Business Details
40 Years
experience
Expert Architects in London for Historic and New Build Projects
Established in 1986, West O & J Scott has built a reputation for delivering practical yet imaginative architectural solutions with a focus on historic buildings. Our practice specialises in conservation and adaptation projects for private homeowners, heritage institutions, and churches, while also designing new structures in sensitive historic contexts. With over three decades of experience in Bedford Park and across London, we guide clients through complex building processes to achieve elegant, functional designs. Our team includes RIBA Chartered Architects and AABC-accredited conservation specialists, ensuring technical excellence and deep understanding of heritage requirements. We balance client needs with planning regulations to preserve architectural integrity while enabling sustainable change.Our portfolio spans residential conversions, church renovations, and landmark heritage projects, reflecting our commitment to craftsmanship and contextual sensitivity. As a limited company since 2006, we maintain a boutique approach with director-led service, combining traditional expertise with modern design methodologies. Our work has earned recognition through awards and features in architectural publications, demonstrating our dedication to advancing the built environment. We actively engage with local communities and professional heritage bodies, ensuring our projects contribute positively to cultural landscapes. With studios in Bedford Park, we serve clients across London, the South of England, and beyond.
Services
Heritage Conservation
Residential Architecture
Church Renovations
New Builds in Historic Settings
Listed Building Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 30+ years' experience in historic building conservation
- RIBA Chartered Practice status with AABC accreditation
- Director-led service for all projects
- Specialist knowledge of Bedford Park Conservation Area
- Proven track record with listed buildings and churches
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Chartered Practice
- Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC)
Services
Heritage Conservation
Specialist conservation of listed buildings and historic structures. We preserve architectural integrity while enabling sustainable adaptation through meticulous research and traditional craftsmanship. Our expertise covers Arts and Crafts masterpieces, Victorian landmarks, and medieval churches.
Residential Architecture
Bespoke residential projects including extensions, renovations, and new builds in historic contexts. We create functional modern spaces that respect architectural heritage, from Grade II listed home conversions to contemporary London townhouse interiors.
Church Renovations
Comprehensive church conservation and reordering. Our work includes stonework repairs, lighting upgrades, and bespoke furniture design while maintaining spiritual character. Projects span cathedrals and parish churches across multiple dioceses.
New Builds
Modern architecture in historic settings. We design sensitive new structures that complement existing environments, balancing innovation with contextual respect. Recent projects include visitor facilities at heritage sites and low-carbon extensions.
Listed Building Consultancy
Expert guidance through listed building consent processes. We advise on planning parameters, prepare applications, and negotiate with authorities to achieve approvals for sensitive renovations and adaptations in conservation areas.
People
Farah Anwar
Architectural Assistant
Specialising in sustainable building reuse and community-focused design, Farah brings fresh perspectives to heritage projects. With a distinguished MArch from Kingston University and award-winning thesis work, she contributes to church and residential projects while advocating for inclusive architectural processes.
Nick Bethune
Director
RIBA Chartered and AABC-accredited conservation architect with 20+ years' experience. Nick leads major heritage projects including Surrey country house restorations and quinquennial church inspections. He combines technical expertise with creative vision to protect architectural heritage while enabling functional evolution.
Jan Laming
Architectural Assistant
Focusing on sacred spaces and urban context, Jan applies narrative-driven design approaches to heritage projects. With a Manchester MArch and experience in education and low-carbon developments, he contributes to church renovations and masterplanning initiatives while exploring printmaking and urban running.
Andrea Cook
Practice Administrator
Managing day-to-day operations with 20+ years' commercial experience, Andrea ensures smooth project delivery. Her background in global marketing consultancy complements architectural practice management, while her baking skills sustain the team between heritage projects and Riding for the Disabled volunteering.
John Scott
Consultant Conservation Architect
Co-founder and AABC consultant with 40+ years' experience. John pioneered award-winning projects including Hawkstone Park follies and St Sophia Cathedral conservation. He chairs heritage committees and shares expertise on historic building repairs while pursuing boat restoration as a lifelong passion.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in heritage conservation, residential architecture, church renovations, new builds in historic settings, and listed building consultancy. Our expertise covers both practical adaptations and sensitive restorations of historic structures.
How experienced are you with listed buildings?
With over 30 years' experience in Bedford Park and across London, we handle complex listed building consent processes daily. Our team includes AABC-accredited architects and we've completed hundreds of conservation projects for Grade II listed homes to major heritage sites.
Can you work outside London?
While based in Bedford Park, we undertake projects across the South of England and beyond. Recent projects include heritage sites in Shropshire, Surrey, and Ireland, with remote consultation options available for nationwide clients.
What accreditations do you hold?
We are a RIBA Chartered Practice with all senior architects holding AABC accreditation for building conservation. This specialist qualification ensures our team meets rigorous standards for historic building preservation and adaptation.
How do you approach church renovation projects?
Our church work combines structural conservation with functional modernisation. We perform detailed condition assessments, prepare quinquennial reports, and implement repairs while respecting spiritual significance. Recent projects include stonework restoration and bespoke liturgical furniture design.
What's your design philosophy for new builds?
We create contemporary architecture that respects historic contexts. Our approach balances innovation with sensitivity, ensuring new structures enhance rather than compete with existing environments through careful material selection and contextual design cues.
