Our Built Heritage

In this episode I am joined by Benedict Ryan, Director at Charles Cooper, a Conservation, Restoration & Heritage Consultation Project Manager and Chair of the Young Irish Georgian’s- London Chapter.We talk about how Benedict got into the industry and theincredible projects he has worked on and how he approaches and project and building. We touch on paint analysis and how this may influence the design direction and how to train to be a gilder. We discuss the challenges, common themes and misconceptions working in the heritage sector along with the usual top tips when working with an older property. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Robyn Pender who provides afresh look at the climate emergency through the twin lenses of science and history. Robyn is passionate about the world and promoting change for the better! Robyn was originally a physicist and then studied wall paintings and conservation which then lead her to working in the built environment andworking for Historic England as a Senior Building conservation Advisor. We talk about how buildings should be climate specific andhow World War 2 and the industrial revolution impacted how buildings were built along with the changes in glass making and it becoming cheaper and how this also changed the way a building was built and performed. We discuss the idea of defining a building as a greatcoatand a raincoat, Medieval illumination and wall cloths and how integral they were along with other architectural detailing that helped maintain the property and kept it healthy and structural sound. The way heat transfers or is lost depending on the product and how this can impact on comfort levels.  We look at some of the challenges faced, plus common themes and misconceptions when working in the heritage sector along with the usual top tips when working with an older property. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Russell Trudgen, Architectand Director at Arctic Associates, an award-winning Conservation Architects practice working with heritage properties based in West Yorkshire. They offer thoughtful conservation, restoration, adaption, and extensions of listed buildings as well as new buildings in historic and sensitive settings.We talk about where Russell’s interest in heritage came fromand how this then carried through into his work and the creation of his practice and the work he then focussed on. What might be involved when it comes to working with a traditional and listed building and the planning process andthe skills shortage. We look at some of the challenges faced, plus common themes and misconceptions when working in the heritage sector along with the usual top tips when working with an older property. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Cait Whitson from Whitson’s and Carte Blanche. The aim of Whitson’s is to manufacture, source and supply exceptional products for the decorationindustry. Carte Blanche which was Cait’s first business offered high-end decorative painting and restoration services. We talk about Cait got into the industry and the trainingshe undertook and the kind of properties she worked on which ignited her passion to learn more about paint, how it is made and how it is applied and developing her specialist paint skills in graining and marbling. How life in a male dominated environment was and how she circumnavigated it. We discuss the impact of products on the environment,challenges, common themes and misconceptions working in the heritage sector along with the usual top tips when working with an older property. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Helen Whittaker, Director atBarley Studios where they have an international reputation for excellence in stained glass creation and conservation for cathedrals, stately homes, parish churches and prestigious secular buildings across the UK and beyond. Helen is an award-winning designer and maker of stained-glass windows and metal sculpture, directing restoration painting alongside her new design work. In 2024 Helen was awarded an MBE for services to stained glass creation and conservation in the Kings Birthday Honours. She has also recently published a book titled “Illuminating Stained Glass – Creativity, Conservation and Craft at Barley Studio.”We talk about how she got into stained glass and theimportance of work experience to hone her skills and her love of working with glass which goes beyond painting. She talks about the need to combine the skill with the artistry and how it has been on the skills at risk register and the demand for conservation and restoration work alongside new commissions. Helen describes how she works, and the processes involved when making a window.We discuss conservation vs restoration, the challenges,common themes and misconceptions working in the heritage sector along with the usual top tips when working with an older property. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Sara Robertson, Chair ofHistoric Buildings & Places, Chair of Europa Nostra UK, and SPAB Guardian. Sara has been active in the cultural heritage sector for 25 years starting off as a conservation architect and then working for Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings where she led the award-winning Faith in Maintenance project. Sara has also worked for the Heritage Lottery Fund as Head of Historic Environment, where she championed the value of the UK's built heritage and developed policy and guidance materials to support grant applicants. Prior to her current role as Chief Executive of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, Sara was Chief Executive of Icon (the Institute of Conservation). We discuss how Sara got into the industry and how studyingin Edinburgh helped shaped her view on the architectural landscape. The different roles she has undertaken and experiences working on projects and interacting with different service providers. We talk about the importance of maintenance and curateddecay, what motivates someone to buy a listed building plus the usual challenges, themes and misconceptions working in the heritage sector along with top tips when working with an older property. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

In this episode I am joined by Antoinette Vandy, CEO &Co-founder of Agreka Build. A UK-based material innovation company that specialises in net-zero construction and regenerative building solutions. Their unique approach involves collaborating with farmers to transform agriculturalwaste into innovative, green construction materials. By repurposing waste into valuable resources, they aim to reduce environmental impact, support rural economies, and lead the transition towards a net-zero, circular economy inagriculture and construction.We talk a about Antoinette’s initial training as an architect and how she then went on to co-found a company focused on sustainable building products. We discuss how it can be used in buildings and some of the common myths that are around using natural products. We also discuss the usual challenges, themes and misconceptions working in the heritage sector along with top tips when working with an older property. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject 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 shares what has been happening since we last spoke in series 1, episode 3. We delve deeper into the world of working in the heritage sector. What is important about old buildings and why they are still relevant today and thoughts on their place in the future. We discuss the amazing work St Paul’s Cathedral are doing to care for the buildings within their estate and how they are developing in-house skills through the introduction of a stone mason apprenticeship and a joinery apprenticeship and how this is only just the beginning of their vision to help people get into the heritage industry. We also talk about the impact of climate change on buildings, particularly older ones and what we should lookout for to see signs of our historical landscape when we are out an about. It will be an interesting listen for anyone wanting to learnmore about traditional buildings.

In this episode I am joined by Sarah Roller, Director ofPolicy & Public Affairs at Historic Houses, working on behalf of around 1,450 independent historic houses and gardens across the UK, to represent their interests to government and the wider heritage sector, as well as to support their learning, outreach and community programmes. Prior to joining Historic Houses in early 2022, she worked for History Hit, Trent Park House and Godinton House, in roles spanning communications, digital media and collections/curation work. We talk about how Sarah got into the industry and herthoughts on the sense of place and her love of learning how people connected with spaces and buildings, especially in a heritage context. Sarah shares her thoughts on interpreting a building andwhat information you may use to shape the story and how this informs our work. We also discuss the work she is carrying out to help shape policies to support people who work and own traditional properties, those working in the heritage sector plus those wanting to get into the industry. We discuss the challenges, themes and misconceptions working in the heritage sector along with the usual top tipswhen working with an older 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 Melanie Lytle, Director atthe Goucher College where she overseas the MA in Historic Preservation. Melanie is also the owner of Glaze Craft Windows which offers a range of services to help care and maintain historic windows which are typically pre-1945 wood windows. We talk about how Melanie got into the industry and how living in different countries helped ignite her passion. The different ways the US supports homeowners and the variations in approach between the UK and the US.  Melanie shares her experiences both academically and as awindow restorer and how crafts are seen and the programme she set up to encourage more people to get into the industry.  We discuss the challenges, themes and misconceptions working in the heritage sector along with the usual top tips when working with an older property.  It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.  Link is in the comments… enjoy!

In this episode I am joined by Matt Glasgow, Senior Building Surveyor at National Trust where he specialises in conservation and is accredited in building conservation as a member of RICS Building Conservation Accreditation Scheme and is a full member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. Matt is experienced in asset and facilities management, making the built environment work and finding solutions to help clients realise their business plans. Matt is also advisor to the Coventry Dioseason advisory committee where he advices on alternations to church buildings in the Coventry dioses.  We talk about the types of projects Matt is involved in andhow surveyors work and when and how they can help a building to ensure it is not only maintained but how it is perceived and how it could function which goes beyond its fabric, it is also about what makes the building significant.  We discuss how a building performs and identifying what work may be required but equally what work that isn’t required which helps to identify when and where money should be spent.  Matt shares some examples of how a building may not perform along with common themes and misconceptions he encounters and the importance of engaging the right people.  It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.  Link is in the comments… enjoy!

In this episode I am joined by Kate and Ben Kerslake fromCarrington Lime. Ben is a conservation builder working on new builds, conservation and restoration projects. Since 2017 he started teaching heritage skills to support architects, conservation officers, builders and also property owners to maintain their traditional buildings and is supported by Kate who brings a wealth of experience in marketing and a passion for heritage. We talk about how they both got into the industry. For Kateit started with her plans to save the world when she was a kid and how that then lead her to working within such an incredible industry and how Ben and Kate are working to save lime plastering as a skill now.   Ben’s route started with building a strawbale house whichfeatured on Grand Designs giving him hands on experience in traditional methods and exposing him to the benefits of living in such an ecofriendly home. This then led to his passion for understanding traditional building techniques, high body energy materials and the movement of moisture and how a misunderstanding of materials led to myths and confusion when it comes to traditional and modern materials.  We talk about the cost and benefits of using traditionalproducts with the usual advice on working with older properties. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.  Link is in the comments… enjoy!

In this episode I am joined by Krissie Kalteis from PreciousWall Finishes. Krisse is a master craftsperson specialising in historical painting techniques which include stucco and venetian plaster, gold and glass gilding, marbling and sign writing. Based in Australia, Krissie works in Australia and internationally. We talk about how Krissie started working in the industry,where her work ethic came from and her passion for churches and caring for them.  Krisse describes how she works with her clients and how sheis often the catalyst for them embracing colour and finding joy in their buildings. She is fascinated by painting techniques and the meaning of colour. She is constantly learning and Krisse shares some of her findings and the projects she has worked on in Germany and Australia and other parts of the world.  It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.  Link is in the comments… enjoy!

In this episode I am joined by James Pass, leadArchitect & Divisional Director at E3 Cube where he specialises in architectural design that focuses on neurodivergent accessibility and compliance with PAS 6463 standards. James has over 20 years of industry experience and is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of truly inclusivebuilding design. He believes architecture isn't just about buildings; it's about enhancing the well-being and daily experiences of people. By designing spaces that consider neurodiversity, his aim is to reduce environmental stressors, address sensory sensitivities and empower individuals to interact and navigate their surroundings confidently. James’s passion lies in bridging the gap between architecture and the unique needs of the neurodivergent community, creating spaces that not only serve their purpose but also enrich the lives of all who use them. We discuss how James approaches a heritage project,especially when there are neurodivergent accessibility requirements and how you ensure the clients’ needs are met as well as the building’s needs. We talk about how to approach a property that is traditionally built and may have special character and what might be considered appropriate and what could be construed as inappropriate or disrespectful.  James shares his experience on the regulations that need tobe considered on a project and how a space can be adapted to support those with varying needs and all the different factors that can and should help shape design and spaces.    It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.  Link is in the comments… enjoy!

In this episode I am joined by Richard McPherson aspecialist craftsperson using historical paint techniques which include wood graining, gilding, marbling and trompe l'oeil. Based in Tunbridge Wells but works mostly in London. We talk about how Richard got into such a creative line ofwork, what trompe l'oeil is and how it has been used. Richard also offers advice on how you might get into working in his industry and some of the things he has found when working on site.  Richard shares common themes and misconnections and his top tips when working on your property.  It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.  Link is in the comments… enjoy!

In this episode I am joined by James Wright from TriskeleHeritage, an archaeological consultancy practice based in Nottingham offering building archaeological services. James is also a published author and worked as a specialist consultant on a number of films, television and radioprogrammes. We talk about how James started working in the industry and his passion is infectious! We discuss the varied roles he has undertaken whichinclude archaeology, stone masonry and being a publish author to name a few. Plustunnels and the wide range of buildings he has found himself in to undertakeassessments and record detailing.  We discuss how you look at a building and identify what itwas used for, when it was built and any changes that may have been made.  James debunks myths not just about archaeology but also how buildings were made, spiral staircases in castles, hidden tunnels, witch marks and timber framed buildings that may have come from the Spanish Armada. We unpick these and more. It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.  Link is in the comments… enjoy!

In this episode I am joined by Lauren Di Pietro from Scene Architects, a multi-disciplinary architectural practice focused on innovation and sustainability with offices in Chelmsford, London Mayfair and York.   We discuss where Lauren’s love for old buildings came from and how this then led to her interest in designing for dementia and how care and conservation are intertwined.   We talk about how Lauren works on a project and what needs to be considered when you are developing designs that need to be sympathetic to the building, client and the occupants irrespective of whether it is listed or not. The constraints when you are working on a listed building to make them accessible and practical whilst respecting the significance of the building.   We touch on sustainability and how it feeds into the design process and the types of conversations she has with clients. Along with what net zero means, how climate change fits in with a design and the life cycle of a building and the meaning behind the triangle on a project.     Lauren’s passion is infectious. It will be a thought provoking listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.   Link is in the comments… enjoy

In this episode I am joined by Frank Holmes from Frank Holmes Limited. Frank is a master craftsman specialising in heritage decorating and restoration projects, which ignited a passion for saving and reintroducing vintage designs. Frank combines traditional techniques with an extensive product knowledge and expertise. Services include lincrusta installation and finish and lincrusta restoration and replication. Based in the north west England.   We talk about how Frank started working in such a specialist industry. It is inspiring to know that you can change what you do no matter what path you might have started out on and who knows where it will take you.   We discuss resilience and the power of a positive mindset to be able to create something special whilst caring for our built heritage.   We talk about what lincrusta is, when it would have been used, how it can be applied and the restoration and replication of existing lincrusta wall treatments. Plus, bespoke and one off designs.   Franks incredible work ethic is inspiring and the levels he will go to in order to preserve and retain lost designs.   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.   Link is in the comments… enjoy!

In this episode I am joined by Clare Chapman, a heritage specialist, supporting the reuse and adaptation of historic church buildings. Clare is also Chair of Leeds Civic Trust's Heritage Watch Group, working closely with volunteers, Leeds City Council's Conservation Team, developers and property owners to secure positive outcomes for the buildings and structures that enrich the city of Leeds.   We talk about Clare’s journey into the role she currently undertakes and the frustrations and challenges when it comes to identifying roles and opportunities and how you have to get creative and look at things from different angles. Clare describes the challenges faced with church buildings and how a building is assessed in terms of maintenance and when the difficult decision is made that it needs to be sold. It also very much depends on who owns the building as it is not always the body you would assume it is.    It is interesting to hear what legislations are in place when it comes to assessing what a church building can become if it is sold.   We talk about the impact buildings can have on a community plus the usual common themes and misconceptions and advice for anyone embarking on project.   It will be an thought provoking listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.   Link is in the comments… enjoy!

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.