Britain has an extraordinary architectural heritage, from Georgian townhouses and Victorian terraces to medieval churches and twentieth century landmarks. Much of what we enjoy today has survived because people recognised its value and fought to protect it.
As architects working predominantly with historic buildings, we have a great appreciation for the societies that dedicate themselves to protecting our built heritage. Their work goes well beyond campaigning against demolition. They provide expert advice, promote traditional craftsmanship, encourage thoughtful conservation and help us understand why our historic buildings matter.
We are proud members of both The Georgian Group and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), two organisations whose work is particularly relevant to our practice.
Here are some of the architectural societies we admire, and why we think they deserve our support.
The Georgian Group
Founded in 1937, The Georgian Group is dedicated to protecting Georgian architecture and landscapes, principally dating from 1700 to 1840.
Given our particular interest in Georgian architecture, this is a society very close to our hearts. Georgian buildings are admired for their elegant proportions, beautiful craftsmanship and restrained detailing, but their apparent simplicity can make alterations particularly sensitive. Changes to windows, joinery, plasterwork or even the proportions of a room can have a considerable impact on the character of a building.
The Georgian Group plays an important role in the planning process, reviewing proposals affecting listed buildings and providing specialist advice. It also publishes research, organises lectures and visits, and offers practical guidance on the repair and maintenance of Georgian buildings.
We are members because we value both its conservation work and the opportunity to continue learning about a period of architecture that forms such an important part of London's character.
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded in 1877 by William Morris, in response to the often destructive restoration practices of Victorian architects.
Morris believed that old buildings should be carefully maintained and repaired rather than stripped back and recreated to represent an imagined earlier appearance. It is a philosophy that remains remarkably relevant today.
One of the things we particularly appreciate about SPAB is its emphasis on understanding how traditional buildings actually work. Older buildings were constructed using materials and methods that differ considerably from modern construction, and introducing inappropriate materials can sometimes cause more harm than good.
SPAB champions traditional building skills, sensitive repairs and the retention of historic fabric. Its technical guidance and training programmes are invaluable to architects, craftspeople and homeowners alike.
We are members because we share its belief that good conservation begins with understanding a building, respecting its history and intervening only where necessary.
The Victorian Society
Established in 1958, with John Betjeman and Nikolaus Pevsner among its founders, The Victorian Society campaigns to protect Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
It is easy to forget that Victorian buildings were once deeply unfashionable. Many extraordinary examples were demolished or substantially altered before their architectural and cultural value became more widely appreciated.
The Society has played an important part in changing those attitudes, campaigning to save buildings and helping owners understand the significance of original architectural features.
We work on a great many Victorian houses across London and the Victorian era was a time of great wealth and prosperity in the United Kingdom when architecture flourished. There is such variety in Victorian architecture, from modest terraced houses to elaborate Italianate villas, and an enormous wealth of decorative detail and craftsmanship.
The Society's publications, events and campaigns are an excellent resource for anyone interested in this period.
SAVE Britain's Heritage
SAVE Britain's Heritage was founded in 1975 and has become one of the country's most outspoken advocates for threatened historic buildings.
Unlike societies dedicated to a particular architectural period, SAVE campaigns for buildings of all ages and styles. Its work focuses especially on buildings facing demolition, neglect or inappropriate redevelopment.
We particularly admire its determination to challenge the assumption that demolition is inevitable, or that an old building has simply reached the end of its useful life.
Through its Buildings at Risk register, investigations and public campaigns, SAVE draws attention to buildings that might otherwise be quietly lost. It also demonstrates how imaginative adaptation and reuse can give historic buildings an entirely new future.
This is an increasingly important conversation, not only in terms of architectural heritage but also sustainability. Retaining and adapting an existing building can preserve both its historic character and the resources already invested in its construction.
The Twentieth Century Society
Founded in 1979, The Twentieth Century Society campaigns for the protection of architecture and design dating from 1914 onwards.
Its work is particularly important because more recent architecture is often vulnerable precisely because it has not yet acquired the familiarity or affection associated with older buildings.
Art Deco cinemas, postwar housing, Brutalist buildings and ambitious modernist structures all form part of our architectural history, even if opinions about their appearance remain divided.
We think it is important to recognise that architectural heritage does not stop with the Victorians. Every generation contributes something to our built environment, and some of the buildings we take for granted today may be the ones future generations come to treasure.
The Society's campaigns and publications make a compelling case for taking twentieth century architecture seriously.
Historic Buildings & Places
Formerly known as the Ancient Monuments Society, Historic Buildings & Places was founded in 1924 and takes a broader approach to conservation, covering historic buildings of different periods and architectural styles.
What we particularly like about this organisation is its interest in everyday heritage. Not every building of value is a grand country house, cathedral or celebrated architectural landmark.
Modest houses, local landmarks and buildings that form part of the familiar character of a town or neighbourhood can be just as important to the people who live around them.
The Society provides specialist advice, contributes to the planning process and campaigns for the protection of buildings that might otherwise be overlooked.
The Gardens Trust
Historic gardens and landscapes are often inseparable from the architecture they surround, which is why The Gardens Trust deserves a place on this list.
The Trust campaigns to protect historic parks, gardens and designed landscapes, and provides specialist advice on proposals that may affect them.
The relationship between a house and its setting is something we think about frequently in our own projects. Gardens, boundary walls, terraces, historic planting and the views towards and from a building can all contribute to its architectural significance.
The Gardens Trust reminds us that conservation should consider the whole setting of a building, not simply its walls and roof.
Why These Societies Matter
One of the challenges of working with historic buildings is balancing the need to protect what makes them special with the practical requirements of contemporary life.
We firmly believe that historic buildings should continue to be lived in, enjoyed and adapted. Good conservation should not mean preserving a building in aspic, but nor should modernisation come at the expense of the very things that make it interesting.
That balance requires knowledge, judgement and a willingness to look carefully at what already exists.
Architectural societies play an invaluable role in this process. They provide an independent voice, hold important knowledge about traditional materials and construction, and frequently speak up for buildings that cannot speak for themselves.
They also remind us that architectural conservation is not simply about protecting beautiful buildings. It is about preserving craftsmanship, understanding how our towns and cities developed, and ensuring that future generations inherit something of the richness and variety of our built environment.
Many of these organisations rely heavily on their members and supporters. For anyone with an interest in historic architecture, whether a professional, a homeowner or simply someone who enjoys looking at beautiful buildings, they are well worth exploring.
We would encourage anyone interested in our architectural heritage to consider joining or supporting at least one of them.