Ambit of the Practice
I run a solo architectural practice focusing on historic buildings in Camden, Westminster and RBKC, but also carry out all kinds of architectural and conservation projects across the UK and abroad. I typically work on residential projects, particularly extensions and refurbishments to listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas, but also occasionally work on churches and schools, and also ‘normal’ residential projects on buildings without any conservation or heritage status.
Personal Background
My background is in conservation and construction, having grown up in a building family and volunteered on the Bloomsbury Conservation Area Advisory Committee since 2019. I bring to my architectural work a builder’s ‘common sense’ and ‘can do attitude’ while also having extensive experience in permissions and planning, especially in Central London. I learned the practice of architecture at a central London conservation architecture firm, and have also spent time abroad working on a UNESCO tentative list site in India.
I qualified in conservation taking an MSc in Sustainable Heritage at UCL in 2024 and am an accredited member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). Having briefly experienced the vagaries of architectural education and seen its results in the poor skillsets of graduates and the general results of modern architecture, I decided not to pursue a formal education in architecture. This also allows me to sidestep the considerable red tape surrounding the regulation of formally chartered architects, delivering the same services but far more efficiently and therefore at a lower cost.
Architectural Approach
I prefer to view the work of an architect as simply anything involved in getting a building built or altered. This can involve innovative design, but more generally relies upon a deep knowledge of planning, regulations, and construction methods – along with plentiful common sense and a firm grasp on financial realities. The ‘deal breaker’ in any project in the UK is securing planning permission, and this is an area in which I am especially knowledgeable.
I also take great pleasure in working collaboratively with clients to design a building or solve a problem and engineer solutions which suit them. I have no ‘standard approach’ and treat each project according to its own opportunities and constraints. This includes flexibility on fees and work planning to satisfy budgetary considerations.
As an architectural professional with a specialism in planning and conservation, it is very rare that either a planning or heritage consultant need be employed on my projects. This can provide considerable savings of £2,000-£6,000+VAT on most projects, where a typical architecture practice would need to employ either one or both to secure planning permission.
Fees & Regulatory Matters
As a sole practitioner I am generally able to offer fees far below market value – I often carry out pro bono or heavily discounted work for community causes or for conservation groups in need of funding. I tend to work at a baseline of £40/h without VAT but this can go up or down depending on the risks and difficulties of a project. Generally fees sit around £1000-£3000 for planning, although I strive to offer the best value possible and will happily carry out simple projects for less than this. Simple projects such as window replacements or minor works would sit around the £500 mark. ‘Whole project’ costs depend entirely upon the client’s desired finish and procurement method, but will generally sit around 3x the planning fee for a full service.
As a sole practitioner and being formally qualified in conservation rather than as a chartered architect, I am not regulated by the ARB or RIBA, rather the IHBC (Institute of Historic Building Conservation). You should be aware of this as it (notionally) offers less protection to a client, although allows me to work with considerably more flexibility, especially on smaller or more informal projects where the ‘red tape’ of chartered status can become prohibitive. I nevertheless seek to abide by the ARB’s code of conduct as it sets out useful ethical principles towards managing architectural projects. Along with all construction professionals, I still must adhere to building regulations and health and safety regulations, and I also carry professional indemnity insurance.
Other Services
Along with architectural work, I also carry out conservation consultancy and research work, and also occasionally develop and design websites. I can also act as an independent planning consultant and advisor. I frequently advise on pre-purchase issues for historic buildings, helping a client to come to a measured decision on whether to purchase an historic building, and can often submit planning applications or listed building consents prior to completion of the purchase.
I also provide advice and drawings directly to builders and developers.
Getting in Touch
Initial consultations and site visits are free of charge and I endeavour to respond to any simple planning and conservation queries at no cost. Please contact me on the below information for any questions or to set up a meeting.
mail@wardconservation.com
07474617128