HISTORICAL ARCHITECTS
Specialist architects for historic churches and heritage buildings
What We Know
Six decades as conservation architects have given us deep expertise across heritage planning, architectural conservation, and sustainable adaptation of historic buildings. Based in Folkestone, our architects bring specialist knowledge to churches, listed properties, and heritage projects across Kent and the South East.
HERITAGE PLANNING
Our architects navigate Listed Building Consent, conservation area policies, and DAC procedures, providing clear architectural guidance from initial consultation through to approval.
BUILDING SURVEYS
Comprehensive condition assessments and quinquennial inspections by experienced architects, informing long-term stewardship strategies for churches and historic properties.
CONSERVATION REPAIR
Traditional architectural repair techniques using lime mortars, compatible materials, and specialist crafts to preserve historic fabric with minimal intervention.
SUSTAINABLE HERITAGE
Sensitive energy upgrades for heritage buildings, from breathable insulation to improved services, balancing performance with architectural character and conservation values.
ECCLESIASTICAL DESIGN
Church re-ordering, accessibility improvements, and liturgical adaptations designed by specialist ecclesiastical architects who honour historic settings.
ADAPTIVE REUSE
Creative architectural conversions of redundant buildings into new uses, from chapel-to-home transformations to commercial-to-residential schemes.
Architectural Projects and Commissions
QUINQUENNIAL INSPECTIONS
Every five years, Church of England buildings require a statutory quinquennial inspection by an approved architect. Our architects deliver comprehensive surveys assessing fabric, structure, and condition, identifying necessary repairs and prioritising work to protect each building’s future.
BARHAM MEWS, TESTON
Barham Mews comprises the converted former stables attached to the east of Barham Court, a Grade II* Listed Building. The stable buildings were converted to residential use in the 1980s, prior to their own Grade II listed status. Our architects provided specialist conservation guidance throughout.
CHANCEL RESTORATION
Comprehensive architectural restoration of the 15th-century chancel including oak screen conservation, limewash renewal, and sympathetic reordering. The project improved liturgical flexibility whilst honouring the building’s historic architectural character.
Six Decades of Architectural Heritage
Founded in 1972, our practice of conservation architects has restored and conserved over 500 churches, cathedrals, and listed buildings across England. As members of the Architects Registration Board, we maintain the highest standards of professional excellence in heritage architecture and conservation.
Historical Research
Thorough archival study and building archaeology to understand original construction, later modifications, and the architectural significance of each structure.
Traditional Craftsmanship
Working with master craftspeople in stonework, leadwork, stained glass, and historic joinery — skills essential to authentic architectural conservation.
Sensitive Intervention
A minimum-intervention philosophy using authentic materials and time-honoured techniques that respect the original architectural character of every building.
What We Do
From listed building extensions to church conversions, our architects deliver practical architectural solutions for heritage properties across Kent and the South East. Every project combines conservation expertise with creative design to bring historic buildings into contemporary use.
LISTED BUILDINGS
Conservation architects preserving and enhancing Kent’s historic properties with sensitive extensions, repairs, and heritage-led architectural design.
CHURCHES TO HOMES
Transforming redundant churches and chapels into distinctive homes through thoughtful architectural design that respects sacred heritage while providing modern comfort.
OAK FRAME
Designing oak-framed houses and extensions that combine traditional Kent craftsmanship with contemporary, energy-efficient architecture.
CONSERVATION
Heritage conservation architects protecting and adapting historic buildings across Folkestone and the Kent coast with specialist architectural knowledge.
CONVERSION
Thoughtful architectural conversions of shops, offices, and industrial buildings into inspiring homes and workspaces across Kent.
ECCLESIASTICAL
Dedicated architectural support for churches including quinquennial inspections, repairs, re-ordering, and sensitive alterations by specialist church architects.
Roger Joyce
Founder & Principal Architect
Roger Joyce founded Roger Joyce Associates in 1977 from Folkestone, Kent, bringing nearly five decades of dedicated expertise in ecclesiastical architecture and conservation.
A graduate of Canterbury School of Architecture (1962–1971), Roger furthered his specialisation with a Diploma in Conservation from the Architectural Association (1989–1990), where his thesis explored the re-use of redundant churches.
Throughout his career, Roger has served as a Diocesan Approved Architect, inspecting and repairing churches across the Canterbury and Rochester dioceses. His early career included positions at Kent County Council and Cheney & Thorpe before establishing his own architectural practice.
Today, Roger continues as a Consultant, ensuring the legacy of careful stewardship and expert conservation architecture continues for generations to come.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Dip Arch, Canterbury School of Architecture
- Dip Conservation, Architectural Association
- Diocesan Approved Architect
EXPERTISE
- Church Restoration & Conservation
- Quinquennial Inspections
- Listed Building Works
- Re-use of Redundant Churches
Discuss Your Heritage Project
Cathedral Close, Winchester, Hampshire SO23 9LS