Repairs, Alterations & Conservation

A thorough and sometimes radical approach is taken to dealing with existing buildings, based on a love of history, an understanding of the spirit behind the original building and a huge amount of practical experience.

Repairs treat the fundamental issues.  We use design to give economic and long lasting solutions, using local materials and excellent craftsmanship wherever practicable.  The Practice has considerable expertise in penetrating damp, rot treatment, stonework, timber and woodwork and slating.

Alterations have to work in harmony with the existing whilst giving the building new life that will allow it to function well for the future.  Immense creativity and sensitivity is required to do this in a way that is sympathetic.

Preparing Feasibility Studies and looking at all different aspects affecting a building often forms the start of a new project and well researched Conservation Statements support Applications to the Local Authorities.   We are versed in providing Quinquennial  Inspections through our longstanding relationship with a number of Churches and other bodies.

Conservation Management Plans provide the most cost-effective way of preserving or enhancing cultural significance and often much improve the understanding of the building.  They also often provide welcome public and expert support and make a good basis for fund-raising.

Fund-raising assistance is a normal part of working with many historic buildings projects and the Practice has achieved extremely high levels of grant assistance for many clients.

Ben Tindall is RIAS Conservation Accredited at the highest level and an assessor.  The Practice is engaged with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in Scotland (SPABiS), the Sir Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust, the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS), Scotland’s Garden & Landscape Heritage (SGLH; formally the Garden History Society) and many similar organisations.