Our Built Heritage

Our Built Heritage

By Alexis NicolaidisArtsDesign
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Our Built Heritage episodes

  • S3. Ep 7. In conversation with James Pass from E3 Cube.

    In this episode I am joined by James Pass, leadArchitect & Divisional Director at E3 Cube where he specialises in architectural design that focuses on neurodivergent accessibility and compliance with PAS 6463 standards. James has over 20 years of industry experience and is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of truly inclusivebuilding design. He believes architecture isn't just about buildings; it's about enhancing the well-being and daily experiences of people. By designing spaces that consider neurodiversity, his aim is to reduce environmental stressors, address sensory sensitivities and empower individuals to interact and navigate their surroundings confidently. James’s passion lies in bridging the gap between architecture and the unique needs of the neurodivergent community, creating spaces that not only serve their purpose but also enrich the lives of all who use them.

     

    We discuss how James approaches a heritage project,especially when there are neurodivergent accessibility requirements and how you ensure the clients’ needs are met as well as the building’s needs.

     

    We talk about how to approach a property that is traditionally built and may have special character and what might be considered appropriate and what could be construed as inappropriate or disrespectful.

     

    James shares his experience on the regulations that need tobe considered on a project and how a space can be adapted to support those with varying needs and all the different factors that can and should help shape design and spaces.   

     

    It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

     

    Link is in the comments… enjoy!

    1 hr 9 min
  • S3. Ep 6. In conversation with Richard McPherson a specialist craftsperson using historical paint techniques.

    In this episode I am joined by Richard McPherson aspecialist craftsperson using historical paint techniques which include wood graining, gilding, marbling and trompe l'oeil. Based in Tunbridge Wells but works mostly in London.

     

    We talk about how Richard got into such a creative line ofwork, what trompe l'oeil is and how it has been used. Richard also offers advice on how you might get into working in his industry and some of the things he has found when working on site.

     

    Richard shares common themes and misconnections and his top tips when working on your property.

     

    It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

     

    Link is in the comments… enjoy!

    53 min
  • S3. Ep 5. In conversation with James Wright from Triskele Heritage

    In this episode I am joined by James Wright from TriskeleHeritage, an archaeological consultancy practice based in Nottingham offering building archaeological services. James is also a published author and worked as a specialist consultant on a number of films, television and radioprogrammes.


    We talk about how James started working in the industry and his passion is infectious! We discuss the varied roles he has undertaken whichinclude archaeology, stone masonry and being a publish author to name a few. Plustunnels and the wide range of buildings he has found himself in to undertakeassessments and record detailing.

     

    We discuss how you look at a building and identify what itwas used for, when it was built and any changes that may have been made.

     

    James debunks myths not just about archaeology but also how buildings were made, spiral staircases in castles, hidden tunnels, witch marks and timber framed buildings that may have come from the Spanish Armada. We unpick these and more.


    It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on aproject and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

     

    Link is in the comments… enjoy!

    1 hr 11 min
  • S3. Ep 3. In conversation with Lauren Di Pietro from Scene Architects

    In this episode I am joined by Lauren Di Pietro from Scene

    Architects, a multi-disciplinary architectural practice focused on innovation and sustainability with offices in Chelmsford, London Mayfair and York.

     

    We discuss where Lauren’s love for old buildings came from

    and how this then led to her interest in designing for dementia and how care and conservation are intertwined.

     

    We talk about how Lauren works on a project and what needs to be considered when you are developing designs that need to be sympathetic to the building, client and the occupants irrespective of whether it is listed or not. The constraints when you are working on a listed building to make them accessible and practical whilst respecting the significance of the building.

     

    We touch on sustainability and how it feeds into the design

    process and the types of conversations she has with clients. Along with what net zero means, how climate change fits in with a design and the life cycle of a building and the meaning behind the triangle on a project.  

     

    Lauren’s passion is infectious. It will be a thought

    provoking listen for anyone embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

     

    Link is in the comments… enjoy

    1 hr 3 min
  • S3. Ep 2. In conversation with Frank Holmes from Frank Holmes Limited

    In this episode I am joined by Frank Holmes from Frank

    Holmes Limited. Frank is a master craftsman specialising in heritage decorating and restoration projects, which ignited a passion for saving and reintroducing vintage designs. Frank combines traditional techniques with an extensive product knowledge and expertise. Services include lincrusta installation and finish and lincrusta restoration and replication. Based in the north west England.

     

    We talk about how Frank started working in such a specialist

    industry. It is inspiring to know that you can change what you do no matter what path you might have started out on and who knows where it will take you.

     

    We discuss resilience and the power of a positive mindset to

    be able to create something special whilst caring for our built heritage.

     

    We talk about what lincrusta is, when it would have been

    used, how it can be applied and the restoration and replication of existing lincrusta wall treatments. Plus, bespoke and one off designs.

     

    Franks incredible work ethic is inspiring and the levels he

    will go to in order to preserve and retain lost designs.

     

    It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on a

    project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

     

    Link is in the comments… enjoy!

    1 hr 16 min
  • S3. Ep 1. In conversation with Clare Chapman, a heritage specialist

    In this episode I am joined by Clare Chapman, a heritage

    specialist, supporting the reuse and adaptation of historic church buildings. Clare is also Chair of Leeds Civic Trust's Heritage Watch Group, working closely with volunteers, Leeds City Council's Conservation Team, developers and property owners to secure positive outcomes for the buildings and structures that enrich the city of Leeds.

     

    We talk about Clare’s journey into the role she currently

    undertakes and the frustrations and challenges when it comes to identifying roles and opportunities and how you have to get creative and look at things from different angles.


    Clare describes the challenges faced with church buildings

    and how a building is assessed in terms of maintenance and when the difficult decision is made that it needs to be sold. It also very much depends on who owns the building as it is not always the body you would assume it is. 

     

    It is interesting to hear what legislations are in place

    when it comes to assessing what a church building can become if it is sold.

     

    We talk about the impact buildings can have on a community

    plus the usual common themes and misconceptions and advice for anyone embarking on project.

     

    It will be an thought provoking listen for anyone embarking

    on a project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

     

    Link is in the comments… enjoy!

    1 hr 12 min
  • S2. Ep 10. In conversation with Mark Hosea, Director of Estates and Conservation at the Old Royal Naval College and Tom Billington, Director of Oculus Management

    In this episode I am joined by Mark Hosea, Director of

    Estates and Conservation at the Old Royal Naval College and Tom Billington, Director of Oculus Management.

     

    Mark is a chartered surveyor and member of the RICS. He is responsible for balancing the commercial and conservation objectives of the Old Royal Naval College, aligning them with the values and expectations of their many audiences and stakeholders. Along with overseeing the complex estate and its significant budgets, notably

    conservation and collections.

     

    Tom has extensive knowledge of built assets, having worked on contemporary buildings and large construction sites such as the London Olympic Park, whilst also having managed and developed around 100 listed buildings and structures -including being responsible for the estates of 2 UNESCO world heritage sites.

     

    We talk about how they both got into their respective

    industries and their incredible work journeys which is inspiring and insightful. It just goes to show that you don’t have to have everything mapped out from the start!

     

    We discuss the importance of having the right people roundthe table when you are working on a project and the need for collaboration and open communication.

     

    The meaning of heritage and how it is important and what

    this means when you are a custodian so that people can enjoy the spaces which also includes immersive experiences.

     

    We talk about some myths when working on large sites and the lack of funding support from the government and what this then means to those looking after them. Along with the usual common themes and misconceptions in

    their respective lines of work. Plus, advice for anyone embarking on a project and the importance of having fun!

     

    It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on a

    project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

    1 hr 12 min
  • S2. Ep 9. In conversation with Caitlin, an experienced archivist

    In this episode I am joined by Caitlin an experienced

    archivist.

     

    We talk about our love of things old, visiting libraries and

    archives and how special they are. The power of the OS map, census information and trade directories.

     

    We discuss the social standing and how land may have been obtained and divided up which had an impact on how people lived and how this links to finding out more information about your property.

     

    Caitlin helps debunk how to research people and buildings so that you can find out more about the architectural and social side of a building and how they are linked.

     

    She also talks about what happens when you visit an archive and how they can support you with your searches during your visit but also how an archivist can do the work for you if you need additional help.

     

    We get into some of the common misconceptions when it comes to a buildings history and we touch on digital archives. Plus, how you might become an archivist if this is a career that interests you.


    It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on a

    project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

    1 hr 2 min
  • S2. Ep 8. In conversation with Carolyn, a proud custodian of a beautiful Grade 1 listed property

    In this episode I am joined by Carolyn who is the proud

    custodian and owner of a beautiful Grade 1 listed property in Carlisle. The building has a fortified tower dating back to 15the century with alterations dating from the 16th century and an extension in the late 17th century.

     

    The listed entry has little detail and what it does describe

    is the exterior of the building and some of the materials used to build the property. It briefly mentions the interior by saying “Interior of the tower is thought to be of some interest but unable to gain access at the time of survey.
    Small single-storey additions to tower are not of interest.”

     

    Anyone who has seen a listed entry will know that is

    typically all you get, if you are lucky! They can be even more vague.

     

    We talk about what it is liked owning and caring for a

    listed property and the lessons she has learned along the way. What and how to implement improvements to your home, dealing with an act of God and the importance of getting the right people involved when you need help.

     

    It is a great listen and hearing first hand advice from a

    Grade 1 listed property owner.

    1 hr 6 min
  • S2. Ep 7. In conversation with Claire Truman from Heritage Revival

    In this episode I am joined by Claire Truman from

    Heritage Revival, an independent conservation architects practice specialising in listed buildings based in Berkshire but works across the UK.

     

    We talk about what our buildings can tell us about the way

    we used to live and how buildings and societies have evolved. Along with how she manages a project and works with her clients.

     

    We talk about what trickery can be found in buildings and

    the importance of researching a buildings history to ensure work carried out is appropriate, plus the need to talk about budgets and the implications of not talking about budget can have on a project.

     

    It will be an interesting listen for anyone embarking on a

    project and is looking for some guidance and anyone generally interested in older properties.

    1 hr 9 min

About Our Built Heritage

From the publisher's feed

This podcast is for anyone interested in historic buildings. This could be a traditional cottage, a Victorian terrace, a Georgian manor house or even a stately home. Whether it is listed or not, they are all special and interesting and part of Our Built Heritage.