🎙️ 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 skills

Whether 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 Welcome

01:17 Meet Nigel Castell

01:47 How He Started

04:37 Learning at the Bench

08:41 Gilding Process Overview

09:41 Cleaning and Prep

10:58 Rabbit Skin Size Basics

14:31 Thin White Primer

17:36 Hot Gesso Application

28:45 Coats and Period Styles

33:59 Sanding and Gesso Cutting

35:52 Puttying and Abrasives

38:46 Wet Sanding Gesso

40:21 Matte Finish for Gilding

42:35 Sealing Coat Yellow Ochre

44:22 Matching Period Yellows

48:54 Bole and Clay Basics

52:26 Applying Gold Size Coats

59:34 Sanding and Buffing Bole

01:04:25 Water vs Oil Gilding

01:12:51 Proper Gold Leaf Handling

01:15:42 Gold Leaf Book Basics

01:17:37 Gilding Cushion Setup

01:18:39 Gilding Knife Cutting

01:20:06 Handheld Tool Workflow

01:23:44 Wetting and Laying Gold

01:29:28 Overlaps and Fault Repairs

01:30:21 Gilding Carved Details

01:32:25 Costs and Time Reality

01:33:12 Burnishing with Agate

01:41:19 Craft Preservation Wrap-Up

Connect 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 Association

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Click 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

🎙️ 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 stone

Whether 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 Bidaud

00:19 Finding a Trade in France

01:58 Compagnons Journey Years

05:16 Cathedrals and Craft Mindset

07:16 How French Heritage Works

13:30 Apprenticeship Reality Check

16:14 Becoming Pro and Advising

18:38 Setting Out and Templates

25:15 Stone Selection and Faults

30:44 Repairs and Architect Education

34:20 Reinforced Stone Innovation

36:24 Stone vs Concrete Explained

41:58 Floating Stone Staircases

43:21 Sagrada Familia Stone Towers

44:27 Rebar and Post Tensioning

45:51 Why Stone Got Expensive

49:06 Concrete Creep vs Stone

51:40 Georgian Torsion Stairs

54:26 Modern Cable Stair Build

57:10 Company USP and Origins

59:17 Rock Block and Augmented

01:05:23 Stone Demonstrator London

01:06:37 Screen Share Staircase Tour

01:12:10 Teamwork Love and Challenges

01:15:50 Stone Collective and Farewell

Connect with Pierre Bidaud using the links below:

Website: www.thestonemasonrycompany.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-bidaud-82364b16/

Company: The Stonemasonry Company Limited

Email: [email protected]

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

🎙️ 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 trades

Whether 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 Intro

02:37 Heritage Craft in Maine

04:02 Early Blacksmith Spark

06:24 Mentors and Apprenticeship

08:06 Art School and Finding Direction

10:12 Back to the Forge

20:31 Juggling Jobs and Studio Life

25:49 Axes and Brant and Cochran

33:32 Pandemic Pivot to Solo

37:08 Bespoke Tools and Inspiration

41:30 Iron Was Precious

43:21 Bloomery Smelting Explained

46:02 From Iron To Steel

49:03 Modern Axe Steel Choices

51:27 Forge Welding The Pieces

53:03 Wrapped Eye Construction

56:12 Time Risk And Failure

57:01 Favourite Axe Makers

59:26 Future Projects And Niches

01:05:47 Grinding Edges Then And Now

01:09:06 Handmade Value And Story

01:10:54 Goose Wing Hewing Axe

01:13:56 Where To Find Nicholas

01:15:28 Final Thanks And Farewell

Connect with Nicholas Downing and learn more:

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/downingarts/

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.downingarts.com/axerestoration

Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#Blacksmith #ForgeLife #IronAge

*🎙️ 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 inception

Whether 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 Retrofit

01:14 From Architecture to Conservation Architecture

03:23 Materials Science, Building Diagnostics, and Failure Analysis

07:34 Conservation Research at Politecnico di Milano

09:33 Facade Engineering and Historic Buildings in New York

13:35 Terracotta Facade Repair vs Replacement

17:33 Building Maintenance Lessons from Historic Building Failures

20:14 Moving to London and Transition into Building Performance

25:03 How Historic Building Investigations Are Conducted

32:06 Holistic Retrofit Design and WUFI Analysis

38:18 Moisture Modelling and Wall Performance Simulation

40:59 Data-Led Design for Heritage Buildings

43:39 Writing Effective Building Investigation Briefs

45:09 Tate Liverpool Retrofit and Internal Insulation Project

49:42 Barbican Estate Renewal and Conservation Challenges

54:30 Why Site Experience Matters in Conservation

57:07 Material Reuse and Circular Economy Strategies

01:02:42 Career Advice for Conservation Professionals

01:07:22 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

*Connect with Mariachiara Faliva and learn more:*

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariachiara-faliva-510a0915/

Email: [email protected]

Website: sandberg.co.uk

*Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

*Join the conversation:*

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#BuildingConservation #HistoricPreservation #FacadeEngineering

*🎙️ 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 education

Whether 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 timestamps

Click 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-192525a

Instagram: 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

*🎙️ 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 finishes
• The decline of traditional restoration and how businesses adapt
• Film and theatre production requirements for specialist paints
• Scaling a heritage manufacturing business in a modern market
• Workforce skills, knowledge transfer, and industry challenges

Whether 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 Reunion

01:34 Apprenticeship and Early Training

02:36 Joining the Family Business

06:41 Furniture Trade Boom to Bust

08:59 Supplying Film and TV Paint

17:25 Inside the Factory

20:12 Life as a Sales Rep

25:32 Taking the Operational Reins

30:35 Pivot to Decorative Paints

35:25 Launching the Mylands Colour Range

42:18 Breaking into Retail and Brewers

43:41 Crushed Marble Emulsion Breakthrough

44:54 Marble Paint Breakthrough

45:39 Breathability for Old Homes

46:29 Selling Through Brewers

47:12 Marketing Spend Reality

48:42 Colour Wars and Branding

51:44 Becoming a Serious Player

53:45 Designer Collabs and Trends

55:29 Film Industry Growth

57:24 Royal Warrant Story

01:00:36 Premium Paint vs Trade

01:04:42 Proud Heritage Projects

01:07:47 Running a Team Well

01:12:58 Factory Life in London

01:15:12 Day to Day as Owner

01:20:37 Export Plans Post Brexit

01:24:07 Where to Find Mylands

01:25:29 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: [email protected]

*Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

*Join the conversation:*

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#PaintIndustry #DecorativePaints #FilmSetDesign

*🎙️ 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 living

Whether 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 Hooton

01:51 From Estate Agency to Design

02:55 Learning Under Hugh Leslie

05:35 Craftsmanship and Bold Style

09:03 Rejecting the Showhome Look

11:16 How Designers Lead Clients

14:00 Presentations Without Overchoice

17:13 Client Psychology and Trust

26:30 Starting Studio Hooton

30:31 Early Confidence and First Hires

32:53 Building Team Culture

37:31 Growing Without a Five Year Plan

40:59 Vision and Drive

43:33 Dream Projects and Specialism

45:11 Expanding Beyond the UK

46:44 Choosing the Right Clients

48:25 Navigating Conservation Rules

52:09 Managing Team Dynamics

56:33 Competition and Client Trust

01:02:51 Starting Out in Today’s Market

01:06:47 US Clients and New Markets

01:08:07 Favourite Historic Transformation

01:11:46 Where to Find Studio Hooton

01:13:48 Advice, Networking and Challenges

01:16:36 What Makes It All Worth It

01:19:58 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.com

Email: [email protected]

*Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#InteriorDesign #HistoricHomes #ListedBuildings

🎙️ 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.

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.

In this special first on-site episode, Vincent Reed visits Scotney Castle to sit down with James Kenton, a National Trust senior building surveyor and conservation architect.

James shares his journey from a farming background to discovering his passion for architecture through school work experience, university at Portsmouth, and trips to historic sites like Rome. He explains the path to becoming a conservation architect, including accreditation (AABC and RIBA) and professional qualifications.

Discover the day-to-day work of a National Trust surveyor, from compliance and condition reporting to long-term planning and climate impact management. James also highlights church inspections, quinquennial surveys, and major projects at Chartwell, including stabilising Churchill’s kitchen garden walls and refurbishing the uniform room.

Other topics covered include:

• Early career challenges during the 2008 credit crunch
• Trades skills, apprenticeships, and the future of craftsmanship in an AI-driven world
• Balancing duty of care, project budgets, and return on investment
• Work culture and learning opportunities during COVID and furlough
• Publications, BBC filming at Sissinghurst, and sharing expertise with the public

Whether you’re a heritage professional, architecture student, or simply curious about historic buildings and conservation, this episode offers invaluable insights into preserving historic places for future generations.

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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 James Kenton

00:30 From Farming to Design

00:55 Work Experience Spark

04:54 University and Conservation

09:09 Becoming a Conservation Architect

09:49 Accreditation Case Studies

14:45 Qualifying and Part Three

19:38 Starting Out in the Credit Crunch

21:44 Church Work and Inspections

24:45 Climate Change Building Impacts

25:46 Chartwell Projects Deep Dive

31:58 National Trust Teams and Crafts

35:02 Trades Skills and AI Future

41:35 Work Culture After COVID

44:04 Back to Scotney Castle

44:13 Becoming Church Inspector

45:39 Juggling Dozens of Churches

47:22 From Farm Conversions to Ambition

49:50 National Trust Interview Gauntlet

52:04 Taking the Leap to NT

53:39 Starting Then COVID Hits

56:49 Furlough Era Extra Portfolios

01:00:18 Portfolio Reshuffle After COVID

01:01:49 Senior Surveyor Role Explained

01:05:31 Day to Day Surveyor Work

01:10:09 Reports, Budgets and Planning

01:14:06 Balancing Duty and ROI

01:16:43 Stress, Responsibility and Pride

01:20:00 Where to Find More

01:21:18 Publications and BBC Filming

01:25:20 Final Thanks and Wrap Up

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Connect with James Kentorn and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kenton-nt/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james_kenton/

Email: [email protected]

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Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#NationalTrust #ConservationArchitect #HistoricBuildings

🎙️ 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.

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.

Host Vincent Reed speaks with conservation carpenter and surveyor Nathan Goss about his unconventional journey from leaving school at 15 with dyslexia into a carpentry apprenticeship in South Wales, early work crafting coffins and staircases, and later restoring historic buildings across the UK including projects at Windsor Castle and Hereford Cathedral.

Nathan also shares how television opportunities arose through his friendship with Griff Rhys Jones, his transition into a building surveyor role with the National Trust after a rugby injury, and international conservation work with the World Monuments Fund.

Topics covered include:

• Starting a carpentry apprenticeship at 15 and early work crafting coffins

• Restoring major heritage sites including Windsor Castle and historic buildings across Wales

• Life as a travelling carpenter working on castles, cathedrals, and historic halls

• How a friendship with Griff Rhys Jones led to television and heritage documentaries

• Retraining as a National Trust building surveyor after a career-changing rugby injury

• International conservation work and training projects in Ethiopia and Sierra Leone

Perfect for conservation carpenters, heritage professionals, craftspeople, building surveyors, and anyone passionate about traditional building skills and historic building restoration.

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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 Catch Up

00:29 School Struggles and Apprenticeship

03:17 Early Joinery and Bonus Wages

05:20 Coffin Making Mindset

09:06 How Coffins Were Built

14:20 Glue and Finishing Touches

16:18 Leaving Joinery for Restoration

21:16 Windsor Castle and Hand Skills

24:24 Heritage Projects Across Wales

27:27 Life as a Traveling Carpenter

29:33 No Photos Back Then

31:10 St Fagans Museum Work

31:42 St Fagans Church Restoration

33:32 Museum Repairs and Fire Rebuild

34:45 Royal Visits and Moving On

35:22 Meeting Griff Rhys Jones

37:59 Pembroke Slate Roof Dilemma

42:39 Friendship and TV Opportunities

44:06 Pilgrims Walk TV Adventure

46:44 More History Shows and Research

51:40 Rugby Injury and Business Collapse

53:39 National Trust Surveyor Path

59:57 Luck Mindset and New Contacts

01:02:18 Ethiopia Palace Project Hook

01:06:20 Mindblown Heritage Moments

01:07:33 Ethiopia Palace Training

01:10:42 Funding Shift Fallout

01:12:53 Family Travel Juggle

01:15:30 TV Work Reality Check

01:21:39 Sierra Leone Timber Rescue

01:26:03 Mahogany Termite Surprise

01:30:03 Future Plans and Wrap

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Connect with Nathan Goss and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-goss-18a0b792/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathangossconservation/

Email: [email protected]

Website: nathangoss.co.uk/

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Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#Coffinmaker #WindsorCastle #Ethiopia

🎙️ 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.

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.

Host Vincent Reed speaks with Libby Watts, founder of Liberty Rose Architects, 2021 Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Scholar and 2023 The King's Foundation 35 Under 35 recipient.

Libby shares her journey from commercial architecture into listed building and church conservation, and how the SPAB Scholarship reshaped her approach to heritage practice.

Topics covered include:

• What the SPAB Scholarship really involves – hands-on craft training across the UK

• Moving from new-build offices to historic and listed buildings

• Starting a conservation practice during COVID

• Working closely with craftspeople on traditional materials like lime, lead, and timber

• How to structure fees for heritage projects

• Winning work through word of mouth, especially church networks

• Documenting historic details like lead roof graffiti

• The King’s Foundation 35 Under 35 experience

• Widening access to conservation and supporting young people into the trades

• Advice for getting into conservation architecture

Perfect for conservation architects, heritage professionals, church architects, craftspeople, and anyone passionate about traditional building skills and historic building preservation.

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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 Introduction

01:02 Finding Conservation Architecture

03:07 COVID Pivot and Starting a Practice

06:03 SPAB Scholarship Application

07:27 Scholarship Life on the Road

13:08 Plunkett Section: English Country Houses

16:11 Post-Scholarship Practice Philosophy

19:21 Learning from Craftspeople and Site Culture

25:04 Running the Business and Fee Structures

33:11 Winning Work Through Word of Mouth

34:47 The King’s Foundation 35 Under 35

39:40 Bringing New Talent into Conservation

41:52 Heritage for Everyone

42:00 Launching Access Courses

45:41 Teaching and Mentoring

47:30 Women in Conservation

56:34 Church Conservation Project Highlights

01:01:30 Managing People and Project Pressures

01:05:09 Boundaries and Saying No to Clients

01:08:04 Future Practice Direction

01:11:41 How to Get Into Conservation

01:16:20 Social Media and Wrap Up

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Connect with Liberty Watts and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liberty-rose-architects/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liberty_rose_architects/

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.libertyrosearchitects.co.uk

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Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

Join the conversation:

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#LibertyRoseArchitects #Conservation #Architecture