Heritage Statements
Documents are often prepared to accompany planning applications for historic residential buildings when alterations or refurbishment works are being planned.
Discover more >Commercial Conservation Architecture in Scotland
How we upgrade historic commercial buildings
All conservation architecture at Thomas Robinson Architects is led by Tom Robinson, an RIAS accredited conservation architect. As 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 conservation 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 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 architecture.
What we do
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 building is saved from further decay by a program of 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
- Historic Commercial Building Condition ReportWe are most often asked for these when a buyer is contemplating purchasing a commercial property that is listed and needs to know its condition.Discover more >
- Commercial Conservation PlanConservation 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.Discover more >
- Church Condition ReportsThomas Robinson Architects have carried out quinquennial reports for the Church of Scotland.Discover more >
Our technical architectural expertise in commercial historic buildings
Tom Robinson is able to act as the architect on 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 projects on historic 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.
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 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 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 in Scotland.
A successful conservation project will require all parties involved to work effectively to achieve the project goals. We have existing relationships with others in the conservation field who can be introduced to projects.
