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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.
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- 2 weeks ago1h 20m
[HBP #41] - Andrew Rudge - Heritage Planning & Sustainability
From Archaeology to Heritage Planning: Andrew Rudge on Managing Change, Sustainability & Inconsistent Decisions*🎙️ 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!Host Vincent Read welcomes Andrew Rudge, Regional Historic Environment Director at Landpro in Birmingham, to discuss his career journey from environmental archaeology and archaeological science into field archaeology, historic building recording, curatorial heritage roles (including Cornwall County Council and Historic England), and finally consultancy supporting clients through development. They explore what draws people from archaeology into historic buildings, the detective work of understanding building change, and the importance of storytelling. The conversation examines sustainability, local materials, and how post-war pressures and later-20th-century practices contributed to more disposable construction. Andrew and Vincent discuss the often inconsistent relationship between heritage and planning, resourcing gaps, risk-averse decision-making, impacts on homeowners, and the need for better communication and access to skilled specialists. Andrew outlines his new role building Landpro’s Midlands heritage offer across varied projects.Topics covered include:Andrew Rudge's journey from archaeology to heritage planning consultancyUnderstanding historic buildings through investigation, recording, and storytellingTraditional building materials, sustainability, and construction wasteThe influence of post-war development on Britain's building cultureChallenges and inconsistencies within the heritage planning systemThe impact of planning decisions on homeowners and building conservationImproving guidance, communication, and access to trusted specialistsBuilding Landpro's Midlands heritage consultancy and conservation teamWhether you're an archaeologist, heritage consultant, architect, building surveyor, planning professional, conservation specialist, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings and sustainable architecture, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges of heritage planning, the importance of traditional building practices, and the need to balance conservation with modern development while protecting Britain's built heritage for future generations. *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 Intro02:19 Andrew’s Current Role03:12 From Archaeology to Buildings06:46 Why Historic Buildings Hook Us11:12 Sustainability Then vs Now16:22 Waste and Reuse in Construction24:13 Local Materials and Identity28:50 Heritage vs Planning System35:34 Inconsistency and Homeowner Frustration42:14 Ideas to Improve Guidance43:48 Finding Better Guidance45:47 When Decisions Defy Logic50:15 Fear of Change Debate52:38 Skills Shortage and Bad Advice55:55 Signposting Trusted Experts59:05 Databases and Liability Fears01:02:34 Beyond Accreditations01:04:02 New Role at Lampro01:06:57 Building a Hands On Team01:12:51 Project Examples and Deadlines01:17:05 Switching Off and Sleep Tips01:18:11 Wrapping Up and Next Steps *Connect with Andrew Rudge using the links below:*LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-rudge-88638644/Email: andrew.rudge@lanpro.co.uk *🔗 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 video to support the heritage buildings community!#HeritageConservation #HeritagePlanning #HistoricBuildings
- Sep 22, 20261h 22m
[HBP#40] - Louis Curtis - Historic Timber Frames
🎙️ 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 Louis Curtis, founder of Breakspear Conservation, to discuss his journey from school and kitchen fitting into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. Curtis shares how he developed his skills through the Building Crafts College and specialist timber frame repair courses, as well as a formative early project repairing a major eight-bay barn. He explains how enthusiasm, practical problem-solving, and a willingness to take on challenging work helped him establish his career in conservation.The conversation also explores the realities of running a small conservation business, including pricing work on historic buildings, managing unknowns, investigating existing structures, and setting realistic expectations with clients. Curtis discusses completing the MSc in Timber Building Conservation at the Weald and Downland Museum, support from the QUEST Scholarship and business training, his dissertation research into historic lime finishes and evidence of formerly plastered timber frames, and an experimental archaeology project in Copenhagen recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss using traditional tools.Topics covered include:• Louis Curtis's journey into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair• Training at the Building Crafts College and learning through practical experience• Repairing historic timber frames, including a major eight-bay barn• Running a small conservation business, pricing work, and managing unknowns in old buildings• The MSc in Timber Building Conservation, QUEST Scholarship, and business training• Research into historic lime finishes, formerly plastered timber frames, and experimental archaeology• Recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss in Copenhagen using traditional toolsWhether you're a conservation carpenter, timber framer, architect, building surveyor, heritage professional, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings and traditional craftsmanship, this episode offers valuable insights into the skills, research, and practical challenges involved in conserving Britain's historic timber 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 Welcome & Guest Intro: Louis on Heritage Timber Framing 01:38 From Skateboarding to Carpentry03:01 Discovering Building Conservation05:14 Falling for Timber Frames08:49 Finding Work and Mentors09:33 First Big Barn Breakthrough12:49 Why Enthusiasm Wins Jobs14:40 Growing Breakspear Conservation15:38 Pricing and Opening Up17:54 Managing Clients and Scope21:16 Running a Small Team24:34 MSc at Weald and Downland27:57 How the Masters Is Taught31:24 Getting In and Who It Suits33:10 QUEST Scholarship Support36:38 Inspiring Kids Into Crafts38:17 AI and the Craft Revival40:04 Hiring Young People Today42:58 Lime Finishes Research48:06 Exposed Frames Debate53:42 Limewash Benefits Explained55:58 Brick Infill And Mortar57:36 Hair Lime Plaster Mixes01:00:12 Copenhagen Truss Project01:07:55 Traditional Tools And Timber01:15:40 Home Renovation And Wrap Up Connect with Louis Curtis and explore his work using the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-curtis-a8929360/Breakspear Conservationhttps://www.breakspearconservation.com/https://www.instagram.com/breakspearconservation/Louis Curtis’ Presentation at the Historic England & Lime Finishes Group Symposium:https://vimeo.com/1190484023/2fdac7828c?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci More interesting presentations:https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/buildings/maintenance-and-repair-of-older-buildings/what-s-the-point-2-lime-finishes-in-a-changing-climate-symposium/ Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trusthttps://www.qest.org.uk/ Inspiring the Futurehttps://www.inspiringthefuture.org/ Weald and Downland MSc courseshttps://www.wealddown.co.uk/courses/msc-degrees/. Kongevaerk- Reconstruction of a roof truss from the Copenhagen Stock Exchangehttps://stolpverk.org/projekt-kongevaerk-i-kobenhavn-20-29-april-2026/https://stolpverk.org/i
- Sep 1, 20261h 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
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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.
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