Our Built Heritage

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 pain...

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...

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 re...

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 t...

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 f...

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...

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 f...

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 marke...

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 cam...

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 building...

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 workin...

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 vari...

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...

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...

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...

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 s...

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 informa...

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 material...

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 wha...

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 f...

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...

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...

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 co...

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...

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...