Watts understands that preserving and maintaining the historic built environment requires a delicate balance of technical knowledge, skill, and sensitivity. Lack of maintenance, inappropriate methods of repair, and lack of understanding of the behavior of materials are common causes of defects in historic buildings and may lead to the damage or complete loss of significant historic fabric.

Watts’ building conservation team has a full understanding of the need for sympathetic repair with minimal intervention to the building fabric to prevent deterioration and prolong the life of our built heritage. We do this by thoroughly understanding the history and significance of a building, landscape, or structure and advising on schemes of appropriate repair with this in mind. The long-term survival of any built heritage depends on a sustainable and viable use; this safeguards the long-term conservation of the building whilst encouraging investment and a vibrant future.  

Watts can deliver the complete spectrum of heritage services including historic building surveys, feasibility reports, quadrennial and quinquennial inspections, and reports, post-fire damage reconstruction, restoration of historic facades, planning, and Listed Building consent applications, specialist project management, and contract administration services, as well as technical defect analysis and archival research.

Watts provides specialist conservation advice to a wide range of clients who are responsible for the practical care of historic buildings including private landed estates, central government, local authorities, and property investors and managers, not to mention independent schools, theatres, and hotels.

We undertake surveys and project work both in the UK and in continental Europe.

Heritage encompasses the following services: