Business Details
33 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Conservation Services
Beams Ltd has been committed to promoting good practice in conservation and championing design in the built environment since its establishment in 1993. As the trading company of the Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust, we combine over six decades of collective expertise to provide specialist advice and management services for historic buildings and conservation areas. Our small but highly skilled team delivers tailored solutions to Local Authorities, architects, and private clients across Hertfordshire and beyond, ensuring sustainable preservation of heritage assets while adapting to evolving conservation needs.Guided by rigorous standards, we conduct statutory casework, prepare conservation appraisals, and draft heritage statements, with all profits reinvested into the Trusts mission to maintain rescued listed buildings. Our work reflects a deep understanding of the historic environment, underpinned by decades of statutory, academic, and practical experience in architectural conservation.
Services
Conservation Appraisals
Heritage Statements
Statutory Casework
Building Appraisals
Policy Development
Historic Research
Conservation Management
Heritage Impact Assessments
Local List Advice
Design Consultancy
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We are the sole UK trading company affiliated with a building preservation trust.
- Our team offers decades of statutory conservation and architectural expertise.
- We provide tailored heritage assessments and conservation area management plans.
- Profits fund ongoing preservation of listed buildings through the Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust.
- We combine academic research with practical conservation experience since 1993.
Services
Conservation Appraisals
We conduct comprehensive appraisals of historic buildings and conservation areas, evaluating architectural significance and condition. Our reports guide preservation strategies for Local Authorities and private clients. Methodologies align with statutory requirements, ensuring balanced development and conservation outcomes.
Heritage Statements
Our heritage statements assess the historical and architectural value of buildings to support planning applications. These documents inform conservation decisions while balancing modern usage needs. Clients benefit from our deep local knowledge and statutory experience.
Statutory Casework
We provide expert advice on listed building consents and planning permissions, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks. Our team assists councils and owners through complex statutory processes, combining technical expertise with practical solutions.
Design Consultancy
Our consultancy supports new developments within historic contexts, balancing modern design with heritage preservation. We advise on material choices and adaptive reuse, maintaining architectural integrity while meeting contemporary needs.
Building Appraisals
We evaluate historic buildings' condition and significance, identifying conservation priorities. Our appraisals inform restoration projects and risk mitigation strategies. Clients receive actionable recommendations based on rigorous technical and historical analysis.
People
Emma Lauze
Head of Conservation
Emma leads our conservation team with expertise in statutory advice, heritage assessments, and conservation area appraisals. Formerly at the Paul Mellon Centre, she combines academic research with practical experience since joining Beams in 2014.
Helen Cal-Fernandez
Conservation Consultant
Helen provides specialist conservation advice for Hertfordshire councils and private clients. With a background in stonework conservation and architectural materials, she prepares building appraisals and management plans since joining Beams in 2006.
Anne Haworth
Administrator
Anne manages client invoicing and operational support for Beams. With additional responsibilities at the Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust, she serves as the primary contact for general inquiries since her appointment in 2020.
Questions
What services does Beams Ltd provide?
We offer conservation appraisals, heritage statements, statutory casework, design consultancy, and building appraisals for historic properties and conservation areas.
Who are Beams' primary clients?
Our main clients include Local Authorities, architects, building owners, and planning professionals requiring expert conservation advice across Hertfordshire and beyond.
How is Beams connected to the Hertfordshire Building Preservation Trust?
We operate as the Trust's trading arm, with all profits funding the Trust’s maintenance of rescued listed buildings.
Can Beams assist with listed building consents?
Yes, our team provides expert guidance on listed building consents and planning permissions for heritage properties.
What areas does Beams cover?
While based in Hertfordshire, our expertise extends to projects across the UK, including London and East Anglia.
