Apex Architecture – dedicated to preserving our heritage and nurturing the skills required to achieve this aim.

 

Apex Architecture has a reputation for being actively involved in many projects where conservation is a concern, and have worked on many listed buildings of interest.   Apex is the ideal company to work for should you wish to enhance your National Heritage learning with practical experience. As Investors in People, Apex has a proactive training programme, assisting their staff to attain their professional qualifications in RIBA, RICS and MCiat.

 

Apex boasts a dedicated conservation specialist within the company. Iain Geddes has a RICS Postgraduate Diploma in Building and Conservation from the College of Estate Management, Reading. As well as having worked on many listed and historic buildings in Conservation areas, Iains’ work history also includes having worked with two of the leading Edinburgh conservation practices, serving as project architect on jobs that won conservation awards from the Stone Federation and a Europa Nostra award for a regeneration project. He has a particular interest in vernacular architecture and the repair of old buildings, including the study of traditional building materials, particularly the use of lime. Fortunately for Iain, Apex is approached to undertake many interesting conservation projects, which utilise his skills to the full.

One such project, which the firm is currently working on, is Salford Hall, where Apex has an exciting new commission to build an extension. This stunning Jacobean mansion was originally a guesthouse for monks of nearby Evesham Abbey and is now a luxury hotel. Whilst the hotel wishes to expand, it is mindful that the original Grade 1 listed hotel building and Tudor outbuildings remain prominent and imposing, losing none of their impact.

The new extension sits between the mansion and existing outbuildings and will provide a new leisure facility and additional bedrooms above. The design relates to the surrounding buildings in scale, mass and appearance. Traditional features and materials are included in the design approach, and the building reflects suitable local materials; stone, clay roof and timber windows and doors.

Apex is very proud of its approach to the repair, alteration or restoration of both historic buildings and new buildings in conservation areas. They carry out extensive research involving visits to the existing building and surrounding area, plus examining the history of the building and site to discover whether the structure has any architectural significance in relation to its surroundings. It is also vital to establish the rarity of the building, obviously the rarer the original building the higher the importance of restoration is to the project.

Apex are working on numerous projects besides Salford Hall in the field of conservation both residential, commercial and ecumenical, including a Grade II listed home, The Lawns in Nunnington and a Grade II Church, St. Johns in Gloucester.

 

Having studied in this field it is essential to then be given the opportunity to hone your skills and work on actual historic and conservation projects. Apex Architecture not only provides this opportunity, but also enables you to further your knowledge through working closely with their expert in this field. “Working in the field of architectural conservation today is very complex.  It involves not only knowledge of the history of architectural styles and conservation techniques, but also an understanding of the significance of individual buildings and how they can continue to be used now and in the future.  It is essential to develop a philosophy of repair and alteration that does not result in the loss of the historic fabric.  Thus, developing a carefully reasoned approach to working with historic buildings helps to produce results in the planning system, as well as something of value” – Iain Geddes.  Job opportunities at Apex can be found on their website www.apexarchitecture.com which is updated regularly. In addition you will find case studies of their work, both modern and conservation in their website portfolio.