Heritage Architect Consulting 

We define heritage places as locations with formally recorded heritage significance. This typically means they have been recognised for their value and are included in a local, state, or national heritage survey and/or register.

Heritage significance can relate to cultural, historical, social, scientific, or aesthetic importance. So aesthetic or age alone does not make a place ‘heritage’. A building might be valued for its ‘character’ without having any formally recorded significance.

There are a variety of factors and criteria used to determine and record the significance of a place.

We encourage property owners to understand the significance of their property, whether or not it is heritage-listed. While we strive to protect a place’s significance, we also support owners in sensitively modernising and adapting their properties to maximise potential for contemporary and ongoing use. We are all about combining the new with old to create a timeless result.

We are often referred to as “heritage architects”; however, in Australia there is no formal qualification by that name. We are registered architects who specialise in heritage and conservation.

Nicola brings over a decade of experience working on heritage places of local, state, and national significance. She has a deep understanding of conservation principles in line with the ICOMOS Burra Charter and applies this sensitivity to all existing buildings and sites.

Our team is well-versed in navigating heritage overlays, understanding Heritage Council, local authority, and grant requirements, and preparing key heritage documents such as Heritage Impact Statements, Conservation Management Plans and Strategies, Local Heritage Surveys, and Policies.

While we know how to conserve, we also know how to adapt. We are passionate about introducing a contemporary touch to ensure heritage places continue to work for their owners and stand the test of time.

We work on all types including homes, small-scale commercial, civic, and community projects within heritage buildings. We bring the same care and expertise to any structure with cultural heritage value.

Yes, we regularly design extensions and additions that respect the style and structure of existing heritage homes. Whether you need more space or better flow, we create solutions that blend old and new without compromising the building’s integrity.

In most cases, yes. Heritage-listed buildings or those in a conservation areas typically require planning approval from your local council or the Heritage Council WA. We’ll handle the paperwork and coordinate with council on your behalf.

Absolutely. We support clients with heritage grant applications, including reviewing eligibility, preparing documentation, and ensuring your design aligns with funding criteria. Grants may be available through local shires or the WA Heritage Grants Program.

We can help you check the local and state heritage registers. Even if your building isn’t formally listed, it may still fall within a conservation area, character area, or planning overlay that could affect the work you can undertake.

Heritage listing very rarely means you “can’t touch or develop.” In fact, a key heritage principle of the ICOMOS Burra Charter is to encourage ongoing use, as this increases the likelihood that a building will be maintained and cared for over time.

We can help you understand the heritage significance of your place and explore the design and development opportunities available to you.

Yes, we offer integrated interior design services for heritage homes, ensuring material choices, spatial flow, and modern features work in harmony with your home’s original architecture.

While we’re based in Margaret River, we have worked throughout right across the state and regions of WA. We have projects in Fremantle, Guildford, Bunbury, Busselton, Bridgetown, Dunsborough, Nannup and Augusta, as well as Margaret River.

The first step is a consultation where we’ll discuss your ideas, assess the site or building, and talk through any planning considerations. From there, we can develop a tailored plan for getting your project underway.

Contact us to discuss your project.