Jane Kennedy, Principal of leading architect and historic building consultant, Purcell Miller Tritton, has been appointed as the Architect to the Foundation of Christ Church, one of the largest and most beautiful colleges at the University of Oxford. The position will see Jane act as the consultant architect to both the Cathedral Church for the Diocese of Oxford and the college at Christ Church, which together comprise a unique common foundation.
Purcell Miller Tritton are currently completing a comprehensive programme of work for Blue Boar Quad, a modern residential building located within the ancient college boundary. The Quad, built in the 1960s by Powell and Moya is listed Grade II* providing student accommodation at the college for 130 students. Since its construction it has developed problems due to damp, condensation and failure of other service installations. Purcell Miller Tritton undertook feasibility studies in order to identify options for repairs and alterations.
As part of the current contract facilities will be updated to provide for an additional number of rooms at roof level together with the construction of a new two storey lecture theatre in the place of the current college archive facilities.
Throughout the summer, Jane will be co-ordinating a condition survey on all of the college buildings including the 12th century Cathedral on behalf of the Governing Body at Christ Church; this will highlight the condition of their buildings and suggest costed priorities for repair.
Commenting on her recent appointment Jane said “It is always a privilege to be invited to work with any great institution. The challenge is to learn how the client body works and to understand their buildings; both the architectural history and the physical fabric.” She went on to add. “Our core role is to give straightforward and sensible advice and ultimately to help the Foundation care for and conserve its buildings.”