Commercial Conservation Architects

‘Repointing an ashlar sandstone wall in cement rather than lime putty mortar is like darning a blue cashmere sweater with red nylon thread.’

How we upgrade historic commercial buildings

All commercial conservation architecture at Thomas Robinson Architects is led by Tom Robinson, an RIAS accredited conservation architect. As commercial conservation architects in Scotland, we value the importance of forming a deep understanding of the history and cultural relevance of a building, which comes via our conservation report service. This informs our commerical conservation architectural work and involves research and investigations to understand a building’s cultural significance.

We can often save a commercial building from further decay by a program of works which put right the results of a long period of neglect or underuse. We also explore ways to get the best out of them by improving comfort and energy performance.

How we conserve historic buildings in Scotland

We believe architectural heritage should be protected. Conserving a commercial historic listed building can, however, mean intervening to enable its continued use or to create a new use. This may involve alterations or extensions, requiring absolute sensitivity and confidence. A sense of what will be right for the historic environment comes from past experience and a deep understanding of traditional commercial architecture.

What we do

Commercial conservation architecture is the process of recognising historic buildings which are of cultural or heritage value and taking action to preserve or retain them. Often a commercial building is saved from further decay by a program of architectural works which put right the results of a long period of neglect or underuse.

At Thomas Robinson Architects, we can breathe new life into a structure. Through contemporary design, we enable a new use or simply perform repairs that will allow the building to be used again.

Our Services

Heritage Statements

Documents are often prepared to accompany planning applications for historic residential buildings when alterations or refurbishment works are being planned.

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Condition Reports

Condition reports are useful decision-making documents for the owners and operators of commercial buildings.

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Conservation Plans

Conservation plans for commercial buildings include an in-depth look into what is of historic significance in a building or group of buildings and set out how they should be viewed.

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Quinquennial Church Surveys

Thomas Robinson Architects have carried out a large number of quinquennial reports for the Church of Scotland.

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Our technical architectural expertise as commercial historic building architects

Tom Robinson is able to act as the architect on commercial projects involving the expenditure of public money. He has experience working on many historic commercial listed buildings, including listed churches and castles in Scotland and island estates used for hospitality, plus others for both commercial and residential use. Conservation architecture on historic commercial buildings may also require new work either in a sympathetic traditional style or by introducing contrasting modern elements. Tom Robinson is fluent in classical and other forms of traditional detailing.

Our commercial heritage conservation architects are highly skilled and know that re-pointing an ashlar sandstone wall in cement rather than lime putty mortar is like darning a blue cashmere sweater with red nylon thread. How we treat our historic commercial buildings is important for their long term survival.

Our relationships

Managing the conservation of an important historic building isn’t always easy. Our clients may have many different priorities to consider when dealing with their buildings. Our accredited conservation architects in Scotland aim to support our clients through the process of planning repairs, alterations and building projects from the same side of the table, building expert teams where necessary. We also work as executive architects on some large-scale historic properties conserving historic architecture across Scotland.

A successful commercial conservation architectural project will require all parties involved to work effectively to achieve the project goals. Our restoration architects have existing relationships with others in the commercial conservation architecture field who can be introduced to projects.

Contractor

We find Thomas Robinson Architects to be extremely professional and capable from a contractor’s perspective. The team are really enjoying working with them and the project is progressing extremely well. They put the effort in where required to make it happen and keep it moving. They have plenty experience in this sector which should be relevant for the project involved.

Glasgow & Strathclyde

I wanted to share that I had a site visit with the owner and his wife, and they were absolutely delighted with the progress and design of the project. They’re very much looking forward to staying at the property during their next visit.

Tayside and Perthshire

Client

I am absolutely fine and a wreck at the same time! I never thought you’d all get my vision!!! You’ve completely sorted it!! My original brief was for an alpine cabin, meets Scottish lodge, meets Texas ranch. You guys have nailed that brief.

South Scotland and Borders

We are thrilled with the house. So many of our friends are down-sizing in their old age so we wonder if we have been mad but it really has changed the house into something so much better than it was so I feel it was the right thing to do.

Highlands and Islands

One of the reasons we enjoyed working with Thomas Robinson Architects was the whole team’s attitude to exploring ideas and solutions. Their residential design is super and the house fits very well within its setting, as well as creating a beautiful, light family home. For us the creation of a very low energy house using sustainable architecture principles was key to the brief and we appreciated their refreshing outlook in exploring sustainable building design materials and construction approaches which are not yet standard. Would we use the architecture firm again? Most certainly and we are already working with them to create two unique new projects.

Stirling and Central Scotland

Supplier

Cupa slate are the world leaders in natural slate and 1 in every 3 slates in the world are Cupa slates. Thomas Robinson Architects have been specifying Cupa slates on there their award winning projects for over 12 years now and we can’t thank them enough. It’s great to work with all the architects in the practice from the start of the project till completion which is rewarding.

London

Thomas Robinson provided architectural and design services from early concept drawings to full design details for construction information. Various members of the team supported the project of building our new family home and we are delighted with the results. We have created the building we initially scoped out with improvements. At early stage we discussed the client brief and spent many of the early months together pre planning and ensuring we had achieved the desired design. Coordination of engineering elements and electrical services allowed each room to be well considered and I am pleased with the final products. I would recommend any future house build clients meets with Thomas Robinson architects for future projects.

I am a photographer who has provided Thomas Robinson Architects with images of many of the buildings they have designed over the last 10 years.
I can say without hesitation that when I’m in a space they have created I am always spoilt for choice with the compositions available. The fluid progress between rooms and the elegant use of natural light allows my interior shots to build layers of interest. This leads the eye around the room and arouses the curiosity of what might be found in the next space. The exterior viewpoints always set the building beautifully within the landscape it occupies.

Across Scotland

I hired Thomas Robinson Architects (TRA) to design and project-manage an accessible extension and internal alterations for a residential listed building. The initial design idea was what inspired me to engage them further – it respected the original building but was very much a design element in its own right, being modern and yet classical at the same time. We established a programme of regular meetings throughout the design, planning application and building warrant processes and my thoughts and ideas were worked in wherever possible. TRA oversaw the tender process and appointment of a contractor and established monthly site meetings throughout the contract. Careful minuting of the meetings allowed issues to be followed through from month to month. Any issues with the contractor were dealt with timeously and there was a detailed approach to final snagging to ensure good quality finishes. Importantly the budget was very well managed, with some items being altered or removed to ensure it wasn’t exceeded and this was done without detriment to the overall project. I felt confident in TRA to protect my interests throughout the project which dissipated any potential stressful situations. The finished house extension and alterations have exceeded all of my expectations – the internal space and views out are equally as impressive as the exterior. As a very satisfied client, I would have no hesitation in recommending TRA as a talented, attentive and highly professional company and would use them again if the situation arose.

Thomas Robinson Architects provided a brilliant service for us. We wanted to extend our Scottish cottage to make it more suitable for a family of 5. Our priorities were to extend the kitchen, get more adult space, and create a new bedroom. Thomas Robinson Architects transformed the house, and our lives. The house now has lovely large windows with flowing space and plenty of light. Many people think our house is like a tardis now, and can’t believe how spacious and airy it feels inside, while it’s still quite compact looking on the outside. We felt that Thomas Robinson Architects really understood what we wanted and the practicalities needed for good family living. We have more cupboard space, great views, the extra bedroom we needed and all sorts of added benefits, such as a large hall to dump all the kids muddy bits and pieces in, doors to the garden, extra cosy spaces to sit, and so much lovely light. I’d highly recommend Thomas Robinson Architects for any Scottish design and building job.

Tom Robinson was my architect of choice when deciding who to contact after the destruction of my home as a result of a fire. Throughout thecomplicatrd process of rebuilding and despite several unexpected problems, including gaving to change contractors mid-project and deal with “arbitration” and other legal problems, Tom and his team remained steadfast and supportive and the end result was a beautiful new home which I have enjoyed for the past fifteen years.

We commissioned Thomas Robinson Architects to design a small 2 bedroom country cottage and then act as project managers during the build. They quickly recognised the concept we were trying to achieve and were innovative in their interpretation of the brief. All their work was of a very high standard and we can recommend their services without reservation.

Argyll and Bute

We have worked with Thomas Robinson Architects, in our capacity as a producer of individually designed timber frame houses, for over 10 years. We have found all of our dealings to have been conducted in an extremely friendly and professional manner. The design work produced is of a very high standard and their attention to detail is excellent. We have no hesitation in recommending their practice to anyone embarking on a project.

Commercial Conservation Architects

How we upgrade historic commercial buildings

How we conserve historic buildings in Scotland

What we do

Our Services

Heritage Statements

Condition Reports

Conservation Plans

Quinquennial Church Surveys

Our technical architectural expertise as commercial historic building architects

Our relationships

Our Happy Clients

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Commercial Architects

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