Our Built Heritage

Our Built Heritage

By Alexis NicolaidisArtsDesign
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Our Built Heritage episodes

  • S2. Ep 6. In conversation with Tiffany Snowden from Blue Willow Heritage

    In this episode I am joined by Tiffany Snowden from

    Blue Willow Heritage. Tiffany is the Director of Blue Willow Heritage, having founded the company following over a decade of work in the historic environment
    sector with a focus on both built heritage and archaeology. She is a fully accredited member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists at their highest level (MCIfA) as well as being a full member of the Institute for
    Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). Tiffany currently serves as a Trustee of The Victorian Society, one of the statutory consultees forming part of the Joint Committee of the National Amenity Societies. Key interests and experience include design advice, retrofit of historic buildings, Victorian architecture, and the sustainable conversion of traditional agricultural buildings.

     

    We talk about how she got into the industry and the roles

    she undertook before starting Blue Willow Heritage. It is very inspiring when you are not sure what you want to do but how embracing the unknown and working in different roles can shape the work you get involved in and how invaluable that experience is in helping clients with their projects.

     

    It is interesting to hear a how archaeology intertwines with a buildings fabric and the stories it can tell and what that can mean when you are embarking on a project and how to get the best results.

     

    We also talk about how confusing it can be when it comes to looking at things like windows, and some of the claims made around traditional designs and authenticity and the complications this could cause down the line on a project.

     

    It will be an interesting listen for anyone who owns an

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

    1 hr 17 min
  • S2. Ep 5. In conversation with Sean Matten, Program Director at Ramboll working on historic buildings

    In this episode I am joined by Sean Matten from Ramboll, a global architecture, engineering, and consultancy company, delivering expertise and sustainable solutions to clients and partners. Ramboll were Founded in Denmark in 1945 and today they operate across 35 countries. They combine deep local insight and experience with a global knowledge base to create sustainable societies and drive positive change for their clients. Sean is a Program Director at Ramboll working on historic buildings.

     

    We talk about how Sean got into the industry and how he went from being in the army to the role he now undertakes. Plus, what it is like to own a Grade 2 listed Georgian property. The joys of finding a bat in your property and the types of contractors you might need to engage with on a project and how it can impact on not only your budget but also on your projects timescales.

     

    Sean describes a few buildings that are being adapted to be more climate efficient and visually interesting and how buildings can be repurposed depending on how it was constructed. Plus the need to maintain your building

    along with the usual misconceptions and advice if you are about to embark on a project.

     

    It will be an insightful listen for anyone who owns an older

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

    1 hr 6 min
  • S2. Ep 4. In conversation with Peter Galloway, a proud custodian of a historical property

    In this episode I am joined delighted to be joined by Peter

    Galloway from the Printmaker’s Inn in Savannah, Georgia. Peter is the proud owner of a historic building which is older than Savannah itself!

     

    We talk about how Peter came to be the proud owner of 2

    historic mansions. The history and work he has undertaken especially after he dismantled and reassembled one of the houses from its original location in East Hartford to Savannah.

     

    We discuss the differences and similarities in building

    regulations between the UK and the USA and how people approach buildings and projects and the impact of finding the right trades to support a project.

     

    Travel has clearly had a massive influence, and his story

    will no doubt resonate with many listeners and how inspiring visiting different places and countries can have on you.

     

    It will be great listen for anyone who loves older buildings

    and wants to hear about how Peter tackled his project and anyone looking for some guidance or is generally interested in older properties.

    1 hr 7 min
  • S2. Ep 3. In conversation with Mark Somerfield, a heritage consultant

    In this episode I am joined by Mark Somerfield, a heritage consultant working with private clients and currently

    working with the Canal & River Trust as an advisor.

     

    We talk about how Mark came to work in the industry and some of the incredible projects he has been involved in including the work he is currently undertaking with the Canal & River Trust. It is a real eye opener into what

    constitutes as heritage and what additional factors you might need to consider
    such as ecology, bats, swallows, structural engineering, waterways and bridges.

    Mark also shares advice on how to care for a traditional

    property, the importance of teamwork and buying the right property.

     

    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 8 min
  • S2. Ep 2. In conversation with Philip Gaches from Gaches Traditional Plasterers

    In this episode I am joined by Philip Gaches from Gaches

    Traditional Plasterers. A family owned business offering conservation services in historic plasterwork drawing on over 75 years of experience working in the conservation of plaster internally and externally.

     

    They have worked on some incredible buildings including a few you may have heard of such as Strawberry Hill House, a Gothick Revival property in London where they led the complete replastering of the exterior.

    Apethorpe Palace which is a Grade 1 listed country house under the care of English Heritage where they worked on the ceiling and coving in the library to reinstate it and Hardwick Hall an Elizabethan National Trust property to name a few.

     

    We talk about apprenticeships and how they have changed during Philips working lifetime along with some incredible advice on how to get into specialist plaster work.

     

    We get into common themes and misconceptions relating to plastering and get a bit scientific when it comes what it is made from and some potentially surprising ingredients and the way carbon and CO2 comes into it.

     

    Philip also shares advice on how to care for a traditional

    property, especially if you are needing help.

     

    It will be an interesting listen, especially for anyone

    wanting to get into working in such a specialist industry and anyone else either embarking on a project and is looking for some guidance or you are interested in older properties.

    51 min
  • S2. Ep 1. In conversation with Shanell Johnson, an experienced Senior Project Leader working within the government

    In this episode I am joined by Shanell Johnson, an

    experienced Senior Project Leader working within the government, including looking after the Houses of Parliament after starting as a sandwich student and
    working her way up.


    We talk about the changes she saw during her time whilst

    working at the Houses of Parliament. Both in terms of to the building itself, where parts of it are over 1,000 years old, and the breaking down of barriers in the way people worked and related to each other.


    We discuss the how important it is to take a chance and see where it can take you and for Shanell that was working on some incredible projects during her time at the Houses of Parliament which she goes in to.


    We cover the need for collaboration and open conversations whilst understanding the end goal and separating this from people’s personal agenda and layering in understanding the historical setting. Plus, how to manage a project, irrespective of the nature of it, and talk about some of the ways to ensure it is a success especially when you are dealing with a historical building.


    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 4 min
  • S1. Ep 10. In conversation with Diane Benn from High Flying Comms

    In this episode I am joined by Diane Benn from High Flying Comms, an independent marketing communications consultancy specialising in working with clients in the built environment sector. Diane has worked with many of the biggest names in the industry advising and developing their brand and communications strategy.


    Whilst it may seem strange talking about marketing and communications strategies on a podcast related to

    Our Built Heritage, we felt that this is something that may be of interest to any commercial property owners. You may be about to launch a business or be going through a rebranding exercise or a refresh of your existing material and need help on how to maximise the value of owning a heritage property and ultimately drive revenue.


    We talk about how the wealth of information you will have gathered to support developing your property is too powerful for it to be left in a planning application! A good marketing strategy should not only tell your story but that of your traditional property to help generate interest and a buzz from the start of your journey and why it is important that you don’t leave it to the last minute irrespective of your budget.


    Diane explains the power of case studies and how they are still relevant in today’s world along with the other forms of marketing and advertising that are available and what might be appropriate in the heritage sector.


    We also discuss myths and common perceptions when it comes to marketing and the need to develop clarity in your business.


    The power of authenticity! It will be a valuable listen to anyone who is needs help with working out how to market their property and tell their story.

    55 min
  • S1. Ep 9. In conversation with Holly Gerrard from ID Planning

    In this episode I am joined by Holly Gerrard from ID

    Planning, an independent planning consultancy offering creative and innovative planning solutions to complex regeneration proposals based in Leeds and Sheffield but working throughout the UK. Holly is their specialist heritage consultant.


    Holly and I discuss her work and how she found herself in

    such an interesting industry. We talk about the range of traditional buildings and what needs to be considered when working with them whilst retaining the spirit of
    the building and when it might be appropriate to seek the advice of a professional to ensure your project is a success.


    Holly shares what she has found when it comes to the

    planning process and what should be included and how this links to how I develop design concepts. We talk about the thought processes of clients, developers and those involved in the project and how this can impact on the
    success of a project. 


    We discuss top tips in relation to dealing with traditional

    properties and the complexities of working with listed buildings and cost implications. Plus, how you might be found out if you go rogue with your building and the consequences associated with this and the potential danger of following advice on social media without qualifying what is said as it could land you in trouble!


    It will be great listen for anyone embarking on a project

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

    1 hr 1 min
  • S1. Ep 8. In conversation with Marie Woods from Heritage Adventures

    In this episode I am joined by Marie Woods from Heritage

    Adventures, an independent archaeologist and heritage consultant working with councils, contractors and architects to support them with their projects by
    examining sites and producing reports to assist them in achieving their goals. Marie also runs heritage workshops with schools and museums working nationally.


    Marie and I discuss where her interest in heritage and

    archaeology came from along with grossest thing she has uncovered when working on a site. She also shares common items you might find when working on a
    traditional property and what you might want to do with them once you have uncovered them.


    We discuss the skills gap and lack of opportunities for

    people to learn. The cultural and architectural value of a building and how important it is to understand these when approaching any work especially if you are planning on making any changes and how this feeds into a planning
    application. Plus, top tips and how important it is to have a maintenance plan.


    We also pled to certain programmes to mention more about working with a traditional (and listed) property to help raise awareness on planning requirements and appropriateness of materials and not just glossing

    over it as they sometimes (often) do.


    It will be interesting listen for anyone embarking on a

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

    51 min
  • S1. Ep 7. In conversation with Ian Collins from Mesh Architects

    In this episode I am joined by Ian Collins, co-founder of

    Mesh Architects in Chapel Allerton, Leeds. They are an award-winning practice who work on residential and commercial projects including repurposing and caring for traditional and listed buildings.


    Ian offers some top tips and great insights into how he and

    his team works using a few case studies to bring it to life. Along with his favourite phrase which feeds into the way he works, especially when it comes to older properties.


    We also talk about working with traditional properties

    including the complexities of working with a listed building and some common misconceptions. The importance of reading a building and allowing its story to be told and how it needs to be balanced with the client’s intention and that it is not always about preserving the building in every case. Adaptation and evolution can and is necessary but how you go about it is key which we discuss.


    It is a must for anyone embarking on a project and is struggling to wrestle with how to introduce modern interventions in a sensitive yet creative way.

    46 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.