Business Details
30 Years
experience
Specialist Conservation Architects in Norwich
Established in 1996, our practice has evolved into an award-winning team of conservation architects dedicated to preserving historic and listed buildings. Based near Norwich Cathedral, we specialise in ecclesiastical and heritage structures, combining modern technical expertise with traditional craftsmanship. Our AABC-accredited team collaborates with skilled conservation builders, historians, and artisans to deliver sensitive repairs and adaptations. We prioritise client relationships, offering free initial consultations and tailored project management from concept to completion.With over 30 years of collective experience, we provide measured surveys, grant applications, and CDM compliance services while maintaining deep expertise in traditional materials like leadwork, stone, and lime mortar. Our work spans churches, castles, and historic houses across East Anglia, supported by digital modelling and CAD systems to ensure precision in every project.
Services
Ecclesiastical Building Services
Historic Building Conservation
Quinquennial Inspections
Grant Application Assistance
CDM Principal Designer Service
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- AABC-accredited architects with 30+ years of heritage building expertise
- Client-focused approach with free initial consultations and tailored project plans
- Specialists in traditional materials like flint, leadwork, and lime mortar
- Proven success in Heritage Lottery Fund grant applications and project delivery
- Collaboration with historians, archaeologists, and master craftsmen for comprehensive solutions
Associations and certifications
- Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC)
What people say
Wonderful support in bid writing
Professional and courteous service
Clarity of reports with excellent photographs
Work executed to high standards
Successful project completion
Services
Ecclesiastical Building Services
Specialist repair and conservation of churches, cathedrals, and religious buildings. Our team conducts quinquennial inspections, prepares priority repair lists, and manages Heritage Lottery Funded projects. We maintain structural integrity while addressing modern usage needs through sensitive adaptations.
Historic Building Conservation
Comprehensive conservation of listed buildings including castles, monuments, and historic houses. Services cover condition surveys, specification writing, and construction management using traditional materials like flint, stone, and lime mortar to preserve architectural authenticity.
Grant Application Assistance
Expert guidance through Heritage Lottery Fund and other grant applications. We prepare detailed project scopes, costings, and documentation to meet eligibility criteria, ensuring compliance with quinquennial inspection requirements and statutory guidelines.
Quinquennial Inspections
Mandatory five-year church building inspections approved by Diocesan Advisory Committees. Our reports identify urgent repairs, prioritise maintenance needs, and provide photographic evidence to support funding applications and statutory compliance.
CDM Principal Designer Service
Compliance with Construction Design Management regulations through risk assessment, health and safety file preparation, and coordination of pre-construction information. We ensure safe project delivery while maintaining statutory requirements for historic building works.
People
Nicholas Warns
Director & Conservation Architect
With 30 years' experience, Nicholas leads conservation projects across East Anglia. He serves as Inspecting Architect for 140+ churches and advises Historic England on grant-funded projects. A member of SPAB and AEC Cathedral Projects Support Panel.
Samuel Roe
Architectural Assistant (Part 1)
Specialising in medieval church architecture, Samuel focuses on sustainable conservation techniques. He contributes CAD expertise and 3D modelling skills to support detailed restoration projects while advancing his architectural education.
Kelly Kay
Secretary
Providing administrative leadership with 20+ years' architectural sector experience. Kelly coordinates project timelines, client communications, and documentation management to ensure efficient delivery of conservation projects.
Questions
What specialisms do you offer as conservation architects?
We specialise in ecclesiastical buildings, listed structures, and heritage sites using traditional materials like flint, leadwork, and lime mortar.
How do you assist with church building repairs?
We conduct quinquennial inspections, prepare priority repair lists, and manage Heritage Lottery Funded projects for churches across East Anglia.
Can you help with grant applications for historic buildings?
Yes, we provide full support for Heritage Lottery Fund applications including project scoping, costings, and statutory compliance documentation.
What areas do you cover for conservation projects?
Our primary service areas include East Anglia and South East England, covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex.
Do you offer CDM compliance services?
Yes, we provide Principal Designer services ensuring compliance with Construction Design Management regulations for historic building projects.
