Consultancy

With over forty years of experience of repairing historic brick and flint buildings, Ernest Barnes Ltd is ideally placed to provide prospective clients with a wide range of advice.  Our knowledge, skills and experience have resulted in our employment as consultants for the National Trust, architects, property developers and private clients. David spent two years acting as the historic brickwork consultant/clerk of works for the restoration of Crystal Palace Subway, which was completed in April 2024. Our range of consultancy services includes the following:

  • Advice and development of methodologies/philosophies for proposed repairs;
  • Managing brick and flint repairs to historic buildings and structures;
  • Quality control throughout programmed brick and flint repairs;
  • Project management;
  • Pre-application advice and submission of listed building consent;
  • Preparation and submission of heritage statements;
  • Recording of historic buildings and structures.

Gallery

A heritage masonry consultant should have specialist knowledge of historic buildings, traditional materials, and conservation principles, supported by relevant qualifications in building conservation, surveying, architecture, or masonry. Professional accreditations, heritage experience, and a proven track record in diagnosing and specifying repairs to historic brick and flint structures are also important indicators of expertise.

Choose a heritage building consultant with demonstrable experience of historic buildings similar to yours, a strong understanding of traditional materials and conservation principles, and relevant professional qualifications or accreditations. Reviewing past projects, client references, and their approach to diagnosis and repair specification can help ensure they provide informed, practical, and conservation-led advice.

For many listed building repairs, engaging a conservation consultant is advisable because they can help identify the causes of defects, specify appropriate repairs, and ensure work complies with conservation best practice and any statutory requirements. Their expertise can be particularly valuable when dealing with historic brickwork, flintwork, lime mortars, or proposals that may require listed building consent.