*🎙️ You can also access the full Audio version of this Podcast by searching for 'Heritage Buildings Podcast' on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, PocketCasts, and your favourite podcast apps.*

Welcome to another episode of the Heritage Buildings Podcast.

Vincent Reed sits down with Valeria Passetti, Italian-born conservation architect and MD of Conception Architects, to explore her journey from studying restoration in Florence to leading a UK practice focused on historic churches and Victorian architecture. She explains why these buildings are often misunderstood and celebrates their craftsmanship in stone and timber.

Valeria also shares insights into conservation practice, from building a reputation through church projects to setting ethical client boundaries and promoting breathable, sustainable retrofits. A must-watch for anyone passionate about heritage, architecture, and historic buildings.

*Other topics covered include:*

• Why Victorian architecture deserves more recognition

• The evolution of conservation architecture in the UK

• Breathable buildings vs airtight retrofits

• Church conservation and diocesan work

• Craftsmanship in stone, wood, and traditional materials

• Portland cement, terracotta, and Victorian innovation

• Ethical practice and working with clients

• Building a reputation in heritage architecture

• Architects in media and public education

Whether you're an architecture student, conservation professional, or heritage enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insight into preserving historic buildings for future generations.

*Below is a more detailed breakdown of the video with relevant timestamps

Click the time on the left to jump straight to that section*

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:49 From Tuscany to UK Conservation

02:35 Why Victorian Architecture Matters

04:08 Victorian Style Abroad

07:57 Choosing Conservation Architecture

10:51 Early Career and Reuse Ethos

14:02 Founding Conception Architects

19:32 Building Reputation and Clients

22:07 Ethics and Client Boundaries

25:36 Breathable Buildings and Retrofit

29:19 Victorian Churches Everywhere

32:14 Industrial Innovation and Portland Cement

38:19 Craftsmanship in Stone and Wood

42:34 Eclectic Victorian Creativity

45:52 Color, Ritual and High Church

48:33 Valuing Victorian Craftsmen

50:12 Victorian Rosewood Room

52:26 Rubbed Bricks and Terracotta

53:35 Damage from Bad Repairs

58:56 Custodianship and Breathable Buildings

01:00:44 Media Work and New Voices

01:05:51 Dream Show Pitch

01:08:09 Favorite Projects and Newton Church

01:15:04 Why Architecture Matters

01:19:15 Where to Find Valeria

01:21:48 Off Mic Wrap and Collaboration

*Connect with Valeria Passetti and learn more:*

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/valeria-passetti-osi-friba-192525a

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riba4members/

Website: conceptionarchitects.com riba4members.com

*Learn more about the Heritage Buildings Association:*

https://heritagebuildingsassociation.com

*Join the conversation:*

https://heritagebuildings.forum/share/dDYOnkLWJAkaA5xE?utm_source=manual

#VictorianArchitecture #ConservationArchitect #ChurchRestoration