one architect, holding it all together.
our client owns a portfolio of grade II listed buildings across ripon and north yorkshire, historic fabric that needs constant, careful attention. we were instructed as lead architect to run all of the planning work, and to coordinate the specialists each job demands: structural engineers, heritage consultants, surveyors and contractors.
we're also the single line of communication with the conservation officers at north yorkshire council, translating between the practical realities of an ageing building and the requirements of listed building consent, so the work gets approved and stays sympathetic to what makes each building special.
one of the buildings in our care, on kirkgate, was sketched by J.M.W. Turner during his time in ripon.
it's a reminder of exactly what's at stake in this kind of work. these aren't just buildings on a maintenance schedule, they're the fabric of a city, drawn by one of britain's greatest painters, and worth keeping standing for the next two hundred years.
from emergency repairs to a rolling programme.
01
works completeemergency roof repair, pateley bridge
when part of a roof failed and fell to the pavement below, we responded to make the building safe and put together a repair scheme sympathetic to its listed status. it's the kind of urgent, high-stakes work that heritage fabric can throw up without warning, and where having an architect already appointed makes all the difference to response time.
02
consent securedconsented structural floor repairs
in one property, historic timber floors had rotted and lost their structural integrity. we secured planning permission and listed building consent for their repair and replacement, specifying a solution that restores strength and safety while respecting the original construction and detailing.
03
ongoingsympathetic window replacement
in the centre of ripon, degraded sash windows are being replaced under planning and listed building consent, each new window specified to match the original profiles, materials and proportions. the photograph tells the story mid-programme: the building on the left has its completed replacements, while the right-hand side is still to be done.
04
ongoingan ongoing programme of upkeep
beyond the individual repairs, we run a rolling programme of maintenance and upkeep, with live planning applications progressing at any given time. pictured: the next step in the programme, making safe a very old roof structure before small problems become emergencies. it's a long-term relationship built on knowing these buildings intimately.
the client makes one call. we handle the rest.
planning & consent
preparing and submitting planning applications and listed building consent across the portfolio.
conservation liaison
the single point of contact with north yorkshire council conservation officers.
specialist coordination
bringing together structural engineers, heritage consultants, surveyors and contractors.
long-term stewardship
a rolling maintenance programme that keeps the buildings safe and consented.
"with listed buildings, the work is never really finished, it's a relationship, not a project."
common questions _
What does leading a portfolio of Grade II listed buildings involve?
Constant work to keep these old buildings maintained: a steady stream of applications, advising the client on what needs consent and what does not, collaborating closely with contractors and making them aware of their responsibilities, and responding to planning and conservation queries to get applications approved.
How do you balance modern use with protecting listed heritage fabric?
It has to be respected that these buildings are not ours to decide the fate of. They were here long before us and will likely be here long after. So pushing modern design is not always the answer. Where we can intervene, it is important the work is not designed to the fashion of the moment, but to enhance the longevity of the building, both as design and as protection of the fabric.
What's the hardest part of getting listed building consent right?
Understanding the building. Knowing what should be there and what should not, and recording that information so it is on the record. That is what makes your arguments solid and hard to push back on.
What outcome were the owners hoping for, and did the work deliver it?
The outcome is simple: make the building fit for purpose, especially now offices need to attract people back in. Dark, damp spaces are not where anyone leaving home-working wants to be. Finding that balance matters to the client and their staff; there is only so much a beautiful old building can do on its own to keep people coming back, particularly in Ripon.
responsible for a listed building? _
whether it's one property or a whole portfolio, we can lead the planning, coordinate the specialists and manage the conservation-officer relationship for you. tell us what you're looking after.