Conservation Architecture & Planning Studios

Historic buildings

Historic buildings and their settings are a unique and irreplaceable resource whose conservation is sought by their owners and the nation. Our success is founded on professional training, qualification and experience; sound knowledge of techniques, policies and strategies; good judgement of people and the ability to design and nurture enduring solutions. The funding of work is itself a specialist activity which we integrate where necessary.

Historic areas

More than 800 designated historic areas, and thousands of other special policy areas, are subject to strict control aimed at ensuring that any development preserves or enhances character or appearance. Proposals have to be justified and decisions defended in conservation terms. Good ideas need to be developed, presented and financial mechanisms understood.

Consultancy

Consultancy commissions include historic site and building surveys; inspections, appraisals, feasibility studies, and Conservation Plans; fabric repair and design advice; support to clients and their teams in preparing planning and listed building applications; negotiation with decision makers and expert witness services (see also Appeals and Inquiries).

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Refurbishment & extension

Conserving resources, reconditioning old fabric, adapting to people's need and evolving lives are all part of the sense of achievement we derive from working with existing buildngs of any age, or style. Working with our clients to refine their brief through design, planning, detail and construction stages, the aim is to combine convenience, creativity and character with value. Private clients can be confident that what may be a once in a lifetime project will be both effectively managed and aesthetically inspiring.

New buildings

Our record of success is built on sensitivity, quality of execution and avoiding long, costly, uncertain confrontations. We deal with planning authorites from strength and knowledge, extensive experience of their culture and understanding of how particular policies impact on the project. CAP does not have a 'house style' but strives for harmony with an areas special character, whether in authentic period or modern form.
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Interior design

CAP are well placed to assist the client's interior requirements at an early stage of the design process. Specifications for fixtures, fittings and finishes can be specified and co-ordinated, and fitted elements designed according to the clients brief.

Urban design & public realm

Urban design, the complex relationships between the elements of built and unbuilt space and the patterns of movement and activity which they establish, whether in cities, towns or villages, is now part of the planning system and a key element of successful regeneration. CAP believes that urban design and best conservation practice for historic areas are one and the same, and applies the principles of both in studies and plans which engender diversity, sustainability, civilised places, investment and pride.

Appeals & inquiries

Few practices in the UK have qualified specialists in conservation planning. Favourable decisions have made Jack Warshaws's services as expert witness highly sought after by applicants and authorities. Correct identification of issues, sound knowledge of legislation, good judgement, teamwork and defensible evidence are vital in conservation cases.

Appraisals

Since the mid 1990s CAP has undertaken a large number of conservation area appraisals and related studies for local authorities. Many of them focus on the commercial core areas, market places and shopping streets of historic Market Towns. The issues encountered there are frequently generic; erosion or replacement of historic buildings with inferior development, poor quality shopfronts, inappropriate floorscapes, furnishings and planting, using them as car parks, access, traffic management and other problems.

Guidelines & briefs

Good buildings and attractive environments grow from recognising the key issues and elements on which to base a brief or guide future development. Our work with the public and private sector bodies ranges from good practice guides for government departments, to area co-ordination and site-specific measures.