Shows
Our Built HeritageS4. Ep4. In conversation with Sara Robertson, Chair of Historic Buildings & Places, Chair of Europa Nostra UK, and SPAB Guardian.In this episode I am joined by Sara Robertson, Chair ofHistoric Buildings & Places, Chair of Europa Nostra UK, and SPAB Guardian. Sara has been active in the cultural heritage sector for 25 years starting off as a conservation architect and then working for Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings where she led the award-winning Faith in Maintenance project. Sara has also worked for the Heritage Lottery Fund as Head of Historic Environment, where she championed the value of the UK's built heritage and developed policy and guidance materials to support grant applicants. Prior to her current role as Chief E...2025-07-231h 12Our Built HeritageS4. Ep3. In conversation with Antoinette Vandy, CEO & Co-founder of Agreka Build.In this episode I am joined by Antoinette Vandy, CEO &Co-founder of Agreka Build. A UK-based material innovation company that specialises in net-zero construction and regenerative building solutions. Their unique approach involves collaborating with farmers to transform agriculturalwaste into innovative, green construction materials. By repurposing waste into valuable resources, they aim to reduce environmental impact, support rural economies, and lead the transition towards a net-zero, circular economy inagriculture and construction.We talk a about Antoinette’s initial training as an architect and how she then went on to co-found a company focused on sustainable bu...2025-07-161h 07Our Built HeritageS4. Ep2. In conversation with Rebecca Thompson, Director at St Paul’s Cathedral.In this episode I am joined by Rebecca Thompson, Director of Property at St Paul’s Cathedral where responsibilities include leading the strategic development to ensure compliance, maintenance and restoration of this magnificent iconic building and its associated estate. Rebecca shares what has been happening since we last spoke in series 1, episode 3. We delve deeper into the world of working in the heritage sector. What is important about old buildings and why they are still relevant today and thoughts on their place in the future. We discuss th...2025-07-0945 minOur Built HeritageS4. Ep1. In conversation with Sarah Roller is Director of Policy & Public Affairs at Historic Houses.In this episode I am joined by Sarah Roller, Director ofPolicy & Public Affairs at Historic Houses, working on behalf of around 1,450 independent historic houses and gardens across the UK, to represent their interests to government and the wider heritage sector, as well as to support their learning, outreach and community programmes. Prior to joining Historic Houses in early 2022, she worked for History Hit, Trent Park House and Godinton House, in roles spanning communications, digital media and collections/curation work. We talk about how Sarah got into the industry and herthoughts on the sense of...2025-07-0259 minOur Built HeritageS3. Ep 10. In conversation with Melanie Lytle, Director at the Goucher College and owner of Glaze Craft Window.In this episode I am joined by Melanie Lytle, Director atthe Goucher College where she overseas the MA in Historic Preservation. Melanie is also the owner of Glaze Craft Windows which offers a range of services to help care and maintain historic windows which are typically pre-1945 wood windows. We talk about how Melanie got into the industry and how living in different countries helped ignite her passion. The different ways the US supports homeowners and the variations in approach between the UK and the US. Melanie shares her experiences b...2025-04-161h 03Our Built HeritageS3. Ep 9. In conversation with Matt Glasgow from National Trust.In this episode I am joined by Matt Glasgow, Senior Building Surveyor at National Trust where he specialises in conservation and is accredited in building conservation as a member of RICS Building Conservation Accreditation Scheme and is a full member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. Matt is experienced in asset and facilities management, making the built environment work and finding solutions to help clients realise their business plans. Matt is also advisor to the Coventry Dioseason advisory committee where he advices on alternations to church buildings in the Coventry dioses. We talk about t...2025-04-091h 09Our Built HeritageS3. Ep 4. In conversation with Kate and Ben Kerslake from Carrington Lime.In this episode I am joined by Kate and Ben Kerslake fromCarrington Lime. Ben is a conservation builder working on new builds, conservation and restoration projects. Since 2017 he started teaching heritage skills to support architects, conservation officers, builders and also property owners to maintain their traditional buildings and is supported by Kate who brings a wealth of experience in marketing and a passion for heritage. We talk about how they both got into the industry. For Kateit started with her plans to save the world when she was a kid and how that then lead h...2025-04-061h 19Our Built HeritageS3. Ep 8. In conversation with Krissie Kalteis from Precious Wall Finishes.In this episode I am joined by Krissie Kalteis from PreciousWall Finishes. Krisse is a master craftsperson specialising in historical painting techniques which include stucco and venetian plaster, gold and glass gilding, marbling and sign writing. Based in Australia, Krissie works in Australia and internationally. We talk about how Krissie started working in the industry,where her work ethic came from and her passion for churches and caring for them. Krisse describes how she works with her clients and how sheis often the catalyst for them embracing colour and finding joy in...2025-04-0251 minOur Built HeritageS3. Ep 7. In conversation with James Pass from E3 Cube.In this episode I am joined by James Pass, leadArchitect & Divisional Director at E3 Cube where he specialises in architectural design that focuses on neurodivergent accessibility and compliance with PAS 6463 standards. James has over 20 years of industry experience and is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of truly inclusivebuilding design. He believes architecture isn't just about buildings; it's about enhancing the well-being and daily experiences of people. By designing spaces that consider neurodiversity, his aim is to reduce environmental stressors, address sensory sensitivities and empower individuals to interact and navigate their surroundings confidently. James’s passion lies in bridging the ga...2025-03-261h 08Our Built HeritageS3. Ep 6. In conversation with Richard McPherson a specialist craftsperson using historical paint techniques.In this episode I am joined by Richard McPherson aspecialist craftsperson using historical paint techniques which include wood graining, gilding, marbling and trompe l'oeil. Based in Tunbridge Wells but works mostly in London. We talk about how Richard got into such a creative line ofwork, what trompe l'oeil is and how it has been used. Richard also offers advice on how you might get into working in his industry and some of the things he has found when working on site. Richard shares common themes and misconnections and his top tips wh...2025-03-1952 minOur Built HeritageS3. Ep 5. In conversation with James Wright from Triskele HeritageIn this episode I am joined by James Wright from TriskeleHeritage, an archaeological consultancy practice based in Nottingham offering building archaeological services. James is also a published author and worked as a specialist consultant on a number of films, television and radioprogrammes. We talk about how James started working in the industry and his passion is infectious! We discuss the varied roles he has undertaken whichinclude archaeology, stone masonry and being a publish author to name a few. Plustunnels and the wide range of buildings he has found himself in to undertakeassessments and record...2025-03-121h 10Our Built HeritageS3. Ep 4. In conversation with Kate and Ben Kerslake from Carrington Lime.In this episode I am joined by Kate and Ben Kerslake fromCarrington Lime. Ben is a conservation builder working on new builds, conservation and restoration projects. Since 2017 he started teaching heritage skills to support architects, conservation officers, builders and also property owners to maintain their traditional buildings and is supported by Kate who brings a wealth of experience in marketing and a passion for heritage. We talk about how they both got into the industry. For Kateit started with her plans to save the world when she was a kid and how that then...2025-03-051h 19Our Built HeritageS3. Ep 3. In conversation with Lauren Di Pietro from Scene ArchitectsIn this episode I am joined by Lauren Di Pietro from Scene
Architects, a multi-disciplinary architectural practice focused on innovation and sustainability with offices in Chelmsford, London Mayfair and York.
We discuss where Lauren’s love for old buildings came from
and how this then led to her interest in designing for dementia and how care and conservation are intertwined.
We talk about how Lauren works on a project and what needs to be considered when you are developing designs that need to be sympathetic to the building, client and the occup...2025-02-261h 02Our Built HeritageS3. Ep 2. In conversation with Frank Holmes from Frank Holmes LimitedIn this episode I am joined by Frank Holmes from Frank
Holmes Limited. Frank is a master craftsman specialising in heritage decorating and restoration projects, which ignited a passion for saving and reintroducing vintage designs. Frank combines traditional techniques with an extensive product knowledge and expertise. Services include lincrusta installation and finish and lincrusta restoration and replication. Based in the north west England.
We talk about how Frank started working in such a specialist
industry. It is inspiring to know that you can change what you do no matter what path you might have started o...2025-02-191h 15Our Built HeritageS3. Ep 1. In conversation with Clare Chapman, a heritage specialistIn this episode I am joined by Clare Chapman, a heritage
specialist, supporting the reuse and adaptation of historic church buildings. Clare is also Chair of Leeds Civic Trust's Heritage Watch Group, working closely with volunteers, Leeds City Council's Conservation Team, developers and property owners to secure positive outcomes for the buildings and structures that enrich the city of Leeds.
We talk about Clare’s journey into the role she currently
undertakes and the frustrations and challenges when it comes to identifying roles and opportunities and how you have to get creative and look at thi...2025-02-121h 11Our Built HeritageS2. Ep 10. In conversation with Mark Hosea, Director of Estates and Conservation at the Old Royal Naval College and Tom Billington, Director of Oculus ManagementIn this episode I am joined by Mark Hosea, Director of
Estates and Conservation at the Old Royal Naval College and Tom Billington, Director of Oculus Management.
Mark is a chartered surveyor and member of the RICS. He is responsible for balancing the commercial and conservation objectives of the Old Royal Naval College, aligning them with the values and expectations of their many audiences and stakeholders. Along with overseeing the complex estate and its significant budgets, notably
conservation and collections.
Tom has extensive knowledge of built assets, having worked on contemporary bu...2024-12-111h 11Our Built HeritageS2. Ep 9. In conversation with Caitlin, an experienced archivistIn this episode I am joined by Caitlin an experienced
archivist.
We talk about our love of things old, visiting libraries and
archives and how special they are. The power of the OS map, census information and trade directories.
We discuss the social standing and how land may have been obtained and divided up which had an impact on how people lived and how this links to finding out more information about your property.
Caitlin helps debunk how to research people and buildings so that you can fin...2024-12-041h 01Our Built HeritageS2. Ep 8. In conversation with Carolyn, a proud custodian of a beautiful Grade 1 listed propertyIn this episode I am joined by Carolyn who is the proud
custodian and owner of a beautiful Grade 1 listed property in Carlisle. The building has a fortified tower dating back to 15the century with alterations dating from the 16th century and an extension in the late 17th century.
The listed entry has little detail and what it does describe
is the exterior of the building and some of the materials used to build the property. It briefly mentions the interior by saying “Interior of the tower is thought to be of some interest but una...2024-11-271h 05Our Built HeritageS2. Ep 7. In conversation with Claire Truman from Heritage RevivalIn this episode I am joined by Claire Truman from
Heritage Revival, an independent conservation architects practice specialising in listed buildings based in Berkshire but works across the UK.
We talk about what our buildings can tell us about the way
we used to live and how buildings and societies have evolved. Along with how she manages a project and works with her clients.
We talk about what trickery can be found in buildings and
the importance of researching a buildings history to ensure work carried out is appropriate, plus the ne...2024-11-201h 08Our Built HeritageS2. Ep 6. In conversation with Tiffany Snowden from Blue Willow HeritageIn this episode I am joined by Tiffany Snowden from
Blue Willow Heritage. Tiffany is the Director of Blue Willow Heritage, having founded the company following over a decade of work in the historic environment
sector with a focus on both built heritage and archaeology. She is a fully accredited member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists at their highest level (MCIfA) as well as being a full member of the Institute for
Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). Tiffany currently serves as a Trustee of The Victorian Society, one of the statutory consultees forming part of the Joint Committee of...2024-11-131h 16Our Built HeritageS2. Ep 5. In conversation with Sean Matten, Program Director at Ramboll working on historic buildingsIn this episode I am joined by Sean Matten from Ramboll, a global architecture, engineering, and consultancy company, delivering expertise and sustainable solutions to clients and partners. Ramboll were Founded in Denmark in 1945 and today they operate across 35 countries. They combine deep local insight and experience with a global knowledge base to create sustainable societies and drive positive change for their clients. Sean is a Program Director at Ramboll working on historic buildings.
We talk about how Sean got into the industry and how he went from being in the army to the role he n...2024-11-061h 05Our Built HeritageS2. Ep 4. In conversation with Peter Galloway, a proud custodian of a historical propertyIn this episode I am joined delighted to be joined by Peter
Galloway from the Printmaker’s Inn in Savannah, Georgia. Peter is the proud owner of a historic building which is older than Savannah itself!
We talk about how Peter came to be the proud owner of 2
historic mansions. The history and work he has undertaken especially after he dismantled and reassembled one of the houses from its original location in East Hartford to Savannah.
We discuss the differences and similarities in building
regulations between the UK and the USA and...2024-10-301h 06Our Built HeritageS2. Ep 3. In conversation with Mark Somerfield, a heritage consultantIn this episode I am joined by Mark Somerfield, a heritage consultant working with private clients and currently
working with the Canal & River Trust as an advisor.
We talk about how Mark came to work in the industry and some of the incredible projects he has been involved in including the work he is currently undertaking with the Canal & River Trust. It is a real eye opener into what
constitutes as heritage and what additional factors you might need to consider
such as ecology, bats, swallows, structural engineering, waterways and bridges.
Mark also s...2024-10-231h 07Our Built HeritageS2. Ep 2. In conversation with Philip Gaches from Gaches Traditional PlasterersIn this episode I am joined by Philip Gaches from Gaches
Traditional Plasterers. A family owned business offering conservation services in historic plasterwork drawing on over 75 years of experience working in the conservation of plaster internally and externally.
They have worked on some incredible buildings including a few you may have heard of such as Strawberry Hill House, a Gothick Revival property in London where they led the complete replastering of the exterior.
Apethorpe Palace which is a Grade 1 listed country house under the care of English Heritage where they worked on the ceiling and c...2024-10-1650 minOur Built HeritageS2. Ep 1. In conversation with Shanell Johnson, an experienced Senior Project Leader working within the governmentIn this episode I am joined by Shanell Johnson, an
experienced Senior Project Leader working within the government, including looking after the Houses of Parliament after starting as a sandwich student and
working her way up.
We talk about the changes she saw during her time whilst
working at the Houses of Parliament. Both in terms of to the building itself, where parts of it are over 1,000 years old, and the breaking down of barriers in the way people worked and related to each other.
We discuss the how...2024-10-091h 03Our Built HeritageS1. Ep 10. In conversation with Diane Benn from High Flying CommsIn this episode I am joined by Diane Benn from High Flying Comms, an independent marketing communications consultancy specialising in working with clients in the built environment sector. Diane has worked with many of the biggest names in the industry advising and developing their brand and communications strategy.
Whilst it may seem strange talking about marketing and communications strategies on a podcast related to
Our Built Heritage, we felt that this is something that may be of interest to any commercial property owners. You may be about to launch a business or be going...2024-08-1454 minOur Built HeritageS1. Ep 9. In conversation with Holly Gerrard from ID PlanningIn this episode I am joined by Holly Gerrard from ID
Planning, an independent planning consultancy offering creative and innovative planning solutions to complex regeneration proposals based in Leeds and Sheffield but working throughout the UK. Holly is their specialist heritage consultant.
Holly and I discuss her work and how she found herself in
such an interesting industry. We talk about the range of traditional buildings and what needs to be considered when working with them whilst retaining the spirit of
the building and when it might be appropriate to seek the advice of...2024-08-071h 00Our Built HeritageS1. Ep 8. In conversation with Marie Woods from Heritage AdventuresIn this episode I am joined by Marie Woods from Heritage
Adventures, an independent archaeologist and heritage consultant working with councils, contractors and architects to support them with their projects by
examining sites and producing reports to assist them in achieving their goals. Marie also runs heritage workshops with schools and museums working nationally.
Marie and I discuss where her interest in heritage and
archaeology came from along with grossest thing she has uncovered when working on a site. She also shares common items you might find when working on a
traditional property and...2024-07-3150 minOur Built HeritageS1. Ep 7. In conversation with Ian Collins from Mesh ArchitectsIn this episode I am joined by Ian Collins, co-founder of
Mesh Architects in Chapel Allerton, Leeds. They are an award-winning practice who work on residential and commercial projects including repurposing and caring for traditional and listed buildings.
Ian offers some top tips and great insights into how he and
his team works using a few case studies to bring it to life. Along with his favourite phrase which feeds into the way he works, especially when it comes to older properties.
We also talk about working with traditional...2024-07-2445 minOur Built HeritageS1. Ep 6. In conversation with Clare Booth from CLB HeritageIn this episode I am joined by Clare Booth from CLB
Heritage, an independent heritage planning consultancy helping to guide clients through the entire planning process from conception to development working in
the public and private sectors working across North Yorkshire and North East.
Clare and I discuss her work and how she found herself in
such an interesting industry and where her sense of pride comes from! We talk about working with older properties and how important it is to understand your traditional building, especially when it is listed.
2024-07-1755 minOur Built HeritageS1. Ep 5. In conversation with Michiel Brouns from Brouns & CoIn this episode I am joined by Michiel Brouns from Brouns
& Co. A UK manufacturer of natural linseed oil paint based in West Yorkshire where the paints’ raw ingredient, flax, is grown. The business was founded by Michiel a historic building conservation specialist, who gained his expertise
surveying historic buildings in his native Netherlands, before moving to the UK in 2006 and setting up Brouns & Co. His products have been used all over the world on varying sized properties in a commercial and domestic setting along with high-profile clients such as Chatsworth House, the Duke of Westminster’s Grosvenor Estate, and...2024-07-101h 25Our Built HeritageS1. Ep 4. In conversation with Dr Joanne Harrison from Harrison Architectural HeritageIn this episode I am joined by Dr Joanne Harrison from
Harrison Architectural Heritage, an architectural practice based in Wakefield. Joanne is an architect, retrofit assessor and coordinator, heritage consultant and researcher, with specialisms in historic building conservation and sustainable design. Her work includes private residences, educational facilities, commercial projects along with work in the retail and industrial
sectors.
We talk about how Joanne got into the industry and the
knowledge she gained from undertaking her formal qualifications.
Joanne and I discuss working with older properties and how early...2024-07-0346 minOur Built HeritageS1. Ep 3. In conversation with Rebecca Thompson, Director of Property at St Paul’s CathedralIn this episode I am joined by Rebecca Thompson, Director of Property at St Paul’s Cathedral where responsibilities include leading the strategic development to ensure compliance, maintenance and restoration of this
magnificent iconic building and its associated estate.
Rebecca and I discuss her work and how she got into working within the heritage sector, and how powerful apprenticeships can be and how university might not always be the right option and how important it is to follow your heart and being brave enough to take the leap.
Rebecca of...2024-06-2648 minOur Built HeritageS1. Ep 2. In conversation with John Edwards a historic building expert at Edward HartIn this episode I am joined by Professor John Edwards who is an authority on working with older properties with a wealth of experience including working with Cadw (the Welsh Government body responsible for safeguarding the historic built environment) as the Assistant Director as well as working with Historic England and the Chartered Institute of Building where he delivers courses which is where we met on the Understanding Building Conservation course which he wrote and delivered. In his own practice, Edwards Hart he offers a wealth of services ranging from building services, energy efficiency and advice, support with planning...2024-06-191h 08Our Built HeritageS1. Ep 1. In conversation with Dr Emma Wells a historic building expert at SLRIn this episode I am joined by Dr Emma Wells who is an
authority on the research and reporting of ecclesiastical and secular historic buildings, commercial sites, landed estates and sustainability solutions. Emma is also a published author and regular broadcaster whilst also heading up SLR’s historic building team where they offer all manner of services including reports in heritage and archaeology, due diligence and risk assessment/feasibility, rebuttals/appeals and acting as an expert witness.
Emma shares how she got into the industry and what could well have planted the heritage seed. We...2024-06-1255 minOur Built HeritageLaunching Our Built HeritageHello and welcome to Our Built Heritage with myself Alexis Nicolaidis.
This podcast is for anyone interested in historic buildings.
This could be a traditional cottage, a Victorian terrace, a Georgian manor house or even a stately home. Whether it is listed or not, they are all special and interesting and part of Our Built Heritage.
As a heritage interior designer, I am obsessed by our built
heritage and what makes a building special. That could be the setting, interior and exterior details, who lived there, how it evolved and s...2024-06-0505 min
Showcasing North Leeds8. Embracing Heritage: A Conversation with Alexis Nicolaidis on Timeless Interior DesignIn this episode, I sit down with Alexis Nicolaidis, an interior design specialist from VA Heritage, renowned for her passion for older properties brimming with character. Alexis' love for heritage homes goes beyond aesthetics; it's about preserving their unique stories and crafting spaces that truly reflect her clients' lifestyles.
Throughout the discussion, Alexis shares her distinctive approach to design, rather than chasing after the latest colors and designs, Alexis emphasises the importance of creating spaces that stand the test of time.
A key aspect of Alexis' philosophy is her commitment to making spaces functional and...2024-03-0722 min