The Journey of Sacombe House: A Masterclass in Heritage Architecture and Business Innovation
"Life really begins at forty. Up until then, you are just doing research." – Carl Jung.
At the age of 40, I stand at the beginning of an exciting new journey in my career as an architect, project manager, construction lead, and managing director of SOANE Architects. The challenges and triumphs experienced at Sacombe House over the past five years have not only tested my expertise but have solidified my role as a mentor, business development agent, and client representative. This project became a living testament to my philosophy of process refinement, design excellence, and holistic business architecture.
The Vision of Sacombe House:
A Heritage Reimagined
"Every great building begins with a vision, but it thrives on the details."
Sacombe House, a Grade II* listed building in Hertfordshire, is more than a conservation project. This £22m full renovation with extensive basement and roof extensions was a transformative journey—one where history and modernity met with purpose. As the Principal Architect, I ensured that every decision respected the building's historical integrity while pushing the envelope of design innovation.
This was no ordinary restoration. Every detail, from the original masonry to the intricate roof extensions, was refined and reconsidered. This approach is central to everything I do: refining design and processes while maintaining a childlike wonder in exploring the language of architecture. It is this wonder that allows me to see each project as a new challenge, an opportunity to deepen my understanding of the art and business of building.
Client Representative and Business Development Agent
"In architecture, the greatest designs are those that also build lasting relationships."
"Success lies not just in the vision, but in the partnerships we forge to realise it."
My role extended beyond that of architect and project manager; I was also the Client Representative and Business Development Agent. In managing Sacombe House, I had the privilege of representing the client's vision while also developing the business strategies that would ensure the success of the project. From the outset, I sought to build relationships that went beyond the typical client-architect dynamic, creating a partnership that valued open communication, trust, and shared goals.
As a business development agent, my focus was not only on the design but also on how to position Sacombe House as a beacon of architectural excellence. This meant refining every aspect of the process, from initial concepts to the final finishes. I developed bespoke templates, structured workflows, and refined systems that ensured efficiency and clarity, all while driving the project forward. In doing so, I transformed not just the building but the business architecture behind it—seamlessly integrating creative design with operational excellence.
Mentorship and Process Refinement
"The hallmark of true leadership is the ability to nurture growth, both in people and in processes."
"Mentorship is not just a duty; it's an opportunity to pass the torch of knowledge to the next generation of innovators."
Throughout my career, I have embraced the role of mentor—whether guiding junior architects, managing design teams, or supporting clients through the intricate details of heritage projects. At Sacombe House, I led a multidisciplinary team, standing in as Design Team Manager for Kirk & Randall. My leadership style is rooted in the belief that great architecture, much like great businesses, is built on continuous learning and refinement.
I fostered a collaborative environment where each team member could contribute their expertise, and in return, I provided mentorship, drawing from 17 years of experience in heritage architecture. By refining not only the design but also the processes behind it, I ensured that the project was a masterclass in precision and quality. These processes—structured templates, innovative workflows, and quality control systems—are at the core of my approach to every project.
Architect and Conservation Specialist
"To innovate in architecture is to respect the past, while building a future that inspires."
As the Principal Architect and Conservation Architectural Consultant, my responsibility was clear: balance innovation with preservation. Sacombe House’s Grade II* status presented unique challenges, from securing consents to restoring historical elements without compromising the building's future. My expertise in heritage conservation, supported by an extensive track record of successful Listed Building consents, allowed me to navigate these complexities with confidence.
Every challenge we faced—whether structural surprises or material shortages—was an opportunity to refine both the design and the processes we used to execute it. I approached each obstacle with the same mentality I’ve applied throughout my career: the belief that refinement is a helical, ever-progressing process. We don’t merely resolve problems; we build better, stronger, and more efficient ways of doing things.
A Childlike Wonder in the Language of Architecture
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." – Albert Einstein
"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." – John Muir
"To create, one must first question everything." – Eileen Gray
One of the core philosophies I bring to every project is the importance of maintaining a childlike wonder. This isn’t about naivety, but rather a mindset that sees each building as a story waiting to be told and each process as a language to be refined. I approach both the architecture of buildings and the architecture of business with the same curiosity and respect for detail. At Sacombe House, this meant finding joy in the smallest design elements and the largest business decisions.
"Wonder is the beginning of wisdom." – Socrates
This wonder has allowed me to blend creativity with structured systems in a way that elevates not only the quality of my work but also the experience of those I mentor, collaborate with, and represent. Architecture is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about creating an environment where people—clients, teams, and communities—can thrive.
Groundbreaking Innovation in Heritage Architecture
"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." – Steve Jobs
"You cannot step twice into the same river, for other waters are continually flowing in." – Heraclitus
"Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures." – César Chávez
Sacombe House stands as a model of what I call Heritage Re-Imagined. It is not enough to preserve history; we must adapt it to meet the future. This project was an opportunity to integrate the latest in sustainable technology and automation while retaining the essence of a historical landmark. My experience as an independent consultant allowed me to bring fresh ideas into a traditionally rigid field, breaking new ground in how heritage buildings can be adapted for modern use.
"The past is never dead. It's not even past." – William Faulkner
The Future:
Refinement and Legacy
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." – Aristotle
"The details are not the details. They make the design." – Charles Eames
"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." – Pericles
Carl Jung’s words resonate with me deeply. At 40, I am indeed at the beginning of a new journey—one informed by the successes and lessons of Sacombe House. Every challenge I’ve overcome here has prepared me to teach, mentor, and guide others in the art of heritage architecture and business development. My mission moving forward is simple: to continue refining both the physical spaces we build and the processes by which we create them.
Sacombe House was not just a project; it was a culmination of everything I’ve worked for and a springboard into the future. As I embark on this next chapter, I do so with the conviction that every detail matters, every process can be refined, and every challenge is an opportunity to innovate.
In the world of Heritage Re-Imagined, there is always more to learn, more to teach, and more to build. And that journey, as Sacombe House has shown me, is only just beginning.