[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