[HBP#14] - Liz Smith - Through the Lens of a Conservation Architect

🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on - Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and any of your other favourite podcasting apps! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast!In this episode, Vincent Reed sits down with Liz Smith, a pioneering conservation architect. Liz is the chairperson and regional partner at Purcell and has worked on iconic heritage sites like the National Maritime Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Kensington Palace. She shares her journey from being a passionate young student fascinated by history and art to becoming a leader in architectural conservation. Liz also discusses her innovative approach to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality and her role in mentoring the next generation of architects through the Purcell Conservation School. We also touch on her unique experiences, such as appearing on Channel Four's 'Phil Spencer's Stately Homes' and working on conservation projects in South Georgia. Tune in to learn more about the multifaceted role of a conservation architect and the intricate process of preserving our architectural heritage.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestampsClick the time on the left to jump straight to that section00:00 Introduction to Liz Smith01:12 Liz's Day-to-Day Responsibilities02:32 Liz's Background and Education06:00 Early Career and Influences17:37 Joining Purcell and Working on St. Paul's Cathedral23:52 The Role of Conservation Architects32:54 Collaborating with Other Professionals37:19 Craftspeople and Architects: A Collaborative Success38:10 The Importance of Early Professional Meetings38:44 Conservation Philosophy and RIBA Stages39:49 Balancing Leadership and Hands-On Work40:39 Strategic Direction and Team Mentorship41:19 Project Involvement and Client Interaction42:56 The Role of Conservation Architects43:37 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Conservation43:57 Challenges in Conservation Decisions44:27 The National Portrait Gallery Project46:10 Engaging with Historic England49:26 Authenticity and Relocation of Historic Elements50:10 The Knowledge Required for Conservation Architects54:26 The Blend of Creativity and Technical Skills56:05 Christopher Wren and Architectural Balance57:27 Exploring the RIBA Stages57:43 Stage Zero: Strategic Definition01:00:31 Stage One: Preparation and Brief01:01:11 Stage Two: Concept Design01:03:20 Stage Three: Spatial Coordination01:03:26 Stage Four: Technical Design01:04:27 Stage Five: Construction Phase01:06:33 Stage Six: Handover and Snagging01:08:57 Stage Seven: Aftercare and Maintenance01:11:31 Television Appearance with Phil Spencer01:12:12 Unexpected Call from a TV Company01:13:10 First TV Interview Experience01:13:45 Becoming a TV Show Regular01:14:34 Challenges of Being on Camera01:15:20 Research and Script Involvement01:17:09 Balancing TV and Work01:18:25 A Funny Story at Kensington Palace01:19:39 Winning the Kensington Palace Project01:23:11 Memorable Projects: National Portrait Gallery and South Georgia01:33:13 The Purcell Conservation School01:41:18 Resources and Final Thoughts---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Liz Smith using the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-smith-7b3a8122/---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Click here to find out more about the Heritage Buildings Association - https://heritagebuildingsassociation.comClick here to join the conversation - https://heritagebuildings.forum#ConservationArchitect #PreservingHistory #RestorationArchitecture