22.11.2016

LHC architects join RIBA Conservation Register

We’re delighted to share the news that two of our architects have been included on the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Conservation Register.

Grant Elliott and Jill Himsworth have joined the register as ‘Conservation Registrants’, demonstrating an excellent understanding of conservation architecture and significant experience of working on heritage buildings.

The RIBA Conservation Register is a database of recognised conservation architects, categorised according to their specific skill, experience and location. The register enables those looking to commission work on heritage buildings to find architects with the specific skill set and experience they might require.

To be accepted as a ‘Conservation Registrant’, an architect must be able to prove that they have a good working knowledge of the key aspects of conservation practice, principles and philosophy.

 

Since joining the team in 2001, Associate Grant Elliott has contributed to eight conservation projects at LHC, including his recent work on a refurbishment of Grade II listed buildings at The Donkey Sanctuary and the conversion of an infirmary block into housing at the former Tone Vale Hospital in Taunton.

His interest in conservation goes beyond the office and has twice taken him on a sabbatical where he supported the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Afghanistan, as well as volunteering his skills to support the restoration of St John’s Church in Cumbria and the Ermington War Memorial in Devon.

Grant said:

“Going to Afghanistan was a fantastic opportunity to support an amazing charity and work on some really unique projects. The charity aims to preserve and revive Afghanistan’s ancient and beautiful architecture through restoration projects. In 2007, I worked on the restoration of an old artisan centre in Kabul and now I’m supporting the charity again with their new venture in restoring historic buildings in Downtown, Yangon.”

Identified as one of Building Design Magazine’s top 100 architectural graduates leaving university in 2003, Jill Himsworth now works as Senior Project Architect at LHC.

Jill, who has a postgraduate diploma in architectural conservation, is currently working with Grant on the Tone Vale Hospital conversion project, as well as managing a project that will see a historic farmhouse, set in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, refurbished and extended.

Jill said:

“I wanted to get more involved in conservation architecture because I find the history and story behind historic buildings fascinating. I really enjoy the challenge of working within the constraints of an existing building and making the most of existing features and character, whilst maintaining the significance and historic character.”

Chairman of LHC, John Baulch said:

“We’re extremely pleased to see Grant and Jill included in the RIBA Conservation Register. Based in Devon, we’re lucky to be surrounded by a variety of amazing historic buildings. At LHC, we want to be recognised as a firm that not only embraces the new but also fights to protect and restore our heritage.”