older properties and modern intervention vs traditional, which should it be? Joanne outlines how she works with a client and how she approaches a project referencing some interesting case studies to help demonstrate it along with the importance of engaging the right people to achieve a client’s aims. We share top tips when you have a traditional or listed building and how critical understanding the building’s narrative is to the success of your project. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Rebecca Thompson, Director of Property at St Paul’s Cathedral where responsibilities include leading the strategic development to ensure compliance, maintenance and restoration of this magnificent iconic building and its associated estate. Rebecca and I discuss her work and how she got into working within the heritage sector, and how powerful apprenticeships can be and how university might not always be the right option and how important it is to follow your heart and being brave enough to take the leap. Rebecca offers an insight into some of the incredible work they are doing at St Paul’s Cathedral to ensure it is around for many more years to come and will be able to share even more about opportunities in a later episode so keep a look out for that! We discuss the joy and stress of owning a heritage building and the pride that goes hand in hand with it, top tips and how important it is to have a maintenance plan. Plus, caring for an older property (listed or not) and where to find information to support looking after your traditional property, architectural detailing to look out for and the appropriateness of materials and how this translates to buildings under Rebecca’s care. We also scratch the surface on a really big subject so more will follow in future episodes! It will be great listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Professor John Edwards who is an authority on working with older properties with a wealth of experience including working with Cadw (the Welsh Government body responsible for safeguarding the historic built environment) as the Assistant Director as well as working with Historic England and the Chartered Institute of Building where he delivers courses which is where we met on the Understanding Building Conservation course which he wrote and delivered. In his own practice, Edwards Hart he offers a wealth of services ranging from building services, energy efficiency and advice, support with planning applications along with a training academy which is Environment Study Centre and the list goes on. John tells us how he got into the industry and where his extensive knowledge of working with the built environment came from and the power of education. We talk about where issues with buildings can come from, retrofitting, climate change, moisture in a building, common themes and misconceptions relating to sustaining a building so some hefty topics. It will be an interesting listen for anyone who owns an older property and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Dr Emma Wells who is an authority on the research and reporting of ecclesiastical and secular historic buildings, commercial sites, landed estates and sustainability solutions. Emma is also a published author and regular broadcaster whilst also heading up SLR’s historic building team where they offer all manner of services including reports in heritage and archaeology, due diligence and risk assessment/feasibility, rebuttals/appeals and acting as an expert witness. Emma shares how she got into the industry and what could well have planted the heritage seed. We talk about the evolution of buildings and what that means in today’s world when working with older buildings. Plus, a few examples of what Emma has come across when working with clients to support their projects. We talk about new builds in comparison to traditional properties and common themes and misconceptions especially when it comes to what you can and can’t do with an older property. It will be a thought provoking listen for anyone who owns an older property and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.