Free Daily Podcast Summary
Heritage Buildings Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Vincent Reed
Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast with your host Vincent Reed, where we bring you in-depth interviews with leading experts, passionate enthusiasts, and industry professionals from across the heritage buildings sector. Join us as we explore captivating stories, uncover the artistry behind historical buildings, and dive into the challenges and successes of conserving our architectural heritage. This podcast is available as audio format across all of your favourite podcasting apps and as video format on our official YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@HeritageBuildingsAssociation Be sure to join in on the discussions in our forum - https://heritagebuildings.forum Connect with us on social media - https://linktr.ee/heritagebuildingsassociation
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- 2 weeks ago1h 34m
[HBP#39] - Zoe Hooton & Jess Barrow - Architect + Heritage Consultant: Two Experts, One Mission
🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Zoe Hooton, Specialist Conservation Architect and Director at HPA Architects and Woohoo, alongside Jessica Barrow, Heritage Consultant and Director at both HPA Architects and Woohoo. They discuss how conservation architects and heritage consultants work together to deliver successful listed building, historic building conservation, and heritage planning projects. From early collaboration and pre-application advice to working with conservation officers, they share practical insights into navigating the UK planning system.The conversation also explores the challenges facing heritage conservation, including inconsistent planning decisions, reduced conservation resources, managing change in historic buildings, and balancing heritage significance with modern requirements. They also share lessons from their work on Lancaster Castle's Well Tower (Witches' Tower).Topics covered include:• What does a conservation architect do?• The role of a heritage consultant in listed building projects• Historic building conservation and adaptive reuse• Listed Building Consent and heritage planning permission• Working with conservation officers and local planning authorities• Heritage statements, significance assessments, and public benefit• Pre-application advice and avoiding planning delays• Managing change in historic buildings and conservation best practice• Challenges facing UK heritage planning after COVID-19• Conservation of Lancaster Castle's Well Tower (Witches' Tower)• Balancing accessibility, archaeology, fire safety, and conservation• Why collaboration leads to better heritage outcomesWhether you're an architect, heritage consultant, planning professional, building surveyor, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings, listed buildings, and heritage conservation, this episode offers valuable insights into conserving Britain's built heritage.Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps(Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section)00:00 Podcast Introduction01:35 Meet Zoe and Jess02:16 How They First Met04:19 From Council to Collaboration08:26 Architect vs Heritage Consultant11:33 Managed Change and Tradeoffs14:45 Team Decisions and Stakeholders18:01 Working Together With Clients21:41 Pre-Application Advice Explained23:48 Planning System Frustrations29:32 Skill Shortages and DIY Heritage33:04 Bad Heritage Statements and Myths38:06 Delisting a Troubled Hotel44:59 Non-Designated Heritage Challenges46:20 Listed Windows and Proportionate Info47:57 Restoring Timber Windows48:31 Why People Skip Consent48:47 Fixing The Planning Process50:11 Training And Better Tools51:10 Hastings Fishing Heritage52:54 Intangible Heritage And Gentrification01:00:07 Have We Gone Too Far01:06:37 Lancaster Castle Witches Tower01:15:26 Budgets Samples And Surprises01:21:33 Bring Trades In Early01:22:35 Heritage Action Zone Wins01:27:19 Where To Find Them01:29:41 Conservation Community And Events01:32:47 Final Thanks And Goodbye Connect with Zoe Hooton using the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-hooton-64875740/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zjlock/Email: zoe_hooton@hotmail.comWebsite: https://www.harrisonpittarchitects.co.uk/Connect with Jess Barrow using the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-barrow-bsc-msc-ihbc-96aa9460/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabarrow3/Email: jess.barrow@woohoo.ltdHPA ArchitectsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hpa-ltd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hpa_riba_architects/Website: <a href="http:
- Aug 18, 20261h 47m
[HBP#38] - Nigel Castell - Traditional Gilding: The Art of Gold Leaf
🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast!In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Nigel Castell, an experienced gilder and antique restoration specialist, to explore the traditional craft of water gilding and gold leaf application.Nigel shares his journey into antique restoration at just 17 and explains how he learned traditional gilding skills through hands-on, bench-based training. He takes us through the complete water gilding process, from preparing wood and applying rabbit skin size and gesso, to sanding, gesso cutting, preparing clay bole, laying gold leaf, and finally burnishing with agate stones.The conversation also explores the differences between water gilding and oil gilding, the tools and materials used by traditional gilders, the challenges of working with gold leaf, and why these specialist craftsmanship skills are becoming increasingly rare.Topics covered include:• Nigel's journey into antique restoration and traditional gilding• Learning gilding techniques at the bench• Preparing wood, gesso, and rabbit skin size• Gesso application, sanding, and cutting• Yellow ochre and traditional clay bole• Preparing and applying gold leaf• Traditional gilding tools and techniques• Water gilding vs oil gilding• Repairing and gilding carved decorative details• Burnishing gold with agate stones• The time, skill, and cost involved in traditional gilding• Preserving traditional craftsmanship and heritage skillsWhether you're a gilder, conservator, antique restorer, architect, heritage professional, or simply interested in traditional craftsmanship, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the techniques and expertise behind traditional water gilding, gold leaf, and historic restoration.Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps(Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section)00:00 Podcast Welcome01:17 Meet Nigel Castell01:47 How He Started04:37 Learning at the Bench08:41 Gilding Process Overview09:41 Cleaning and Prep10:58 Rabbit Skin Size Basics14:31 Thin White Primer17:36 Hot Gesso Application28:45 Coats and Period Styles33:59 Sanding and Gesso Cutting35:52 Puttying and Abrasives38:46 Wet Sanding Gesso40:21 Matte Finish for Gilding42:35 Sealing Coat Yellow Ochre44:22 Matching Period Yellows48:54 Bole and Clay Basics52:26 Applying Gold Size Coats59:34 Sanding and Buffing Bole01:04:25 Water vs Oil Gilding01:12:51 Proper Gold Leaf Handling01:15:42 Gold Leaf Book Basics01:17:37 Gilding Cushion Setup01:18:39 Gilding Knife Cutting01:20:06 Handheld Tool Workflow01:23:44 Wetting and Laying Gold01:29:28 Overlaps and Fault Repairs01:30:21 Gilding Carved Details01:32:25 Costs and Time Reality01:33:12 Burnishing with Agate01:41:19 Craft Preservation Wrap-UpConnect with Nigel Castell using the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-castell-82a82a337/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butler_and_castell_restoration/https://www.instagram.com/reepham_antiques/Website: www.butlerandcasstell.co.uk🔗 Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Associationhttps://heritagebuildingsassociation.comClick here to join the conversation:https://heritagebuildings.forum/share👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to support the heritage buildings community!#Gilding #GoldLeaf #GildingTechniques
- Jul 21, 20261h 19m
[HBP#37] - Pierre Bidaud - The New Stone Age: Rethinking How We Build
🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Pierre Bidaud, an experienced French stonemason, heritage conservation specialist, and advocate for innovative stone construction.Pierre shares his journey from joining Les Compagnons du Devoir to spending nine years travelling across France and the UK, restoring some of Europe's most important historic buildings, including Gloucester Cathedral. Along the way, he discusses the craftsmanship, precision, and passion behind traditional stonemasonry and heritage restoration.Discover how historic stone buildings are repaired using centuries-old techniques, from setting out and templating to hand-carving decorative details and assessing natural stone. Pierre also explores how modern engineering is transforming the industry through post-tensioned stone, prefabrication, and sustainable products like Rock Block and Augmented Stone, helping shape the future of low-carbon construction.Topics covered include:• Pierre's journey through Les Compagnons du Devoir• Restoring historic buildings including Gloucester Cathedral• Traditional stonemasonry and architectural stone carving• Stone setting out, templating, and repair techniques• Assessing natural stone and conservation best practices• The emotional connection between craftspeople and historic buildings• Post-tensioned and prefabricated structural stone• Sustainable stone construction and low-carbon building materials• Rock Block, Augmented Stone, and the future of natural stoneWhether you're a stonemason, architect, conservation professional, heritage enthusiast, or simply fascinated by traditional building crafts, this episode offers valuable insights into both the timeless skills and exciting innovations shaping the world of heritage construction.Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps(Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section)00:00 Who is Pierre Bidaud00:19 Finding a Trade in France01:58 Compagnons Journey Years05:16 Cathedrals and Craft Mindset07:16 How French Heritage Works13:30 Apprenticeship Reality Check16:14 Becoming Pro and Advising18:38 Setting Out and Templates25:15 Stone Selection and Faults30:44 Repairs and Architect Education34:20 Reinforced Stone Innovation36:24 Stone vs Concrete Explained41:58 Floating Stone Staircases43:21 Sagrada Familia Stone Towers44:27 Rebar and Post Tensioning45:51 Why Stone Got Expensive49:06 Concrete Creep vs Stone51:40 Georgian Torsion Stairs54:26 Modern Cable Stair Build57:10 Company USP and Origins59:17 Rock Block and Augmented01:05:23 Stone Demonstrator London01:06:37 Screen Share Staircase Tour01:12:10 Teamwork Love and Challenges01:15:50 Stone Collective and FarewellConnect with Pierre Bidaud using the links below:Website: www.thestonemasonrycompany.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-bidaud-82364b16/Company: The Stonemasonry Company LimitedEmail: Pierre@thestonemasonrycompany.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stonemasonry_comp_stonestair/https://www.instagram.com/pierre.bidaud/*🔗 Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association*https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com*Click here to join the conversation:*https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast to support the heritage buildings community!#Stonemasonry #StoneCarving #NaturalStone
- Jun 30, 20261h 16m
[HBP#36] - Nicholas Downing - Traditional Blacksmithing Explained | Ancient Tool & Iron Age Craft
🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.Vincent Reed sits down with Nicholas Downing of Downing Arts, a Maine-based custom blacksmith and metalworker specialising in traditional timber framing tools, hand-forged axes, bespoke ironwork, and historic hardware. Nicholas shares his journey from early exposure to blacksmithing and metalsmithing to helping revive Maine’s historic axe-making tradition at Brant & Cochran before launching his own business during the COVID pandemic.The conversation explores traditional blacksmithing techniques, the history of bloomery iron and early steel, forge welding, and the craftsmanship behind multi-piece, hand-forged axes. Nicholas also discusses experimental archaeology, historic timber framing tools, and his fascination with rare forms such as the offset goose wing, or “brightbill,” hewing axe.Other topics covered include:• The path from metalsmithing to custom blacksmithing and entrepreneurship• Reviving Maine’s historic axe-making tradition• Building a small-batch handcrafted tool business through Etsy and online sales• Traditional ironworking, bloomery iron, and early steel production• Forge welding and constructing multi-piece hand-forged axes• Historic timber framing tools and their modern relevance• Experimental archaeology and recreating historic metalworking techniques• The design and use of the offset goose wing (“brightbill”) hewing axe• Craftsmanship, toolmaking, and preserving traditional tradesWhether you're a timber framer, blacksmith, conservation professional, or heritage enthusiast, this episode offers fascinating insights into traditional toolmaking and the enduring value of handcrafted tools and historic metalworking techniques.Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps:(Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section)00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro02:37 Heritage Craft in Maine04:02 Early Blacksmith Spark06:24 Mentors and Apprenticeship08:06 Art School and Finding Direction10:12 Back to the Forge20:31 Juggling Jobs and Studio Life25:49 Axes and Brant and Cochran33:32 Pandemic Pivot to Solo37:08 Bespoke Tools and Inspiration41:30 Iron Was Precious43:21 Bloomery Smelting Explained46:02 From Iron To Steel49:03 Modern Axe Steel Choices51:27 Forge Welding The Pieces53:03 Wrapped Eye Construction56:12 Time Risk And Failure57:01 Favourite Axe Makers59:26 Future Projects And Niches01:05:47 Grinding Edges Then And Now01:09:06 Handmade Value And Story01:10:54 Goose Wing Hewing Axe01:13:56 Where To Find Nicholas01:15:28 Final Thanks And Farewell Connect with Nicholas Downing and learn more:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/downingarts/Email: downingarts@gmail.com Website: https://www.downingarts.com/axerestoration Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:https://heritagebuildingsassociation.comJoin the conversation:https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual#Blacksmith #ForgeLife #IronAge
- Jun 9, 20261h 21m
[HBP#35] - Mariachiara Faliva - Seeing Buildings Beyond the Facade
*🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.*Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.Vincent Reed sits down with Mariachiara Faliva, accredited conservation architect and façade specialist, to explore the science behind historic buildings, material decay, and the investigative work required to understand why buildings fail. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in conservation, diagnostics, and failure analysis, Mariachiara shares how studying chemistry for conservation in Italy led her into building pathology, laboratory analysis, and the study of historic materials. She explains why many conservation challenges stem from poor diagnosis and incompatible repairs, and why successful interventions begin with understanding how materials behave and deteriorate over time.Mariachiara also reflects on her work investigating historic structures in New York, including early steel-frame masonry buildings and terracotta façades, before moving to London to specialize in building performance and façade engineering. She discusses the importance of balancing repair and replacement, the role of maintenance in preventing water-driven damage, and how tools such as WUFI hydrothermal analysis support informed retrofit decisions. Through projects including Tate Liverpool and the Barbican renewal, she highlights the value of early-stage investigations, data-led design, material reuse, and collaboration across disciplines to deliver more sustainable outcomes for historic buildings.*Other topics covered include:*• How chemistry and material science support building conservation• Investigating historic materials through laboratory analysis• Why poor diagnosis often leads to failed repairs• The challenges of conserving early steel-frame masonry buildings• Repair versus replacement in historic façades• Water ingress, moisture movement, and long-term building deterioration• The role of maintenance in preventing costly failures• Building performance testing and façade engineering for heritage projects• WUFI hydrothermal analysis and retrofit risk assessment• Lessons from Tate Liverpool and the Barbican renewal projects• Planning for material reuse in conservation and retrofit projects• The importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration from project inceptionWhether you're an architect, engineer, conservation professional, or heritage enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the investigative side of conservation and how a deeper understanding of materials, moisture, and building performance can lead to more sustainable and effective preservation of historic buildings.*Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps:*(Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section)00:00 Introduction to Building Conservation and Heritage Retrofit01:14 From Architecture to Conservation Architecture03:23 Materials Science, Building Diagnostics, and Failure Analysis07:34 Conservation Research at Politecnico di Milano09:33 Facade Engineering and Historic Buildings in New York13:35 Terracotta Facade Repair vs Replacement17:33 Building Maintenance Lessons from Historic Building Failures20:14 Moving to London and Transition into Building Performance25:03 How Historic Building Investigations Are Conducted32:06 Holistic Retrofit Design and WUFI Analysis38:18 Moisture Modelling and Wall Performance Simulation40:59 Data-Led Design for Heritage Buildings43:39 Writing Effective Building Investigation Briefs45:09 Tate Liverpool Retrofit and Internal Insulation Project49:42 Barbican Estate Renewal and Conservation Challenges54:30 Why Site Experience Matters in Conservation57:07 Material Reuse and Circular Economy Strategies01:02:42 Career Advice for Conservation Professionals01:07:22 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks*Connect with Mariachiara Faliva and learn more:*LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariachiara-faliva-510a0915/Email: chiarafaliva@gmail.com Website: sandberg.co.uk *Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com*Join the conversation:*<a href="https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAka
- May 19, 20261h 27m
[HBP#34] - Valeria Passetti - Victorian Architecture & Church Conservation
*🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.*Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.Vincent Reed sits down with Valeria Passetti, Italian-born conservation architect and MD of Conception Architects, to explore her journey from studying restoration in Florence to leading a UK practice focused on historic churches and Victorian architecture. She explains why these buildings are often misunderstood and celebrates their craftsmanship in stone and timber.Valeria also shares insights into conservation practice, from building a reputation through church projects to setting ethical client boundaries and promoting breathable, sustainable retrofits. A must-watch for anyone passionate about heritage, architecture, and historic buildings.*Other topics covered include:* • Why Victorian architecture deserves more recognition • The evolution of conservation architecture in the UK • Breathable buildings vs airtight retrofits • Church conservation and diocesan work • Craftsmanship in stone, wood, and traditional materials • Portland cement, terracotta, and Victorian innovation • Ethical practice and working with clients • Building a reputation in heritage architecture • Architects in media and public educationWhether you're an architecture student, conservation professional, or heritage enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insight into preserving historic buildings for future generations.*Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestampsClick the time on the left to jump straight to that section* 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:49 From Tuscany to UK Conservation 02:35 Why Victorian Architecture Matters 04:08 Victorian Style Abroad 07:57 Choosing Conservation Architecture 10:51 Early Career and Reuse Ethos 14:02 Founding Conception Architects 19:32 Building Reputation and Clients 22:07 Ethics and Client Boundaries 25:36 Breathable Buildings and Retrofit 29:19 Victorian Churches Everywhere 32:14 Industrial Innovation and Portland Cement 38:19 Craftsmanship in Stone and Wood 42:34 Eclectic Victorian Creativity 45:52 Color, Ritual and High Church 48:33 Valuing Victorian Craftsmen 50:12 Victorian Rosewood Room 52:26 Rubbed Bricks and Terracotta 53:35 Damage from Bad Repairs 58:56 Custodianship and Breathable Buildings 01:00:44 Media Work and New Voices 01:05:51 Dream Show Pitch 01:08:09 Favorite Projects and Newton Church 01:15:04 Why Architecture Matters 01:19:15 Where to Find Valeria 01:21:48 Off Mic Wrap and Collaboration*Connect with Valeria Passetti and learn more:*LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/valeria-passetti-osi-friba-192525aInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/riba4members/Website: conceptionarchitects.com riba4members.com*Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com*Join the conversation:*https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual#VictorianArchitecture #ConservationArchitect #ChurchRestoration
- May 5, 20261h 40m
[HBP#33] - Dominic Myland - Inside Mylands: 100 Years of Paint, Film & Heritage Craft
*🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.*Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.In this episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast, host Vincent Reed sits with Dominic Myland to explore the history and evolution of Mylands, one of London’s longest-established paint manufacturers, alongside Dominic’s journey from apprentice French polisher and sprayer to operational leadership. Key takeaways include Mylands’ deep heritage in decorative paints and wood finishes, its long-standing relationship with the film, TV, and theatre industries, and how specialist film paints are formulated using highly concentrated pigments to create bold, flat, and immersive colour for screen and stage use.The discussion also highlights Mylands’ strategic shift away from a declining furniture restoration and reproduction market into premium decorative paints, including the development of a curated colour range and a marble-infused emulsion designed to enhance application, durability, light reflection, and breathability. Additional insights cover Brewers’ role in product launches, increasing industry competition, marketing and export challenges post-Brexit, major heritage projects, the Royal Warrant, and the ongoing importance of craftsmanship and skilled trade in the industry’s future.*Other topics covered include:*Apprenticeships and hands-on craft training in paint and finishesThe decline of traditional restoration and how businesses adaptFilm and theatre production requirements for specialist paintsScaling a heritage manufacturing business in a modern marketWorkforce skills, knowledge transfer, and industry challengesWhether you’re a heritage professional, craftsman, designer, or simply interested in historic manufacturing and colour, this episode offers a fascinating look into the legacy and future of British paintmaking.*Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps:*(Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section) 00:00 Welcome and Reunion01:34 Apprenticeship and Early Training02:36 Joining the Family Business06:41 Furniture Trade Boom to Bust08:59 Supplying Film and TV Paint17:25 Inside the Factory20:12 Life as a Sales Rep25:32 Taking the Operational Reins30:35 Pivot to Decorative Paints35:25 Launching the Mylands Colour Range42:18 Breaking into Retail and Brewers43:41 Crushed Marble Emulsion Breakthrough44:54 Marble Paint Breakthrough45:39 Breathability for Old Homes46:29 Selling Through Brewers47:12 Marketing Spend Reality48:42 Colour Wars and Branding51:44 Becoming a Serious Player53:45 Designer Collabs and Trends55:29 Film Industry Growth57:24 Royal Warrant Story01:00:36 Premium Paint vs Trade01:04:42 Proud Heritage Projects01:07:47 Running a Team Well01:12:58 Factory Life in London01:15:12 Day to Day as Owner01:20:37 Export Plans Post Brexit01:24:07 Where to Find Mylands01:25:29 Final Thanks and Wrap *Connect with Dominic Myland and learn more:*LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-myland-78842024/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxury_paint/Email: d.myland@mylands.com *Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com*Join the conversation:*https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual#PaintIndustry #DecorativePaints #FilmSetDesign
- Apr 21, 20261h 22m
[HBP#32] - Emma Hooton - Inside Studio Hooton: Transforming Heritage Interiors
*🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.*Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.Vincent Reed sits down with Emma Hooton, founder and design director of London-based Studio Hooton, to explore her journey from West London estate agency to leading a boutique interior design studio specialising in historic and listed properties. Trained at KLC School of Design and shaped by early experience under House & Garden Top 100 designer Hugh Leslie, Emma shares how craftsmanship, antiques, and bold, original thinking define her approach.Emma explains Studio Hooton’s “anti–show house” philosophy, how she guides clients through clear and considered design decisions, and why communication and trust are just as important as creativity. She also discusses growing her studio organically, building a strong team culture, and navigating the complexities of working within conservation constraints—highlighted through projects like the Bishop’s Palace transformation.*Other topics covered include:*• Learning design during the Lehman Brothers crash• The influence of craftsmanship and traditional materials• Rejecting generic “showhome” interiors• Managing client expectations and avoiding overchoice• Building trust and understanding client psychology• Growing a design studio without a rigid long-term plan• Working with listed buildings and conservation specialists• Choosing the right clients and projects• Expanding into international markets• Designing historic homes for modern livingWhether you're an interior designer, architect, or heritage enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insight into restoring and reimagining historic homes with sensitivity and character.*Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps:*(Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section)00:00 Meet Emma Hooton01:51 From Estate Agency to Design02:55 Learning Under Hugh Leslie05:35 Craftsmanship and Bold Style09:03 Rejecting the Showhome Look11:16 How Designers Lead Clients14:00 Presentations Without Overchoice17:13 Client Psychology and Trust26:30 Starting Studio Hooton30:31 Early Confidence and First Hires32:53 Building Team Culture37:31 Growing Without a Five Year Plan40:59 Vision and Drive43:33 Dream Projects and Specialism45:11 Expanding Beyond the UK46:44 Choosing the Right Clients48:25 Navigating Conservation Rules52:09 Managing Team Dynamics56:33 Competition and Client Trust01:02:51 Starting Out in Today’s Market01:06:47 US Clients and New Markets01:08:07 Favourite Historic Transformation01:11:46 Where to Find Studio Hooton01:13:48 Advice, Networking and Challenges01:16:36 What Makes It All Worth It01:19:58 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up*Connect with Emma Hooton and learn more:*LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmahooton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiohooton/Website: studiohooton.comEmail: emma@studiohooton.com*Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*https://heritagebuildingsassociation.comJoin the conversation:https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual#InteriorDesign #HistoricHomes #ListedBuildings
About Heritage Buildings Podcast
Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast with your host Vincent Reed, where we bring you in-depth interviews with leading experts, passionate enthusiasts, and industry professionals from across the heritage buildings sector. Join us as we explore captivating stories, uncover the artistry behind historical buildings, and dive into the challenges and successes of conserving our architectural heritage. This podcast is available as audio format across all of your favourite podcasting apps and as video format on our official YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@HeritageBuildingsAssociation Be sure to join in on the discussions in our forum - https://heritagebuildings.forum Connect with us on social media - https://linktr.ee/heritagebuildingsassociation
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