Having settled on the general outline of what we want to achieve from our refurbishment project, it was time to put together the team that would be able to deliver it.
I’m in the unusual position of being able to cover a lot of requirements myself, both in hands-on work and providing the detailed knowledge and understanding of old buildings that’s essential for this kind of project.
Old Barnstaple House Blog 4: Initial Planning
For most people finding a good historic building consultant to assess the building, develop and guide a well-considered approach, specify materials and techniques and more would be essential as a key component of the team.
This aspect is often covered by appointing an accredited conservation architect but I’ve always thought that the roles are different and the best results come from collaboration between professional advisors with strong conservation backgrounds but potentially different perspectives.
Learn more: The Value of Hiring Consultants for your Building Project
For this reason I needed to appoint a first class conservation architect to work with me on the overall approach as well as detailed design work for the new-build elements, windows, doors etc.
Appointing an architect is tricky–it has the potential to make or break your project but there are several factors to take into account.
Technical competence is obviously a pre-requisite and that includes proper conservation credentials. Some practices advertise themselves as conservation architects on the basis of quite limited knowledge and experience. Check out their previous work and interrogate their commitment to conservation.
After that are more intangible, but no less important considerations:do they share your vision for what you want to achieve and will you have a good working relationship with them. Don’t underestimate the importance of personal chemistry!
I looked at a number of well-regarded conservation practices before I met Jo Hibbert of Levitate, on strong recommendation, at a SPAB conference. Jo has a very solid conservation background with many years’ experience; I was very impressed by her past work.
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Article reference Old Barnstaple House Blog 5: Choosing professionals
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