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Heritage Buildings Podcast

Heritage Buildings Podcast

By: Vincent Reed
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Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast with your host Vincent Reed, where we bring you in-depth interviews with leading experts, passionate enthusiasts, and industry professionals from across the heritage buildings sector. Join us as we explore captivating stories, uncover the artistry behind historical buildings, and dive into the challenges and successes of conserving our architectural heritage. This podcast is available as audio format across all of your favourite podcasting apps and as video format on our official YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@HeritageBuildingsAssociation Be sure to join in on the discussions in our forum - https://heritagebuildings.forum Connect with us on social media - https://linktr.ee/heritagebuildingsassociationCopyright 2026 Vincent Reed Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • [HBP #41] - Andrew Rudge - Heritage Planning & Sustainability

    [HBP #41] - Andrew Rudge - Heritage Planning & Sustainability
    20 Oct 2026

    From Archaeology to Heritage Planning: Andrew Rudge on Managing Change, Sustainability & Inconsistent Decisions

    *🎙️ 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!

    Host Vincent Read welcomes Andrew Rudge, Regional Historic Environment Director at Landpro in Birmingham, to discuss his career journey from environmental archaeology and archaeological science into field archaeology, historic building recording, curatorial heritage roles (including Cornwall County Council and Historic England), and finally consultancy supporting clients through development. They explore what draws people from archaeology into historic buildings, the detective work of understanding building change, and the importance of storytelling.

    The conversation examines sustainability, local materials, and how post-war pressures and later-20th-century practices contributed to more disposable construction. Andrew and Vincent discuss the often inconsistent relationship between heritage and planning, resourcing gaps, risk-averse decision-making, impacts on homeowners, and the need for better communication and access to skilled specialists. Andrew outlines his new role building Landpro’s Midlands heritage offer across varied projects.

    Topics covered include:

    • Andrew Rudge's journey from archaeology to heritage planning consultancy
    • Understanding historic buildings through investigation, recording, and storytelling
    • Traditional building materials, sustainability, and construction waste
    • The influence of post-war development on Britain's building culture
    • Challenges and inconsistencies within the heritage planning system
    • The impact of planning decisions on homeowners and building conservation
    • Improving guidance, communication, and access to trusted specialists
    • Building Landpro's Midlands heritage consultancy and conservation team

    Whether you're an archaeologist, heritage consultant, architect, building surveyor, planning professional, conservation specialist, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings and sustainable architecture, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges of heritage planning, the importance of traditional building practices, and the need to balance conservation with modern development while protecting Britain's built heritage 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

    02:19 Andrew’s Current Role

    03:12 From Archaeology to Buildings

    06:46 Why Historic Buildings Hook Us

    11:12 Sustainability Then vs Now

    16:22 Waste and Reuse in Construction

    24:13 Local Materials and Identity

    28:50 Heritage vs Planning System

    35:34 Inconsistency and Homeowner Frustration

    42:14 Ideas to Improve Guidance

    43:48 Finding Better Guidance

    45:47 When Decisions Defy Logic

    50:15 Fear of Change Debate

    52:38 Skills Shortage and Bad Advice

    55:55 Signposting Trusted Experts

    59:05 Databases and Liability Fears

    01:02:34 Beyond Accreditations

    01:04:02 New Role at Lampro

    01:06:57 Building a Hands On Team

    01:12:51 Project Examples and Deadlines

    01:17:05 Switching Off and Sleep Tips

    01:18:11 Wrapping Up and Next Steps

    *Connect with Andrew Rudge using the links below:*

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-rudge-88638644/

    Email: andrew.rudge@lanpro.co.uk

    *🔗 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 video to support the heritage buildings community!

    #HeritageConservation #HeritagePlanning #HistoricBuildings
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    1 hr and 20 min
  • [HBP#40] - Louis Curtis - Historic Timber Frames

    [HBP#40] - Louis Curtis - Historic Timber Frames
    22 Sep 2026
    🎙️ 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 Louis Curtis, founder of Breakspear Conservation, to discuss his journey from school and kitchen fitting into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. Curtis shares how he developed his skills through the Building Crafts College and specialist timber frame repair courses, as well as a formative early project repairing a major eight-bay barn. He explains how enthusiasm, practical problem-solving, and a willingness to take on challenging work helped him establish his career in conservation.The conversation also explores the realities of running a small conservation business, including pricing work on historic buildings, managing unknowns, investigating existing structures, and setting realistic expectations with clients. Curtis discusses completing the MSc in Timber Building Conservation at the Weald and Downland Museum, support from the QUEST Scholarship and business training, his dissertation research into historic lime finishes and evidence of formerly plastered timber frames, and an experimental archaeology project in Copenhagen recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss using traditional tools.Topics covered include:• Louis Curtis's journey into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair• Training at the Building Crafts College and learning through practical experience• Repairing historic timber frames, including a major eight-bay barn• Running a small conservation business, pricing work, and managing unknowns in old buildings• The MSc in Timber Building Conservation, QUEST Scholarship, and business training• Research into historic lime finishes, formerly plastered timber frames, and experimental archaeology• Recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss in Copenhagen using traditional toolsWhether you're a conservation carpenter, timber framer, architect, building surveyor, heritage professional, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings and traditional craftsmanship, this episode offers valuable insights into the skills, research, and practical challenges involved in conserving Britain's historic timber 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 Welcome & Guest Intro: Louis on Heritage Timber Framing 01:38 From Skateboarding to Carpentry03:01 Discovering Building Conservation05:14 Falling for Timber Frames08:49 Finding Work and Mentors09:33 First Big Barn Breakthrough12:49 Why Enthusiasm Wins Jobs14:40 Growing Breakspear Conservation15:38 Pricing and Opening Up17:54 Managing Clients and Scope21:16 Running a Small Team24:34 MSc at Weald and Downland27:57 How the Masters Is Taught31:24 Getting In and Who It Suits33:10 QUEST Scholarship Support36:38 Inspiring Kids Into Crafts38:17 AI and the Craft Revival40:04 Hiring Young People Today42:58 Lime Finishes Research48:06 Exposed Frames Debate53:42 Limewash Benefits Explained55:58 Brick Infill And Mortar57:36 Hair Lime Plaster Mixes01:00:12 Copenhagen Truss Project01:07:55 Traditional Tools And Timber01:15:40 Home Renovation And Wrap Up Connect with Louis Curtis and explore his work using the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-curtis-a8929360/Breakspear Conservationhttps://www.breakspearconservation.com/https://www.instagram.com/breakspearconservation/Louis Curtis’ Presentation at the Historic England & Lime Finishes Group Symposium:https://vimeo.com/1190484023/2fdac7828c?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci More interesting presentations:https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/buildings/maintenance-and-repair-of-older-buildings/what-s-the-point-2-lime-finishes-in-a-changing-climate-symposium/ Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trusthttps://www.qest.org.uk/ Inspiring the Futurehttps://www.inspiringthefuture.org/ Weald and Downland MSc courseshttps://www.wealddown.co.uk/courses/msc-degrees/. Kongevaerk- Reconstruction of a roof truss from the Copenhagen Stock Exchangehttps://stolpverk.org/projekt-kongevaerk-i-kobenhavn-20-29-april-2026/https://stolpverk.org/invitation-till-invigningen-av-kongevaerket-fran-borsen/*🔗 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 video to support the heritage buildings community!#ConservationCarpentry #TimberFrameRestoration #ConservationCarpenter
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    1 hr and 23 min
  • [HBP#39] - Zoe Hooton & Jess Barrow - Architect + Heritage Consultant: Two Experts, One Mission

    [HBP#39] - Zoe Hooton & Jess Barrow - Architect + Heritage Consultant: Two Experts, One Mission
    1 Sep 2026
    🎙️ 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 Zoe Hooton, Specialist Conservation Architect and Director at HPA Architects and Woohoo, alongside Jessica Barrow, Heritage Consultant and Director at both HPA Architects and Woohoo. They discuss how conservation architects and heritage consultants work together to deliver successful listed building, historic building conservation, and heritage planning projects. From early collaboration and pre-application advice to working with conservation officers, they share practical insights into navigating the UK planning system.The conversation also explores the challenges facing heritage conservation, including inconsistent planning decisions, reduced conservation resources, managing change in historic buildings, and balancing heritage significance with modern requirements. They also share lessons from their work on Lancaster Castle's Well Tower (Witches' Tower).Topics covered include:• What does a conservation architect do?• The role of a heritage consultant in listed building projects• Historic building conservation and adaptive reuse• Listed Building Consent and heritage planning permission• Working with conservation officers and local planning authorities• Heritage statements, significance assessments, and public benefit• Pre-application advice and avoiding planning delays• Managing change in historic buildings and conservation best practice• Challenges facing UK heritage planning after COVID-19• Conservation of Lancaster Castle's Well Tower (Witches' Tower)• Balancing accessibility, archaeology, fire safety, and conservation• Why collaboration leads to better heritage outcomesWhether you're an architect, heritage consultant, planning professional, building surveyor, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings, listed buildings, and heritage conservation, this episode offers valuable insights into conserving Britain's built heritage.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 Introduction01:35 Meet Zoe and Jess02:16 How They First Met04:19 From Council to Collaboration08:26 Architect vs Heritage Consultant11:33 Managed Change and Tradeoffs14:45 Team Decisions and Stakeholders18:01 Working Together With Clients21:41 Pre-Application Advice Explained23:48 Planning System Frustrations29:32 Skill Shortages and DIY Heritage33:04 Bad Heritage Statements and Myths38:06 Delisting a Troubled Hotel44:59 Non-Designated Heritage Challenges46:20 Listed Windows and Proportionate Info47:57 Restoring Timber Windows48:31 Why People Skip Consent48:47 Fixing The Planning Process50:11 Training And Better Tools51:10 Hastings Fishing Heritage52:54 Intangible Heritage And Gentrification01:00:07 Have We Gone Too Far01:06:37 Lancaster Castle Witches Tower01:15:26 Budgets Samples And Surprises01:21:33 Bring Trades In Early01:22:35 Heritage Action Zone Wins01:27:19 Where To Find Them01:29:41 Conservation Community And Events01:32:47 Final Thanks And Goodbye Connect with Zoe Hooton using the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-hooton-64875740/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zjlock/Email: zoe_hooton@hotmail.comWebsite: https://www.harrisonpittarchitects.co.uk/Connect with Jess Barrow using the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-barrow-bsc-msc-ihbc-96aa9460/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabarrow3/Email: jess.barrow@woohoo.ltdHPA ArchitectsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hpa-ltd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hpa_riba_architects/Website: www.hpa.ltdWoohooLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/woohooltd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woohooltd/Website: www.woohoo.ltd🔗 Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Associationhttps://heritagebuildingsassociation.comClick here to join the conversation:https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to support the heritage buildings community!#HeritageConservation #ListedBuildings #ConservationArchitecture
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    1 hr and 34 min
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