Choosing an architect is an important decision for any building project, but when the property is listed or has particular historic significance, the experience and approach of the architect become even more important.
Whether you’re considering an extension to a Grade II listed house, substantial alterations to a country property or the refurbishment of a historically important building, the right architect should be able to do considerably more than produce an attractive design. They need to understand the existing building, recognise what makes it significant and establish how your ambitions can be accommodated without unnecessarily compromising its historic character.
There are also practical considerations. Historic buildings can be unpredictable, and decisions made during the design process can have a considerable influence on construction costs and the eventual success of the project.
Why experience with listed buildings matters
Not every architect regularly works with listed buildings, and experience of designing new houses or contemporary extensions doesn’t necessarily translate into an understanding of historic construction.
Traditional buildings often contain materials, structural arrangements and architectural details that require specialist knowledge. They may also have undergone numerous alterations over their lifetime, some of which contribute to their historic significance while others present opportunities for further change.
An architect accredited in building conservation should be able to recognise these distinctions and understand how they might influence the design. This doesn’t mean they must have worked on a building identical to yours, but experience of comparable properties, traditional construction methods and the listed building consent process is particularly valuable.
We would recommend asking prospective architects about their involvement in previous projects, the challenges they encountered and how their proposals responded to the buildings concerned. Understanding what they were actually responsible for is often more revealing than photographs of completed work alone.
Understanding the building before developing the design
One of the most important qualities to look for is an architect who takes the time to understand the existing building before developing proposals.
Historic buildings are rarely as straightforward as they first appear. Walls may have been altered, openings introduced and different materials incorporated over centuries. Some of these changes will be historically important, while others may have little architectural merit.
Before deciding what can be changed, it’s important to understand what is already there and why it matters. Depending on the building, this may involve historical research, measured surveys, an assessment of its significance and specialist investigations into its construction.
We also believe an architect should be prepared to question the initial brief where necessary. A client may approach a project with a particular layout or extension in mind, but once the building is properly understood, alternative approaches may become apparent. A relatively modest alteration might achieve the same objectives with less disruption, while an existing feature may present an opportunity that wasn’t initially recognised.
The objective shouldn’t simply be to make a predetermined design fit the building, but to develop proposals that respond intelligently to what is already there.
Listed building consent and conservation experience
Listed building consent is required for works that would affect a listed building’s character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. This applies to Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II buildings and can include internal alterations, extensions and changes to historic features.
An architect experienced in listed buildings should understand these requirements and be able to explain how they relate to your project. However, obtaining consent involves more than preparing drawings and submitting an application. The proposals need to demonstrate an understanding of the building’s significance and provide a reasoned justification for the changes being proposed.
For substantial or sensitive projects, early engagement with the local authority’s conservation team can be particularly valuable. An experienced architect should be able to recognise where proposals may encounter resistance and respond constructively before considerable time and money have been invested in developing the design.
No architect can guarantee that consent will be granted, but they should be able to provide a well-informed approach that gives the proposals a sound basis for consideration.
Why construction knowledge and cost matter
One of the areas we believe is sometimes underestimated when appointing an architect is their understanding of how the proposed work will actually be undertaken.
Historic buildings can present challenges that aren’t immediately apparent during the early design stages. Concealed structural arrangements, previous repairs and deteriorated materials can all influence what is achievable, while connecting new construction to existing historic fabric can introduce further complications.
An architect doesn’t need to be a specialist tradesperson, but they should understand these considerations and recognise when additional expertise is required.
At Corbel Architects, our approach benefits from the wider experience of Corbel Conservation and Corbel Joinery. Access to practical knowledge of traditional materials, specialist craftsmanship and complex conservation work helps inform decisions about retaining historic fabric, selecting appropriate materials and developing designs that can realistically be delivered.
Construction cost is equally important. Although historic buildings inevitably introduce uncertainty, an experienced architect should recognise where proposals may involve expensive interventions and identify opportunities to manage costs without compromising the building’s significance.
We believe architectural design, conservation knowledge and construction considerations should be brought together from an early stage, allowing clients to make informed decisions before committing to a particular approach.
What should you ask before appointing an architect?
Previous projects are an important consideration, but we would encourage clients to look beyond the finished photographs. Establish what the architect was responsible for, whether they obtained listed building consent, prepared the technical design and remained involved during construction.
It’s also important to understand exactly what services are included in their appointment. Some architects may provide initial designs and consent applications, while others offer a more comprehensive service through technical design, contractor selection and construction. Neither approach is necessarily wrong, but the scope, fees and responsibilities should be clear from the outset.
Finally, consider whether you feel comfortable working with them. Substantial alterations to historic buildings can take considerable time to develop and deliver, and there will inevitably be decisions to make and unexpected challenges to resolve. You should feel confident that your architect will listen to your ambitions, explain their recommendations and challenge assumptions where appropriate.
Choosing the right approach for your building
There is no single architectural approach that will suit every listed building. The right architect will depend on the nature of the property, the extent of the proposed works and the particular challenges involved.
We believe the most important qualities are an appreciation of the building’s significance, the ability to develop thoughtful architectural proposals and the practical judgement to understand how those proposals can be delivered.
At Corbel Architects, our design work is informed by the wider conservation and construction experience of the Corbel group, allowing us to consider both the architectural opportunities and the practical challenges associated with adapting historic buildings.
Ultimately, choosing the right architect isn’t simply about finding someone whose designs you like. It’s about appointing someone who understands your building, appreciates what you want to achieve and can help establish an appropriate and realistic way forward.
If you’re considering an extension, alteration or substantial refurbishment of a listed or historic property, Corbel Architects can help you understand the opportunities and develop an approach that responds to both the building and your ambitions.
