Working with Historic Buildings

Historic and listed buildings come with a unique set of challenges when working on their interiors. In this wide reaching seminar, historic buildings consultant Jen Austin will introduce delegates to listed buildings and conservation areas, covering the pitfalls and considerations that make working with these buildings so challenging.

The seminar will cover the statutory requirements for historic buildings, looking at the National Planning Policy Framework, English Heritage guidance, and how to work with local authority controls.

Jen will advise on practical considerations from a historic building professional’s perspective:

·         Communication skills

·         Supporting Documents required for planning permissions

·         Understanding your site

·         Development and impact of your proposals

The seminar will end with advice on engaging specialists and a Q&A.

About the Speaker:
Jen Austin, Austin Heritage Consultants

Jen is a multi-skilled consultant specialising in built heritage conservation and historical research, with over 14 years’ experience in the UK and Australia.  Studying at the University of Sydney, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Architecture) in 1998 and continued her studies at the university to receive a Masters (with honours) in Heritage Conservation in 2002.  

Before becoming an independent consultant in 2010, Jen was an Associate at Simpson & Brown Architects (with Addyman Archaeology) in Edinburgh, and team leader and manager of their Architectural History and Archaeology Team.  Prior to this, she was a consultant at Godden Mackay Logan Heritage Consultants in Sydney, Australia and between her work in Australia and the UK, spent time working with the US National Parks Service on the US/ICOMOS exchange programme.  

Jen’s project experience ranges from small, individual buildings (houses, farm buildings, churches, theatres and industrial buildings) to the investigation of large, complex sites and landscapes (including large country houses, estates and conservation areas).  She undertakes work for a variety of clients, from trusts to private property owners, and works with architects, interior designers and other heritage professionals.  

She has been project manager and an author of many Conservation Plans, Statements of Significance and Heritage Impact Statements.  Sites have included Tretheague House, Cornwall; Dumfries House, Ayrshire; Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute; Wearmouth-Jarrow Proposed World Heritage Site; Rowallan Castle, Ayrshire; Clarendon Park, Wiltshire; Tyne Theatre and Opera House, Newcastle-upon-Tyne; and a number of private houses located in Windsor, Clapham, Marylebone, Kensington, Isle of Man and Aberdeenshire.

Most recently, and as part of a small specialist team, she was lead author for a Statement of Significance for an early 19th century listed building on the northernmost island of the Shetland Islands for the National Trust for Scotland.

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