Conservation Architecture

Doug Hughes has been accredited as a Conservation Architect by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and is also a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).

There are over 42,000 architects in the UK and Doug is one of only 176 Conservation Architects currently on the RIBA’s Conservation Register. We work with a wide range of clients on conservation projects including the National Trust, Cadw and private clients. We are approved surveyors and architects for the Church in Wales and Church of England and work on Grade I, II and II* listed buildings.

As Conservation Architects, we look to care for, repair and adapt older, historic and listed buildings for the lives we lead today. What interests us is how we combine the old with the new. Heritage and listed buildings form a significant part of our landscape, which are not just part of our past, they are our future.

With greater focus on the need to lead sustainable lives to protect and enhance our local and global environments, there is an urgency to ensure older and historic buildings play a part in this. With our Passivhaus training, we are well placed to advise on modern, sustainable techniques for use in older buildings.

We work on all listed buildings and heritage assets, including churches, houses, townscapes and farm buildings. We bring our architectural and historic building expertise to safeguard, improve and modernise buildings and structures, without compromising their wonderful character.

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Featured Projects

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Bronllys Hall

Llidiarth Sawmills

Aberystwyth Pier

We take the time to get to know the buildings upon which we are working. We want to know about its past, who designed it, built it, lived or worked in it, what its purpose was and what it will be. We work with our clients to realise their aspirations while ensuring any intervention is carefully assessed and planned. We always remember that respect for our client’s budget is as important as respect for the building.

We believe that older building projects can successfully accommodate new design. Through our process of understanding a building’s history and heritage, we ensure any new design element respects the existing fabric. We work with local craftspeople and builders who understand and love older buildings. We combine our expertise with theirs, so we have the perfect combination of skills to bring to your older building.

We are signatories to the RIBA Climate Challenge and Architects Declare and are committed to using sustainable technologies, materials and solutions within all our projects. From renewable energy to using locally sourced timber we recognise reducing the carbon footprint of a project is important to all of our clients and our environment. We can sensitively incorporate modern energy saving features into older buildings so they can continue to be the charismatic and healthy buildings they have always been, but just a bit warmer and less costly to run.

We offer:

Listed Building Consents
Conservation Area Appraisals
Heritage Planning Advice
Heritage Impact Assessments and Significance Assessments
Historic Site Analysis and Assessment
Building Condition Appraisals
Environmental Retrofit of Historic Buildings
Feasibility Studies
Full Architectural Services (RIBA Stages 0-7)
Pre-application Submissions Public Engagement
Grant Aided Projects and Funding Advice

“The sustainability of existing buildings is vital to their ongoing use and maintenance. It is essential that both owners and architects are sufficiently informed in their understanding of how these buildings function and how they should be maintained, repaired and enhanced for future viability. This is especially important in light of the climate crisis and current demands on how buildings perform optimally in terms of energy as well as operationally”

RIBA

Conservation FAQs

Do you need approvals for any works to a listed building?

Yes. All repair, renovation or other works to a listed building must have the approval from the local Built Heritage Officer. It is an offence to conduct works without permission.

If a previous owner has undertaken unauthorised works, who is liable?

The responsibility passes onto the new owner.This includes the upkeep of both the exterior and interior of the property, as well as the surrounding area, plus remediation of any unauthorised works.