🎙️ 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: libby@libertyrosearchitects.co.uk

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

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.

In this episode, Vincent Reed speaks with Karl Magnus-Melin, historic carpenter and craft researcher trained in archaeology at Lund University. The discussion centres on the reconstruction of a 14th-century Swedish log timber church, rebuilt between 2007 and 2021 as a national heritage knowledge project in collaboration with the Craft Laboratory at the University of Gothenburg.

They explore medieval timber construction, roof design research, experimental archaeology, traditional axe work, hand-split boards, tool mark analysis, timber species selection, moisture content, and how rebuilding lost techniques strengthens conservation practice and historic building knowledge.

Topics covered include:

1. Medieval timber construction and historic carpentry techniques
2. Reconstructing a 14th-century Scandinavian log church
3. Experimental archaeology and craft-based research methods
4. Traditional axe work, tool marks, and timber splitting by hand
5. Dendrochronology, tree-ring dating, and timber provenance analysis
6. Roof construction research and medieval geometry
7. Apotropaic marks, taper burn marks, and ritual protection symbols in historic buildings
8. Driftwood construction in the Faroe Islands and Nordic timber trade
9. Craft education, heritage skills shortages, and conservation funding challenges

This episode is essential viewing for conservation architects, heritage consultants, dendrochronologists, archaeologists, historic carpenters, timber framers, building historians, and anyone passionate about medieval construction techniques and experimental craft research.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

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00:00 Welcome & Introducing Craft Researcher Karl Magnus-Melin

01:41 Family Roots: Grandfathers, Churches, and Early Curiosity

03:19 Archaeology Meets Carpentry: Learning by Doing, Not Just Digging

07:42 Burned Medieval Log Church Reconstruction Begins

12:35 Documentation Gaps: Roof, Attic & Research Challenges

17:48 Defining Roles: Leading Medieval Roof Construction Research

22:04 Building as a Knowledge Project for Swedish Heritage

26:32 Splitting Timber by Hand: Species, Seasoning & Tool Marks

35:56 Axe Work, Fitness & the Physical Reality of Medieval Craft

42:57 Rebuilding Lost Traditions: Lessons & Long-Term Impact

45:52 Funding Frustrations vs. Slow Restoration Wins

46:35 Turkey 2017: Inside a 700 BC Timber Tomb

49:39 Ancient Construction Knowledge Across Regions

51:41 Hidden Attics, Soot Lines & Craft...

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode, host Vincent Reed speaks with Faye Davies, a RIBA-registered specialist conservation architect at Burrell Foley Fisher Architects, a London practice with over 40 years of experience in historic building conservation. Faye shares her journey into heritage architecture and her work adapting at-risk and listed buildings for modern, sustainable use.

The discussion explores creative conservation, including how complex historic sites like medieval guild halls and roundhouses are unlocked through heritage statements, client education, and practical problem-solving. Faye also reflects on major projects including York Guild Hall and Birmingham Roundhouse, alongside wider challenges in the sector such as training, sustainability, and unqualified contractors.

Topics covered include:

1. RIBA conservation architecture and career pathways in historic building preservation
2. Creative conservation strategies for adapting at-risk heritage buildings
3. Protecting and reusing listed buildings while meeting modern sustainability standards
4. Real-world conservation case studies: York Guild Hall restoration and Birmingham Roundhouse conservation
5. Writing heritage statements and navigating planning, archaeology, and budgets
6. Common challenges in the heritage sector, including unqualified contractors and skills shortages
7. Sustainable conservation approaches for medieval, Tudor, and 20th-century buildings
8. Professional advice for conservation architects, heritage consultants, and historic property owners

This episode is essential viewing for heritage professionals, conservation architects, RIBA members, historic building owners, planners, and anyone passionate about preserving UK heritage buildings through sustainable and creative conservation.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

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00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:30 Faye's Path to Architecture

04:15 Falling into Historic Buildings

07:00 Covent Garden Slum Stories

09:45 RIBA Conservation Specialist Training

14:20 Wide Portfolio: Tudor to 20th Century

18:30 Repurposing At-Risk Buildings

22:00 Sustainability in Conservation

25:15 Practice Overview (43 Years, Nationwide)

29:00 Heritage Statements & Industry Challenges

35:45 Client Battles and Mediation

41:00 York Guild Hall Project Deep Dive

50:30 Budgets, Archaeology, and Wins

56:15 Winning Tenders: Enthusiasm & Vision

1:02:00...

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Keith Scobie-Youngs, a distinguished horologist and conservation specialist, and founder of the Cumbria Clock Company. With decades of experience working on some of the UK’s most significant historic clocks, Keith shares insights from his career, including the monumental task of restoring the Great Clock of Westminster, commonly known as Big Ben.

This engaging conversation explores Keith’s early fascination with clocks, growing up in Fairford, and the formative experiences that led him into the world of horology. He reflects on his journey into conservation, the skills required to work on historic mechanisms, and the responsibility that comes with preserving nationally significant timepieces.

The discussion further examines the intricate and highly technical process of clock restoration, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs involved in working on Big Ben. Keith also shares his philosophy on craftsmanship, longevity, and the importance of maintaining traditional skills in an increasingly modern world.

This insightful episode is filled with expert knowledge and inspiring perspectives on heritage conservation and the art of timekeeping. Tune in next time for another deep dive into the people and practices shaping our built heritage.

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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 Introduction to Today's Guest: Keith Scobie-Youngs

01:21 Keith's Early Life and Introduction to Clocks

02:13 First Steps in Horology

05:20 Transition to London and Early Career

12:12 Founding the Cumbria Clock Company

23:34 Challenges and Growth of the Business

30:31 Innovations and Product Development

40:45 Restoring Big Ben: The Ultimate Challenge

51:28 Team Effort and Project Management

51:40 Pricing and Contractual Challenges

54:08 Historical Overhauls and Repairs

55:39 Major Breakdowns and Repairs

57:25 Clock Mechanism Removal and Discoveries

59:42 Dimensions and Weight of Clock Hands

01:03:34 Workshop Challenges and Electric Winding System

01:09:49 Restoration and Testing of the Clock

01:16:21 Tolling the Bell for the Queen

01:27:53 Industry Insights and Future Prospects

01:36:00 Final Reflections and Contact Information

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Connect with Keith Scobie-Youngs and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-scobie-youngs-fbhi-acr-63340a15/

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

Website: https://clockmaker.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

#Horology #BigBen #HistoricClocks

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Ross Balharry, founder of Bedrock Buildings, a specialist in round timber construction including Canadian log style, scribe log homes, and post-and-beam framing. Holding a first-class degree in structural engineering from Heriot-Watt University, Ross discusses how he combines technical expertise with hands-on craftsmanship to champion sustainable building through natural materials and heritage techniques.

This engaging conversation explores Ross’s early passion for building, his university experiences, and the challenges faced in the early stages of his career, including significant health issues that reshaped his outlook. Ross also shares the story behind founding Bedrock Buildings, the steep learning curves of his first projects, and the critical role of securing funding to grow the business.

The discussion further examines the realities of competing in the log cabin market, the demands of wearing multiple hats as a business owner, and the value a business mentor can bring. The episode also highlights the importance of SAP energy ratings and advocates for low-carbon building standards that prioritize natural materials.

This insightful episode is filled with practical lessons and thought-provoking perspectives on the future of sustainable building. Tune in next time for a deeper look into the intricacies of constructing log cabins.

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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 Introduction to Ross Balharry and Bedrock Buildings

01:29 Ross's Early Interest in Building

02:26 University and Early Career Experiences

04:49 Health Challenges and a Change in Perspective

06:35 Starting Bedrock Buildings

07:46 First Projects and Learning Curves

11:21 Challenges and Growth in the Business

15:51 Building Techniques and Client Projects

25:47 Funding and Expanding the Business

39:47 Global Competition in Log Cabin Building

41:55 Challenges of Wearing Multiple Hats

44:43 The Importance of Business Mentors

49:35 Exploring SAPs Energy Ratings

52:05 The Benefits of Natural Building Materials

01:01:01 Advocating for Low Carbon Building Standards

01:12:17 The Future of Log Cabin Building

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Connect with Ross Balharry and learn more:

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

Email: enquiries@bedrockbuildings.co.uk

Website: https://www.bedrockbuildings.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

#SustainableBuilding #TimberConstruction #HighlandLogBuilding

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

🎙️ In this episode, Vincent Reed sits with Peter Boyd, Director of Trim Carpenters, a heritage timber restoration specialist based in Sydney, Australia. Peter shares his fascinating journey from arriving in Australia on a working holiday visa to founding a well-respected company focused on fine timber finishes.

Peter emphasizes his deep commitment to craftsmanship and heritage conservation, guided by meticulous attention to detail and respect for historical accuracy. The discussion covers the challenges of running a business, building a skilled team, and navigating the complexities of heritage protection laws in Australia.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with insights, professional tips, and stories from the field of heritage timber 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 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:53 Peter's Journey to Australia

01:35 Starting in Construction

04:09 Transition to Carpentry

05:59 Visa Challenges and Solutions

07:52 Apprenticeship and Early Career

11:24 Building a Business

15:36 Challenges in Hiring and Team Building

26:46 Specialising in Heritage Timber Work

42:06 Meeting Robert and Starting the Journey

43:03 Heritage Buildings in Sydney

44:24 Architectural Influences and Woodwork

45:32 Restoration Projects and Wood Species

50:00 Heritage Protection in Australia

59:42 Managing Carpentry Teams

01:04:37 Balancing Passion and Business

01:14:24 Imposter Syndrome and Taking Risks

01:22:23 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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Connect with Peter Boyd and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trimcarpenters/

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

Email: peter@trimcarpenters.com.au

Website: trimcarpenters.com.au

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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

#Carpentry #Australian #SkilledTrades

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode of the Heritage Buildings podcast, host Vincent Reed sits down with Charles Bain-Smith, a senior building conservation manager at the National Trust. A RIBA chartered architect and SCA accredited conservation specialist, Charles shares his journey from a three-year-old boy witnessing the dramatic demolition of an 18th century tar mill to becoming a leading figure in architectural conservation.

Charles delves into his experiences working on various restoration projects, his insights on the dynamic nature of heritage conservation, and his reflections on the importance of preserving the 'ness' of places like Hastings' old fishing port.

Whether you're an enthusiast of architectural history or curious about the future of building conservation, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

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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 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:52 Early Inspirations and First Act of Conservation

05:43 Spiritual Connection to Heritage

06:36 Involvement with Chillingham Wild Cattle

08:59 Durham Cathedral and the Love of Craftsmanship

14:19 Early Career and Mentorship

23:37 Hands-On Experience and Passion for Timber

31:23 Starting a Practice and Team Collaboration

42:18 Creative Evenings and the 2000 Crash

43:17 Joining the Creative Folkestone Scene

45:12 Maintaining Friendships in Architecture

46:30 Transition to the National Trust

48:06 Exploring Employment Opportunities

49:42 Architects vs. Surveyors

53:24 National Trust Projects and Challenges

01:04:53 Traveling Across the UK for the National Trust

01:07:23 Standout Projects: Sissinghurst and Yard House

01:17:58 Unexpected Challenges on Site

01:19:14 Gaining Respect Through Practical Skills

01:20:21 Balancing Leadership and Client Expectations

01:21:48 The Importance of Craftsmanship

01:24:33 Preserving the Spirit of Places

01:38:24 Advice for Aspiring Conservationists

01:40:50 The Role of AI in Conservation

01:45:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Connect with Charles Bain-Smith and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-bain-smith-a495672/

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

Email: charles@cymaarchitects.co.uk

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.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

#HeritageConservation #ArchitecturalRestoration #NationalTrust

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

In this episode, Vincent Reed is joined by Dr Coralie Mills, a leading dendrochronologist and wooded landscape archaeologist, and founder of Dendrochronicle, a consultancy based in Scotland. Coralie shares her journey into dendrochronology, how her early love of landscapes grew into a lifelong passion for understanding Scotland’s timber history.

She discusses some of her most notable projects, including work on St Giles’ Cathedral and Needpath Castle, offering fascinating insights into past woodland management and timber use.

The conversation also explores the challenges and opportunities within the field today, the importance of preserving historic timbers in buildings, and the future of dendrochronology research in Scotland.

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Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

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00:00 Introduction to Dr. Coralie Mills

01:26 Coralie's Early Influences and Education

03:53 Journey into Environmental Archaeology

07:47 Exploring Dendrochronology

10:59 Historic Wooded Landscapes

16:18 Timber Trade and Woodland Management in Scotland

32:15 Challenges in Scottish Dendrochronology

42:46 Differences in Timber Conservation Between England and Scotland

44:24 Challenges with Structural Engineers and Old Timber

51:36 The Importance of Context in Historic Timber

53:16 New Research Framework for Dendrochronology in Scotland

58:00 Notable Projects and Personal Favorites

01:04:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Dendrochronology

01:04:32 Training the Next Generation of Dendrochronologists

01:06:23 The Ridge Project and Future Prospects

01:11:02 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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Connect with Dr Coralie Mills and learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coralie-mills-138a1924/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dendrochronicle/#

Website: www.dendrochronicle.co.uk

Further Links & Resources:

Learn more about Dr Coralie’s work and the field of dendrochronology through the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework:

👉 Dendrochronology | The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework

https://scarf.scot/thematic/dendrochronology/

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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

#Dendrochronology #TimberHeritage #WoodlandArchaeology