Business Details
29 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Conservation Services
Established in 1997 by Andrew Hayes, a Chartered Building Surveyor with over 35 years of professional experience, Court Design & Conservation specialises in the preservation and adaptation of historic buildings. Our practice combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design principles to ensure sensitive integration of new elements while maintaining architectural integrity. We provide comprehensive services including detailed survey reports, conservation strategies, and full project management for listed and period properties. Our team holds prestigious accreditations from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, demonstrating our technical expertise and commitment to heritage preservation. We work closely with local authorities and conservation officers to navigate complex planning regulations, ensuring all projects meet legal requirements while respecting the building's historical context.Our approach prioritises thorough understanding of a structure's development history to deliver solutions that balance modern functionality with conservation principles. With extensive experience in both private and ecclesiastical projects, we have successfully completed numerous renovations, conversions, and new builds that demonstrate our deep understanding of historic construction methods. We maintain active memberships in professional bodies including the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the RICS Conservation Forum. Our services extend to expert witness testimony and grant funding applications for heritage projects, providing clients with comprehensive support throughout the conservation process. We are committed to educating property owners about the legal obligations and best practices for maintaining historic buildings, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Services
Renovation & Conversion
Surveys & Historical Reports
Repairs & Maintenance
New Builds
Conservation Work
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 25+ years' specialist experience in historic building conservation
- RICS-accredited conservation expertise and formal qualifications
- Proven track record with ecclesiastical and listed properties
- Comprehensive understanding of legal requirements for heritage buildings
- Integrated approach combining traditional and contemporary design
Associations and certifications
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
Services
Renovation & Conversion
Specialist renovation and change-of-use projects for historic buildings require careful planning and deep understanding of architectural heritage. Our team ensures all interventions maintain structural integrity while meeting modern requirements. We navigate complex conservation regulations to deliver functional spaces that respect historical context.
Surveys & Historical Reports
Comprehensive building surveys and historical analysis form the foundation of effective conservation work. Our detailed reports document architectural development, identify original materials, and assess structural condition to inform appropriate repair strategies and future adaptations.
Repairs & Maintenance
Expert repair programmes using traditional materials and techniques preserve the character of historic structures. We develop maintenance schedules that prevent deterioration while ensuring compliance with listed building regulations and conservation area guidelines.
New Builds
New structures designed to harmonise with historic environments combine modern functionality with traditional aesthetics. Our approach ensures new elements respect the original architecture while meeting current building standards and sustainability requirements.
Conservation Work
Integrated conservation strategies protect architectural heritage through meticulous research and skilled execution. We specialise in balancing preservation requirements with practical needs, ensuring historic buildings remain viable for future generations through sensitive interventions.
People
Andrew Hayes
Chartered Building Surveyor & Founder
Established the practice in 1997 after 10 years' experience in building conservation. Holds RICS Diploma in Building Conservation and serves on the RICS Conservation Forum. Specialises in listed building regulations and historic construction methods.
Questions
Do I need listed building consent for internal alterations?
Yes, all listed buildings require consent for both internal and external alterations through your Local Authority.
What should I consider before buying a listed building?
Consult conservation experts to understand permitted alterations and ensure you can adapt to the building's character.
What are the penalties for unauthorised alterations?
Fines up to £20,000 and/or six months' imprisonment, with potential unlimited fines at Crown Court for illegal works.
How can I check for unauthorised work?
Contact your Local Authority and employ conservation experts to inspect the property for unapproved modifications.
Are grants available for repairs?
Limited local grants exist, with English Heritage funding available for Grade II* and Grade I listed properties meeting specific criteria.
