What Does a Heritage Architect Do?

In New South Wales, properties that are heritage-listed have been assessed by the local council or state government to be valuable in terms of historical significance or architectural value. To preserve both character and value, heritage-listed properties have strict controls set up by the local council or state authority guiding the type and extent of architectural changes that can be made.

To address these specific requirements, the expertise of a heritage architect is required for any new construction or renovation work to improve a heritage home or contribute to a heritage conservation area. However, heritage architects may also work across properties that are heritage in style or periodic properties and are not listed.

What Is a Heritage Architect?

A heritage architect specialises in designing and working on heritage listed buildings, periodic homes, or projects in a heritage conservation area.

Heritage architecture is, in a sense, a balancing act, striving to preserve valuable elements on one end while incorporating modern additions or elements with references to the historical context to create consistency and functionality.

Heritage architecture can also involve work on properties that are not listed, but are heritage, character, or traditional in nature, such as Victorian-era, Federation-era, art deco, and mid-century modern-style homes. This also includes new buildings on land located in heritage conservation areas and historical context.

What is the Difference Between a Heritage Architect and a Heritage Consultant?

While both heritage architects and heritage consultants work on heritage properties, there is a distinct difference in roles. Heritage architects are able to create the designs for heritage-listed homes (listed and not listed) while heritage consultants are involved in providing guidance on heritage issues involved with construction and restoration projects of heritage listed and in heritage conservation areas. 

What Kind of Properties Are Heritage Listed?

Not every older property can be considered a heritage property. Neither are periodic homes, despite having a similar architectural style. 

To determine if a heritage listing applies, properties are assessed by the local council and state government to meet specific criteria. There are three main types of heritage classification in NSW. 

Heritage conservation areas – This refers to an area (such as an estate) that has a specific character worth preserving. Any construction or renovation work within the area must not impact its overall heritage value. Properties in a heritage conservation area are not automatically considered heritage-listed, and are separately assessed. 

There are also contributory items in the area, which are not heritage listed, but are considered a crucial part of the heritage conservation area and the streetscape (according to a level of contribution in the Development Control Plan).

Local heritage listing – Properties with a local heritage listing have been deemed by the council to have significant heritage value. Local heritage listed properties range from Victorian-era terraces to mansions and estates. As an example, there are over 2036 local heritage listed properties in Sydney’s Inner West alone.

State heritage listing – State heritage significance items are assessed by the local government through a Development Application as well as by the Heritage Council of NSW through a s60 application. These listings are managed by the Heritage Council of NSW and have even stricter restrictions for construction or renovation work.  

UNESCO heritage listing – UNESCO heritage listed properties are recognised globally for having cultural, historical or scientific significance. These properties are protected under the World Heritage Committee. 

Responsibilities of a Heritage Architect

Preserving Architectural Value

Heritage properties often have distinct architectural elements that form a part of the buildings’ character and charm. Examples of these include stained glass window designs, fresco designs, and intricately carved patterns on walls or doors. However, these elements face a high likelihood of degradation over time due to wear and tear. 

A heritage architect works to preserve as much of the original structure and unique aspects of heritage properties so that they can be enjoyed by future generations, as well as using those elements as references to find inspiration for modern works without trying to copy them or create a false historical reproduction.

Compliance with Building Regulations

Heritage-listed properties have more specific building regulations compared to regular buildings located In conservation areas. Owners of heritage homes will be aware of the local council’s restrictions on the extent of architectural and construction work that can be carried out. Generally speaking, any plans for demolition, renovation or extensions of the heritage property must not drastically impact or alter the heritage value of the main building.

A heritage architect will research and understand the possibilities of modifying a heritage listed or a building situated in heritage conservation areas through a Project Analysis. The analysis is a crucial step before any design can start.

A Statement of Heritage Impact, developed by a heritage consultant, will be used to assess the proposal against the heritage rules applied to the property subject to renovation.

Enhancing Spaces for Liveability

Heritage homes feature designs from over a century ago. While heritage styles are beautiful in their own right, they often lack functionality found in modern homes. A heritage architect works to identify what needs to be changed in a heritage home to provide better functionality and accessibility for current and future residents. At the same time, a heritage architect is responsible for ensuring that the addition of new changes does not subsume the home’s character. 

The Heritage Architecture Design Process

The architectural design process for heritage homes is largely similar to that of regular architectural projects, albeit with a focus on keeping the unique character of the home intact. 

1. Understanding the significance of the property

As part of the initial Project Analysis stage, the heritage architect will use available resources and conduct additional research to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the property’s identity and historical significance. 

2. Discussing vision and design

The heritage architect and client will discuss the architectural changes for the design of the home based on the client’s vision and the architect’s expertise. These include big changes like extensions or the addition of an upper storey, as well as minute changes like a new colour scheme. 

3. Analysis of Statement of Heritage Impact

The heritage architect assesses the Statement of Heritage Impact against the heritage rules applied to the property to ensure that proposed works do not impact or alter the property’s heritage value. 

Following approval, the planned works commence during the construction stage. The heritage architect will be closely involved during the construction stage to ensure that the changes are accurately implemented. 

What to Consider When Looking for a Heritage Architect 

A heritage architect should have expertise in preserving the property’s unique heritage values while improving its spaces. This expertise is what sets heritage architects apart from modern architectural services. 

When looking for a heritage architect, consider:

• whether the heritage architect has proven experience in working on heritage homes 
• the quality and outcome of the heritage architectural projects
• the ability of the architect to work on heritage items, whether the property belongs to a specific style or another one

With an experienced heritage architect, heritage homes can be revived for modern living needs while retaining their original character. From incorporating sustainable design, such as a Passivhaus retrofit, to optimised layouts that offer more storage and living space, a heritage architect can help owners achieve a heritage home that is connected to its past while being updated for the present and the future.