Business Details
24 Years
experience
Conservation Architect in Essex
Established in 2002, Brightman Hilary is a chartered architectural practice specialising in historic buildings and new works within conservation areas across East Anglia. Our expertise encompasses the repair, alteration, and extension of listed buildings, alongside sensitive new developments that harmonise with historic environments. Adhering strictly to the RIBA Code of Conduct, we combine traditional construction methods with sustainable materials like sheep's wool insulation to enhance thermal performance while preserving architectural heritage. Our team holds accreditations including RIBA Chartered Membership, IHBC Full Membership, and AABC registration, ensuring rigorous standards in building conservation.With award-winning projects such as the restoration of St Bartholomew's Church and adaptive reuse of historic farmsteads, we deliver tailored solutions for private owners, churches, and public institutions. Our approach prioritises collaboration with structural engineers and heritage bodies to achieve durable, context-sensitive outcomes that balance modern functionality with historical integrity.
Services
Historic Building Restoration
Listed Building Consultancy
Church Conservation
Sustainable Architecture
Heritage Impact Assessments
Building Preservation Trusts
Quinquennial Inspections
Adaptive Reuse Projects
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We are RIBA Chartered Architects with specialist accreditation in building conservation
- Our team holds IHBC and AABC memberships for historic building expertise
- Award-winning church restoration projects with Diocese advisory committee experience
- Proven track record in securing heritage funding for listed building projects
- Specialist knowledge of traditional construction methods and sustainable materials
Associations and certifications
- RIBA
- IHBC
- AABC
What people say
Award-winning designs
Excellent restoration work
Deep heritage knowledge
Sustainable approach
Professional accreditation
Services
Historic Building Restoration
Specialist restoration of listed buildings using traditional materials and techniques. We conduct detailed condition surveys, prepare conservation specifications, and oversee repairs to historic fabric including flintwork, timber framing, and thatched roofs. Our approach combines modern engineering with heritage preservation to extend building lifespans while maintaining architectural integrity.
Church Conservation
Comprehensive church conservation services including quinquennial inspections, accessibility upgrades, and historic fabric repairs. We implement fire safety improvements and adaptive reuse strategies while respecting religious significance. Our team has completed award-winning projects for the Diocese of Chelmsford and multiple parish councils across East Anglia.
Sustainable Architecture
Sustainable design solutions for historic buildings incorporating natural insulation materials and passive solar principles. We specialise in energy-efficient upgrades that maintain period character, including draught-proofing historic windows and integrating biomass heating systems with minimal visual impact on conservation areas.
Listed Building Consultancy
Expert consultancy for listed building alterations, including planning applications and heritage impact assessments. We prepare detailed specifications for sensitive extensions, repair strategies for historic structures, and funding applications for Building Preservation Trusts to support conservation projects.
Adaptive Reuse Projects
Creative conversion of redundant agricultural and industrial buildings into modern residential and commercial spaces. Our projects maintain historic character while introducing contemporary amenities, with successful schemes including barn conversions and Grade II listed farmhouse extensions across Essex and Suffolk.
People
Brightman Hilary
Principal Architect
Chartered Architect with distinction MA in Architectural Building Conservation. Full IHBC member and AABC-registered specialist in historic buildings. Leads church quinquennial inspections and conservation projects across East Anglia, with 20+ years' experience in heritage architecture.
Natalie Drewett
Senior Architectural Assistant
BArch qualified with extensive experience in historic building conservation. Former Essex County Council advisor and current Babergh District Council Heritage Enabling Officer. Specialises in new design within historic contexts and structural repairs for listed properties.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialise in?
We specialise in historic building restoration, church conservation, listed building consultancy, and sustainable adaptations of heritage structures across East Anglia.
Are you accredited for conservation work?
Yes, we are RIBA Chartered Architects with IHBC Full Membership and AABC registration, specialising in building conservation and heritage projects.
Do you work on church buildings?
Yes, we are quinquennial inspection architects for multiple churches and have completed award-winning restoration projects including St Bartholomew's Church in Wickham Bishops.
Can you help with listed building alterations?
We provide full consultancy services for listed building modifications, including planning applications, heritage impact assessments, and conservation-focused design solutions.
What areas do you cover?
Our primary service area includes Essex and Suffolk, with historic building projects across East Anglia and beyond for significant conservation schemes.
How do you approach sustainability?
We integrate traditional materials like sheep's wool insulation with modern energy-saving techniques to improve thermal performance while preserving historic building fabric.
