About Us
The founder, Andrew Turner, is a Conservation Accredited Engineer and has over 30 years’ experience in the Heritage sector. Andrew developed his approach and experience while working with Alan Baxter. He has worked on buildings in every century from Norman times to the present day and his strengths lie in his detailed knowledge of building techniques from different periods and understanding their potential strengths and weaknesses.
Andrew’s work has covered some of the most important historic buildings in the country, including The National Gallery, British Museum, the Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and Ditherington Flax Mill - which forms the oldest cast iron framed building in the world.
He has also been involved with complex refurbishments such as the redevelopment of the Great Eastern Hotel in the City of London and Kentish Town Sports Centre.
More recently, Andrew has been working on numerous smaller-scale listed buildings and scheduled monuments across the south of England, including parish churches, aisled barns, and timber-framed houses.
Andrew assists SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) on technical issues and case studies.
A Conservation Accredited Engineer - the benefits....
The Conservation Accreditation Register for Engineers (CARE) has been established by the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers to raise the standard of conservation engineering across the industry.
The Register identifies civil and structural engineers who are skilled in the conservation of historic buildings and sites. To be recognised on the register, members must follow a rigorous approval procedure to confirm an appreciation of disciplines and interests extending well beyond their professional qualification training as engineers. They also need to demonstrate that they are fully conversant with conservation philosophy and methods applied to heritage projects.
A Conservation Accredited Engineer can provide real benefits to building owners.
Even where an existing building is not listed, a conservation-led approach to the engineering can add real value by designing alterations and repairs in a manner that is sympathetic to the existing fabric. With the knowledge and experience that a Conservation Engineer has, they are often able to justify solutions away from being heavy-handed to something that is more cost effective and appropriate to the existing building.
The conservation of our built environment is often misunderstood. It can be seen as a hindrance to progress whereas conservation at its best presents opportunities and value.
A Conservation Accredited Engineer is a key player in helping achieve this goal.
