Heritage Buildings Podcast

About Heritage Buildings Podcast

Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast with your host Vincent Reed, where we bring you in-depth interviews with leading experts, passionate enthusiasts, and industry professionals from across the heritage buildings sector. Join us as we explore captivating stories, uncover the artistry behind historical buildings, and dive into the challenges and successes of conserving our architectural heritage. This podcast is available as audio format across all of your favourite podcasting apps and as video format on our official YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@HeritageBuildingsAssociation Be sure to join in on the discussions in our forum - https://heritagebuildings.forum Connect with us on social media - https://linktr.ee/heritagebuildingsassociation

Publisher

Vincent Reed

Category

arts · history · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Nov 2024

Latest episode

22 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

40 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Sept 2026

   [HBP#40] - Louis Curtis - Historic Timber Frames

   🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps. Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Louis Curtis, founder of Breakspear Conservation, to discuss his journey from school and kitchen fitting into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. Curtis shares how he developed his skills through the Building Crafts College and specialist timber frame repair courses, as well as a formative early project repairing a major eight-bay barn. He explains how enthusiasm, practical problem-solving, and a willingness to take on challenging work helped him establish his career in conservation. The conversation also explores the realities of running a small conservation business, including pricing work on historic buildings, managing unknowns, investigating existing structures, and setting realistic expectations with clients. Curtis discusses completing the MSc in Timber Building Conservation at the Weald and Downland Museum, support from the QUEST Scholarship and business training, his dissertation research into historic lime finishes and evidence of formerly plastered timber frames, and an experimental archaeology project in Copenhagen recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss using traditional tools. Topics covered include: • Louis Curtis's journey into conservation carpentry and specialist timber frame repair • Training at the Building Crafts College and learning through practical experience • Repairing historic timber frames, including a major eight-bay barn • Running a small conservation business, pricing work, and managing unknowns in old buildings • The MSc in Timber Building Conservation, QUEST Scholarship, and business training • Research into historic lime finishes, formerly plastered timber frames, and experimental archaeology • Recreating a 1620 Stock Exchange roof truss in Copenhagen using traditional tools Whether you're a conservation carpenter, timber framer, architect, building surveyor, heritage professional, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings and traditional craftsmanship, this episode offers valuable insights into the skills, research, and practical challenges involved in conserving Britain's historic timber buildings. Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps (Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section) 00:00 Welcome & Guest Intro: Louis on Heritage Timber Framing 01:38 From Skateboarding to Carpentry 03:01 Discovering Building Conservation 05:14 Falling for Timber Frames 08:49 Finding Work and Mentors 09:33 First Big Barn Breakthrough 12:49 Why Enthusiasm Wins Jobs 14:40 Growing Breakspear Conservation 15:38 Pricing and Opening Up 17:54 Managing Clients and Scope 21:16 Running a Small Team 24:34 MSc at Weald and Downland 27:57 How the Masters Is Taught 31:24 Getting In and Who It Suits 33:10 QUEST Scholarship Support 36:38 Inspiring Kids Into Crafts 38:17 AI and the Craft Revival 40:04 Hiring Young People Today 42:58 Lime Finishes Research 48:06 Exposed Frames Debate 53:42 Limewash Benefits Explained 55:58 Brick Infill And Mortar 57:36 Hair Lime Plaster Mixes 01:00:12 Copenhagen Truss Project 01:07:55 Traditional Tools And Timber 01:15:40 Home Renovation And Wrap Up Connect with Louis Curtis and explore his work using the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-curtis-a8929360/ Breakspear Conservation https://www.breakspearconservation.com/ https://www.instagram.com/breakspearconservation/ Louis Curtis’ Presentation at the Historic England & Lime Finishes Group Symposium: https://vimeo.com/1190484023/2fdac7828c?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci More interesting presentations: https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/buildings/maintenance-and-repair-of-older-buildings/what-s-the-point-2-lime-finishes-in-a-changing-climate-symposium/ Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust https://www.qest.org.uk/ Inspiring the Future https://www.inspiringthefuture.org/ Weald and Downland MSc courses https://www.wealddown.co.uk/courses/msc-degrees/. Kongevaerk- Reconstruction of a roof truss from the Copenhagen Stock Exchange https://stolpverk.org/projekt-kongevaerk-i-kobenhavn-20-29-april-2026/ https://stolpverk.org/invitation-till-invigningen-av-kongevaerket-fran-borsen/ *🔗 Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association* https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com (https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com/) *Click here to join the conversation:* https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual (https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual) 👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to support the heritage buildings community! #ConservationCarpentry #TimberFrameRestoration #ConservationCarpenter

2. 

   1 Sept 2026

   [HBP#39] - Zoe Hooton & Jess Barrow - Architect + Heritage Consultant: Two Experts, One Mission

   🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps. Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Zoe Hooton, Specialist Conservation Architect and Director at HPA Architects and Woohoo, alongside Jessica Barrow, Heritage Consultant and Director at both HPA Architects and Woohoo. They discuss how conservation architects and heritage consultants work together to deliver successful listed building, historic building conservation, and heritage planning projects. From early collaboration and pre-application advice to working with conservation officers, they share practical insights into navigating the UK planning system. The conversation also explores the challenges facing heritage conservation, including inconsistent planning decisions, reduced conservation resources, managing change in historic buildings, and balancing heritage significance with modern requirements. They also share lessons from their work on Lancaster Castle's Well Tower (Witches' Tower). Topics covered include: • What does a conservation architect do? • The role of a heritage consultant in listed building projects • Historic building conservation and adaptive reuse • Listed Building Consent and heritage planning permission • Working with conservation officers and local planning authorities • Heritage statements, significance assessments, and public benefit • Pre-application advice and avoiding planning delays • Managing change in historic buildings and conservation best practice • Challenges facing UK heritage planning after COVID-19 • Conservation of Lancaster Castle's Well Tower (Witches' Tower) • Balancing accessibility, archaeology, fire safety, and conservation • Why collaboration leads to better heritage outcomes Whether you're an architect, heritage consultant, planning professional, building surveyor, student, or simply passionate about historic buildings, listed buildings, and heritage conservation, this episode offers valuable insights into conserving Britain's built heritage. Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps (Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section) 00:00 Podcast Introduction 01:35 Meet Zoe and Jess 02:16 How They First Met 04:19 From Council to Collaboration 08:26 Architect vs Heritage Consultant 11:33 Managed Change and Tradeoffs 14:45 Team Decisions and Stakeholders 18:01 Working Together With Clients 21:41 Pre-Application Advice Explained 23:48 Planning System Frustrations 29:32 Skill Shortages and DIY Heritage 33:04 Bad Heritage Statements and Myths 38:06 Delisting a Troubled Hotel 44:59 Non-Designated Heritage Challenges 46:20 Listed Windows and Proportionate Info 47:57 Restoring Timber Windows 48:31 Why People Skip Consent 48:47 Fixing The Planning Process 50:11 Training And Better Tools 51:10 Hastings Fishing Heritage 52:54 Intangible Heritage And Gentrification 01:00:07 Have We Gone Too Far 01:06:37 Lancaster Castle Witches Tower 01:15:26 Budgets Samples And Surprises 01:21:33 Bring Trades In Early 01:22:35 Heritage Action Zone Wins 01:27:19 Where To Find Them 01:29:41 Conservation Community And Events 01:32:47 Final Thanks And Goodbye Connect with Zoe Hooton using the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-hooton-64875740/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zjlock/ Email: zoe_hooton@hotmail.com (mailto:zoe_hooton@hotmail.com) Website: https://www.harrisonpittarchitects.co.uk/ Connect with Jess Barrow using the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-barrow-bsc-msc-ihbc-96aa9460/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabarrow3/ Email: jess.barrow@woohoo.ltd (mailto:jess.barrow@woohoo.ltd) HPA Architects LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hpa-ltd/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hpa-ltd/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hpa_riba_architects/ (https://www.instagram.com/hpa_riba_architects/) Website: www.hpa.ltd (http://www.hpa.ltd) Woohoo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/woohooltd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/woohooltd/ Website: www.woohoo.ltd (http://www.woohoo.ltd) 🔗 Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com (https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com/) Click here to join the conversation: https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual (https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual) 👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to support the heritage buildings community! #HeritageConservation #ListedBuildings #ConservationArchitecture

3. 

   18 Aug 2026

   [HBP#38] - Nigel Castell - Traditional Gilding: The Art of Gold Leaf

   🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps. Welcome to the Heritage Buildings Podcast! In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Nigel Castell, an experienced gilder and antique restoration specialist, to explore the traditional craft of water gilding and gold leaf application. Nigel shares his journey into antique restoration at just 17 and explains how he learned traditional gilding skills through hands-on, bench-based training. He takes us through the complete water gilding process, from preparing wood and applying rabbit skin size and gesso, to sanding, gesso cutting, preparing clay bole, laying gold leaf, and finally burnishing with agate stones. The conversation also explores the differences between water gilding and oil gilding, the tools and materials used by traditional gilders, the challenges of working with gold leaf, and why these specialist craftsmanship skills are becoming increasingly rare. Topics covered include: • Nigel's journey into antique restoration and traditional gilding • Learning gilding techniques at the bench • Preparing wood, gesso, and rabbit skin size • Gesso application, sanding, and cutting • Yellow ochre and traditional clay bole • Preparing and applying gold leaf • Traditional gilding tools and techniques • Water gilding vs oil gilding • Repairing and gilding carved decorative details • Burnishing gold with agate stones • The time, skill, and cost involved in traditional gilding • Preserving traditional craftsmanship and heritage skills Whether you're a gilder, conservator, antique restorer, architect, heritage professional, or simply interested in traditional craftsmanship, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the techniques and expertise behind traditional water gilding, gold leaf, and historic restoration. Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps (Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section) 00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:17 Meet Nigel Castell 01:47 How He Started 04:37 Learning at the Bench 08:41 Gilding Process Overview 09:41 Cleaning and Prep 10:58 Rabbit Skin Size Basics 14:31 Thin White Primer 17:36 Hot Gesso Application 28:45 Coats and Period Styles 33:59 Sanding and Gesso Cutting 35:52 Puttying and Abrasives 38:46 Wet Sanding Gesso 40:21 Matte Finish for Gilding 42:35 Sealing Coat Yellow Ochre 44:22 Matching Period Yellows 48:54 Bole and Clay Basics 52:26 Applying Gold Size Coats 59:34 Sanding and Buffing Bole 01:04:25 Water vs Oil Gilding 01:12:51 Proper Gold Leaf Handling 01:15:42 Gold Leaf Book Basics 01:17:37 Gilding Cushion Setup 01:18:39 Gilding Knife Cutting 01:20:06 Handheld Tool Workflow 01:23:44 Wetting and Laying Gold 01:29:28 Overlaps and Fault Repairs 01:30:21 Gilding Carved Details 01:32:25 Costs and Time Reality 01:33:12 Burnishing with Agate 01:41:19 Craft Preservation Wrap-Up Connect with Nigel Castell using the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-castell-82a82a337/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butler_and_castell_restoration/ (https://www.instagram.com/butler_and_castell_restoration/) https://www.instagram.com/reepham_antiques/ Website: www.butlerandcasstell.co.uk (http://www.butlerandcasstell.co.uk) 🔗 Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com (https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com/) Click here to join the conversation: https://heritagebuildings.forum/share (https://heritagebuildings.forum/share) 👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to support the heritage buildings community! #Gilding #GoldLeaf #GildingTechniques

Who has been a guest on Heritage Buildings Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Doug Evans
• Martin Bridge
• Dr Lee Prosser
• Liz Smith

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

12 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

78

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

51

Contact Heritage Buildings Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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