At Mark Fairhurst Architects (MFA), we bring deep experience and sensitivity to working with listed buildings and within conservation areas. Whether restoring, adapting, or extending heritage properties, we understand that conserving historic buildings is not about resisting change, but managing it responsibly and creatively.
Mark Fairhurst is a Conservation Registrant at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and is currently working toward full accreditation as a Conservation Architect. This qualification, recognised by Historic England, enables MFA to work on grant-funded conservation schemes and reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence in the care of historic buildings.
Listed Buildings Portfolio
Our portfolio includes work on both Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, as well as within complex conservation areas across London and beyond. We approach each project with a detailed understanding of the legislation and policy frameworks that govern heritage assets—including the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 – and with respect for the architectural, cultural, and social significance of historic fabric.
Growing up immersed in the life of the Grade I listed St. Mary’s Parish Church in Stockport, where his father served as vicar, Mark developed an early appreciation for historic architecture. That formative experience has shaped the practice’s ethos: to design in a way that respects and enhances the character of heritage settings while making them viable and vibrant for modern use.
Our Conservation Approach
Our conservation approach aligns with international best practice, informed by the ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) Guidelines, which emphasise the need to:
- Understand the emotional, cultural, and functional significance of a building or site
- Analyse its history, materials, and construction technologies
- Manage change sensitively and strategically
- Engage with users, local communities, planners, and heritage professionals
We are experienced in navigating the varying requirements that apply to scheduled monuments, listed buildings (Grades I, II* and II), and conservation areas—of which there are nearly 10,000 in England. We also advise clients on:
- Certificates of Lawfulness for minor works that do not require listed building consent
- Certificates of Immunity from Listing to provide certainty during larger developments
- Non-designated heritage assets, including locally listed buildings that may influence planning outcomes
- Building Preservation Notices that can temporarily protect buildings under threat of demolition
Beyond Design
Our role extends beyond design – we engage directly with local authority planning and conservation officers, heritage consultants, and statutory consultees to ensure proposals are appropriately justified and well supported.
We also have a strong track record of designing contemporary buildings within historic environments. Success depends on a thoughtful understanding of site context, urban grain, and historic character, as well as a confident, high-quality design response. Our Chagford Street housing development, for example, received recognition from the Housing Design Awards, New London Architecture Exhibition, and the National Home Building Awards, and was highlighted by Westminster Council as an exemplar of contemporary design within a conservation area.
Whether you’re restoring a historic home, adapting a listed building for new use, or developing a new building in a conservation area, MFA offers the expertise and sensitivity needed to realise your project successfully while safeguarding our architectural heritage.
Links:
https://www.mark-fairhurst.co.uk/renovating-a-grade-ii-listed-terrace-in-bloomsbury/
https://www.mark-fairhurst.co.uk/riba-conservation-architect/
Does your project involve Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas?
Arrange a FREE no obligation consultation with one of our Architects today either at our studio in person or via a Teams meeting.