About
Andrew Thomas started in private practice in 1979 following architectural education at the Architectural Association School and completion of the SPAB Lethaby Scholarship, studying the repair and conservation of ancient buildings.
In addition to conventional conservation work this practice has experience in the repair of Scheduled Ancient Monuments and the construction of eco-friendly extensions in sensitive locations.
Schemes for repair and refurbishment are based on the principles advocated by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
Practice Expertise and Philosophy
Measured surveys and drawings
Some architects assign the survey of historic buildings to specialist survey contractors but this is not our way. Measuring a building is the best way to become acquainted with its historical development, construction and defects and such knowledge is prerequisite to devising a coherent scheme for repair.
Drawings produced in this practice are hand drawn rather than computer generated. This approach maintains the flexibility provided by traditional drawing techniques and provides drawings sympathetic to hand crafted buildings.
Repair philosophy
Schemes for repair and refurbishment are based on the principles advocated by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Adherence to these principles ensures that repairs are sympathetic, reversible, and devised to ensure minimal loss of historic fabric. English Heritage and most Local Authority Conservation Officers support work carried out in this manner.
Architectural Services
This practice is experienced in taking projects from an agreed brief, through development of a complete scheme to work on site and completion. Experience has demonstrated that very detailed drawings, with comprehensive specifications, sent out for competitive tender to selected building contractors will provide the best possible value and cost prediction for clients.
Eco-friendly buildings and self –build projects
Increasingly clients are requesting energy efficient, eco-friendly extensions that, despite being modern, are in harmony with the old building. This practice has designed several examples that fulfilled these requirements and tended to be cheaper to build than their conventional equivalent.
Some clients have requested designs for 'self build' projects. These are usually timber framed extensions that require very clear drawings including an unusually large number of dimensions, sections and details.
Awards
- 1985 Prince of Wales Award – Ynysfach Engine House, Merthyr Tydfil (repair and conversion to a museum of the iron industry)
- 1988 Civic Trust Commendation- The West Blockhouse, Milford Haven
- 1990 Civic Trust Commendation- The Poultry House & Cottage, Welshpool
- 1995 Civic Trust Commendation – Langley Gatehouse, Shropshire
- 2004 The Wood Awards – highly commended – Dolbelydr, Denbigh
- 2004 RICS Commendation- Dolbelydr, Denbigh
- 2004 Europa Nostra Diploma – Dolbeydr, Denbigh
- 2006 RICS Commendation- The Ruin, Hackfall, N Yorks
- 2008 Georgian Group Commendation- Clavell Tower, Kimmeridge
- 2012 LABC Regional Winner- 14 Church Street, Hereford
