Simon has a long-standing fascination with historic buildings and recalls measuring churches with his father, who was a conservation architect, while he was still at school.
Having worked on a wide variety of historic buildings, from the great cathedrals to homes for private clients, Simon has a vast breadth of knowledge and experience. He is expert at reconciling the contradictions that can arise between the need to conserve a historic structure and the pressure to comply with modern requirements, and he is adept at preparing detailed written reports and policy documents, compiling quinquennial inspections, conservation management plans and feasibility studies.
Simon is a key member of the practice's team responsible for safeguarding the Crown Estate. The Estate owns some of the most significant residential and commercial property in central London. Using his expertise in the theory of repair, SImon prepared a guidance document for the Estate's quinquennial painting procedures, a considerable strategic feat.
His particular skill is the incorporation of modern facilities into sensitive historic structures. His ability to think creatively within the constraints is invaluable, as are his negotiation skills. Balancing the aspirations of legislators and conservators, Simon is able to find a solution that works for all parties.
He also has an abiding interest in ecclesiastical architecture, and his long professional engagement with church work began when he first joined the practice in 1984. He is currently Inspecting Architect to 50 churches in the Diocese of Chelmsford.
'I make judgements about complex, challenging projects in a holistic manner. It is satisfying to prolong the life of a building in an unobtrusive way.'