A conservation architect is an ARB-registered architect who holds additional specialist accreditation - RIBA Conservation Accreditation or IHBC membership - confirming expertise in the philosophy, principles and practice of building conservation. They are the lead professional for any works to listed buildings, development within conservation areas and projects affecting scheduled monuments. Working without a conservation architect on a listed building increases the risk of refused consent, inappropriate interventions and criminal liability under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
What they do
- Prepare heritage statements for listed building and planning consent
- Design alterations and extensions to listed buildings
- Produce drawings and specifications for listed building consent applications
- Carry out historic building condition surveys
- Prepare conservation management plans
- Liaise with Historic England and local authority conservation officers
- Specify appropriate traditional materials and techniques
- Manage construction works on historic buildings
When you need one
A conservation architect is required for any works to a listed building and is strongly advised for any development affecting a conservation area or the setting of a heritage asset.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Heritage statement | £1,500 - £4,000 |
| Listed building consent drawings and application | £2,500 - £8,000+ |
| Historic building condition survey | £1,000 - £3,000 |
| Conservation management plan | £2,000 - £6,000+ |
| Full RIBA service (listed building project) | From £3,000 |
| Hourly rate | £90 - £160 / hr |
Costs increase with the complexity of the heritage asset and the scale of the proposed works. Specialist listed building projects in London and the South East attract a premium. Always confirm whether the fee includes Historic England pre-application engagement.
Qualifications to look for
All architects practising in the UK must be registered with the Architects Registration Board. Check registration at arb.org.uk. ARB registration alone is not sufficient for listed building work.
The RIBA Conservation Register lists architects who have demonstrated specialist competence in conservation. Required or expected by local planning authorities for listed building work. Find practitioners at architecture.com/conservation-register.
IHBC membership is the alternative primary conservation qualification, held by many conservation architects alongside ARB registration. Check membership at ihbc.org.uk.
How to find a reputable conservation architect
Frequently asked questions
What makes a conservation architect different from a regular architect?
A conservation architect holds specialist accreditation - RIBA Conservation Accreditation or IHBC membership - demonstrating expertise in the philosophy, materials and techniques of conservation. The RIBA Conservation Register and IHBC directory are the places to find them. All architects must be ARB registered, but conservation accreditation is an additional qualification.
When is a heritage statement required?
A heritage statement is required for any planning application or listed building consent application that affects a designated heritage asset or its setting. It describes the significance of the asset and assesses the impact of the proposals. Local planning authorities and Historic England require one for any works to listed buildings and many works in conservation areas.
Can any architect work on a listed building?
Any ARB-registered architect can legally take on listed building work, but local planning authorities and Historic England expect conservation accreditation for complex projects. Specialist knowledge of lime, traditional materials and conservation principles is essential - an architect without this background risks specifying inappropriate materials that damage the building and fail to gain consent.