Episodes

  • [HBP#23] - Charles Bain Smith - Inside the World of a National Trust Architect
    Dec 2 2025

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

    In this episode of the Heritage Buildings podcast, host Vincent Reed sits down with Charles Bain-Smith, a senior building conservation manager at the National Trust. A RIBA chartered architect and SCA accredited conservation specialist, Charles shares his journey from a three-year-old boy witnessing the dramatic demolition of an 18th century tar mill to becoming a leading figure in architectural conservation.

    Charles delves into his experiences working on various restoration projects, his insights on the dynamic nature of heritage conservation, and his reflections on the importance of preserving the 'ness' of places like Hastings' old fishing port.

    Whether you're an enthusiast of architectural history or curious about the future of building conservation, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.

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    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 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:52 Early Inspirations and First Act of Conservation

    05:43 Spiritual Connection to Heritage

    06:36 Involvement with Chillingham Wild Cattle

    08:59 Durham Cathedral and the Love of Craftsmanship

    14:19 Early Career and Mentorship

    23:37 Hands-On Experience and Passion for Timber

    31:23 Starting a Practice and Team Collaboration

    42:18 Creative Evenings and the 2000 Crash

    43:17 Joining the Creative Folkestone Scene

    45:12 Maintaining Friendships in Architecture

    46:30 Transition to the National Trust

    48:06 Exploring Employment Opportunities

    49:42 Architects vs. Surveyors

    53:24 National Trust Projects and Challenges

    01:04:53 Traveling Across the UK for the National Trust

    01:07:23 Standout Projects: Sissinghurst and Yard House

    01:17:58 Unexpected Challenges on Site

    01:19:14 Gaining Respect Through Practical Skills

    01:20:21 Balancing Leadership and Client Expectations

    01:21:48 The Importance of Craftsmanship

    01:24:33 Preserving the Spirit of Places

    01:38:24 Advice for Aspiring Conservationists

    01:40:50 The Role of AI in Conservation

    01:45:17 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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    Connect with Charles Bain-Smith and learn more:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-bain-smith-a495672/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithcharlesbain/

    Email: charles@cymaarchitects.co.uk

    Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

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    Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

    https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

    Join the conversation:

    https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual


    #HeritageConservation #ArchitecturalRestoration #NationalTrust

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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • [HBP#22] - Coralie Mills - Discovering Scotland's Past with Dendrochronology
    Nov 18 2025

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!


    In this episode, Vincent Reed is joined by Dr Coralie Mills, a leading dendrochronologist and wooded landscape archaeologist, and founder of Dendrochronicle, a consultancy based in Scotland. Coralie shares her journey into dendrochronology, how her early love of landscapes grew into a lifelong passion for understanding Scotland’s timber history.

    She discusses some of her most notable projects, including work on St Giles’ Cathedral and Needpath Castle, offering fascinating insights into past woodland management and timber use.

    The conversation also explores the challenges and opportunities within the field today, the importance of preserving historic timbers in buildings, and the future of dendrochronology research in Scotland.


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    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 Introduction to Dr. Coralie Mills

    01:26 Coralie's Early Influences and Education

    03:53 Journey into Environmental Archaeology

    07:47 Exploring Dendrochronology

    10:59 Historic Wooded Landscapes

    16:18 Timber Trade and Woodland Management in Scotland

    32:15 Challenges in Scottish Dendrochronology

    42:46 Differences in Timber Conservation Between England and Scotland

    44:24 Challenges with Structural Engineers and Old Timber

    51:36 The Importance of Context in Historic Timber

    53:16 New Research Framework for Dendrochronology in Scotland

    58:00 Notable Projects and Personal Favorites

    01:04:19 Challenges and Opportunities in Dendrochronology

    01:04:32 Training the Next Generation of Dendrochronologists

    01:06:23 The Ridge Project and Future Prospects

    01:11:02 Closing Remarks and Contact Information


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    Connect with Dr Coralie Mills and learn more:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coralie-mills-138a1924/

    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dendrochronicle/#

    Website: www.dendrochronicle.co.uk

    Further Links & Resources:

    Learn more about Dr Coralie’s work and the field of dendrochronology through the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework:

    👉 Dendrochronology | The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework

    https://scarf.scot/thematic/dendrochronology/

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    Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

    https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

    Join the conversation:

    https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual


    #Dendrochronology #TimberHeritage #WoodlandArchaeology

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • [HBP #21] - Marianne Suhr - Retrofits: Making Old Homes More Sustainable - YouTube Description
    Nov 4 2025

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

    In this episode, host Vincent Reed interviews Marianne Suhr, a renowned chartered building surveyor, broadcaster, and co-author of the Old House Handbook. With over 30 years of experience in historic building conservation and sustainable retrofit, Marianne shares her journey from her early influences and education to her hands-on experiences with the National Trust and various historic buildings.


    They discuss the challenges and techniques of making period properties more energy-efficient while maintaining their authenticity. Marianne also talks about the importance of craftsmanship, the role of SPAB scholarships, and the need for encouraging the younger generation to join the traditional trades.


    This insightful discussion covers practical tips for retrofitting old buildings, preserving historic windows, and the evolving field of building conservation.


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    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 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

    01:10 Marianne's Early Career and First Job

    02:07 The SPAB Scholarship Experience

    05:04 Hands-On Experience and Specialization

    07:10 Founding the Old House Consultancy

    09:25 Understanding Retrofit

    10:43 Challenges and Solutions in Window Retrofit

    21:12 Practical Retrofit Solutions and Considerations

    28:02 Applied Glazing Bars: A Controversial Solution

    29:21 The Future of Windows: Vacuum Glazing

    31:52 Balancing Conservation and Modern Efficiency

    35:07 Challenges in Retrofitting Sash Windows

    37:20 Draft-Proofing Doors: Simple Solutions

    39:38 Adapting to Colder Homes: Lessons from the Past

    46:37 The Decline of Traditional Crafts

    51:23 Teaching and Mentorship in Building Conservation

    54:20 Final Thoughts and Future Discussions


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    Connect with Marianne Suhr and learn more:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-suhr-2ab421349/

    Website: https://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/

    Email: marianne@oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldhouseconsultancy/

    Publications & Courses:

    - Old House Handbook: https://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/old-house-handbook/

    - Old House Eco Handbook: https://oldhouseconsultancy.co.uk/old-house-eco-handbook/


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    Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

    https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

    Join the conversation:

    https://heritagebuildings.forum


    #OldHouseRestoration #SustainableRetrofit #BuildingSurveyor

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • [HBP#20] - Nigel Walter - Living Heritage: The Art & Challenge of Church
    Oct 14 2025

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!

    In this episode, host Vincent Reed interviews Nigel Walter, a leading conservation architect and expert in the philosophy and practice of historic building preservation. Nigel shares his unique journey from art and engineering to running his own practice, Archangel Architects, and becoming a prominent voice in the world of church and heritage conservation.

    Discover Nigel’s insights on:

    • The philosophy of conservation and the concept of “living heritage”
    • The challenges and rewards of working with historic churches and listed buildings
    • Navigating the UK’s unique church and secular heritage regulations
    • The importance of community, use, and adaptability in preserving historic buildings
    • Systematizing business for architects and the value of mentorship
    • The future of craft skills, training, and the role of heritage buildings in modern society

    Tune in for a deep dive into the stories, challenges, and evolving philosophies that shape the world of heritage architecture.

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    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 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:45 Nigel’s Early Career: From Art to Architecture

    03:00 Entering Conservation and Academic Pursuits

    10:00 Running a Practice & Business Lessons

    20:00 Philosophy of Conservation: Living Heritage

    35:00 Church vs. Secular Heritage Regulations

    50:00 Community, Use, and the Future of Churches

    1:10:00 Challenges in Maintenance & Materials

    1:25:00 Systematizing Business and Mentorship

    1:40:00 Notable Projects and Case Studies

    1:55:00 Training, Craft Skills, and the Next Generation

    2:10:00 Advice for Aspiring Conservation Architects

    2:20:00 Where to Find Nigel Walter & Final Thoughts

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    Connect with Nigel Walter and learn more:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-walter-8a186215/

    Website: https://archangelarchitects.co.uk

    Church Resources: https://churchbuildingprojects.co.uk

    Academic Publications: See the Archangel website or search for Nigel Walter on academia.edu

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    Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:

    https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

    Join the conversation:

    https://heritagebuildings.forum


    #HeritageConservation #ChurchArchitecture #LivingHeritage



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 51 mins
  • [HBP#19] - Brent Hull - The Art of Architectural Millwork
    Sep 16 2025

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!


    In this episode, host Vincent Reed interviews Brent Hull, a nationally recognized expert in historic preservation, millwork, and traditional building techniques. Brent shares his journey from studying at the North Bennett Street School to founding his own restoration and millwork companies, and becoming a leading voice in the world of architectural conservation.


    Discover Brent’s insights on:


    - The art and science of timber framing and woodwork restoration

    - Preserving historic buildings in the US and UK

    - The challenges of running a restoration business through economic ups and downs

    - The importance of craftsmanship, education, and legacy in the trades

    - How social media and YouTube are transforming the preservation industry


    Tune in to discover the stories, methods, and passion behind Brent’s work in the world of heritage buildings.


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    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 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:46 Brent Hull’s Early Career & Education

    03:30 Starting a Restoration Business

    08:40 Key Projects and Growth

    15:00 Challenges in Timber Framing & Preservation

    24:00 Building a Team & Company Culture

    34:00 Surviving Recessions and Financial Struggles

    43:00 The Role of Education in Preservation

    58:00 Notable Projects & Client Stories

    1:10:00 The 100-Year Window Concept

    1:22:00 Wood Selection, Paints, and Materials

    1:34:00 The Importance of Craftsmanship & Legacy

    1:48:00 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Brent Hull


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    Connect with Brent Hull using the links below:


    Website: https://brenthull.com

    YouTube: Brent Hull

    Instagram: @hullmillwork @hullhomes


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    Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:


    https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com


    Join the conversation:

    https://heritagebuildings.forum


    #ArtisanSkills #BuildingRestoration #Millwork



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 33 mins
  • [HBP#18] - Mats Almlof - Rediscovering Heritage Woodwork
    Jul 22 2025

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!


    In this episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast, Vincent Reed is joined by Mats Almlof, an expert in traditional woodworking. They dive deep into Mats' journey into the craft, starting from his early fascination with model airplanes to his full-time dedication to woodworking for the past 15 years.


    Mats discusses his preference for traditional hand tools over modern machinery and shares insights into how older joinery techniques and craftsmanship have stood the test of time. The conversation also touches on the importance of selecting the right kind of wood, traditional methods of wood conversion, and the significance of maintaining these skills for future generations.


    Tune in to explore the rich history and techniques of traditional woodworking.


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    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 Introduction and Early Days

    00:43 Discovering Traditional Woodworking

    03:29 The Value of Hand Tools

    08:06 Starting a Business in Traditional Craft

    11:16 Mentorship and Influences

    17:00 The Importance of Forest Management

    28:15 Traditional Wood Selection and Processing

    40:18 Splitting and Sawing Techniques

    54:01 Challenges of Splitting Wood

    54:12 Traditional Norwegian Boat Building

    55:06 Demonstrating Wood Splitting Techniques

    55:28 Nerding Out on Woodworking

    55:53 The Physicality of Traditional Sawing

    56:05 Historical Sawhorses and Their Uses

    57:33 The Rigors of Lumberjack Work

    01:00:18 Moisture Content in Historical Timber

    01:01:35 The Quality of Heritage Woodwork

    01:02:39 Traditional Window Production

    01:08:20 Historical Planning and Sawing Techniques

    01:11:36 The Mystery of 1690s Saw Marks

    01:14:46 Restoring Historical Frame Saws

    01:18:07 The Process of Preparing Timber

    01:19:58 The Use of Traditional Tools

    01:24:24 Finishing Techniques for Timber

    01:29:22 The Evolution of Sandpaper and Abrasives

    01:31:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans


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    Connect with Mats Almlof using the links below:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mats-alml%C3%B6f-b01563b/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matsalmlof/

    Email: mats@almlof.se


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    Click here to find out more about the Heritage Buildings Association -

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 37 mins
  • [HBP#17] - Doug Evans - A Journey In Architecture
    Jul 8 2025

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!


    Join Vincent in a captivating conversation with Doug Evans, a seasoned architect specialising in historical and heritage buildings. Doug recounts his journey from a young architecture student to a renowned expert in the conservation of historic buildings. From his inspiring first trip to Rome as a student to significant projects like Wakefield Cathedral and Great Dixter, Doug shares valuable insights and experiences.


    The discussion also touches on the importance of traditional craftsmanship, the intricacies of conservation work, and the rewarding yet challenging aspects of working in this unique field. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or keen on heritage conservation, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.


    Don't miss Doug's reflections on his illustrious career and his advice for aspiring architects.


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    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 Introduction and Greetings

    00:19 Reconnecting and Reminiscing

    01:53 Doug's Journey into Architecture

    03:08 The Rome Experience

    05:20 Early Career Challenges

    08:05 Finding Passion in Historic Buildings

    17:18 Postgraduate Studies and Career Growth

    23:30 Transition to Private Sector

    36:22 Navigating Economic Downturns

    39:55 Consulting for English Heritage

    56:13 Balancing Family and Work Life

    56:44 Challenges of Working Alone

    57:06 The Dartmouth Castle Incident

    01:01:32 Consulting Projects and Discoveries

    01:10:47 Great Dixter Project

    01:25:00 Ecclesiastical Projects and Cathedrals

    01:35:49 Retirement and Knowledge Sharing

    01:43:53 Final Thoughts and Advice


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    Connect with Doug Evans using the links below:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-evans-761b1697/?originalSubdomain=ca


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    Click here to find out more about the Heritage Buildings Association - https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com


    Click here to join the conversation - https://heritagebuildings.forum


    #HistoricArchitecture #BuildingConservation #ArchitectTalks

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    1 hr and 57 mins
  • [HBP#16] - Martin Bridge - Dendrochronology: The Science of Tree Ring Dating
    Jun 24 2025

    🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps!

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    Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!


    In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Martin Bridge, a seasoned expert in dendrochronology. They delve into the fascinating world of tree-ring dating, discussing its significance in dating historical buildings, understanding past climates, and even uncovering the stories behind historic artefacts such as the Mary Rose.


    Martin shares his extensive experience and knowledge accumulated over 45 years in the field, explaining various methods and technological advancements in dendrochronology.


    Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of how this scientific discipline unlocks the secrets of history and its critical role in historic preservation.


    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:06 Basics of Dendrochronology

    01:17 Tree Ring Patterns and Dating Techniques

    02:51 Challenges in Tree Ring Analysis

    07:46 Historical Context and Early Research

    18:54 Modern Techniques and Technological Advances

    35:00 Geographical Variations in Elm Usage

    36:18 Radiocarbon Dating Explained

    40:39 Impact of Dendrochronology on Climate Studies

    44:21 The Journey into Dendrochronology

    51:34 Adventures in New Zealand

    54:04 Challenges in Dating Ancient Trees

    58:12 Career Path and Academic Contributions

    01:03:20 Modern Techniques and Future Prospects

    01:09:44 The Importance of Objective Dating in Archaeologyf

    01:10:14 Public Access to Historic England's Research

    01:10:36 Exciting Projects: The Mary Rose

    01:13:41 Dendrochronology and Timber Provenance

    01:17:27 Challenges in Timber Sampling

    01:31:03 The Future of Dendrochronology

    01:32:16 Advice for Aspiring Dendrochronologists

    01:34:23 Collaborations and Working Relationships

    01:36:49 Conclusion and Where to Learn More


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    Connect with Martin Bridge using the links below:


    Website:www.oxford-dendrolab.co.uk


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    Click here to find out more about the Heritage Buildings Association - https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com


    Click here to join the conversation - https://heritagebuildings.forum


    #Dendrochronology #HistoricConservation #TreeRingDating

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    1 hr and 41 mins