When we are called on to project manage work on a listed property, it can pose unique challenges. For example, how often do you see – and have to preserve – stonework and mortar that is laced with horsehair?
More obviously, working on a Listed property brings with it some very firm rules about what you can and cannot do, including to any horsehair that might have been involved in its construction!
However, the mission of project managing on a Listed property is at heart the same it is for any project, delivering complete client satisfaction. The process is also the same. It doesn’t start with worrying about what restrictions a Listing implies. The project starts as it always does by creating jointly with the client a full wish list setting out what the project should achieve and, therefore, how the property should appear and function once works are complete.
Only once the Wish List is in place can we identify what the Listing means cannot be done, or would need to be achieved differently. At this point, we will also look for any opportunities for the ways in which any immovable features of the property that are under protection from the Listing can be incorporated to accommodate or even exceed the specifications recorded in the Wish List.
Historic England has published a helpful article, “Living in a Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II Listed Building“, which can be read here.
As members of the Association for Project Management (APM) we were very interested in their recent blog post about the renovation of the 862-year-old cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, newly reopened after a famous, devastating fire. The article refers to “the seamless integration of ancient craftsmanship with advanced technologies”. This is something we relish. Taking a property, working out what is desired by the owner, and seeing what is possible by using contemporary methods and technology excites us! As Notre Dame shows, it is possible to both preserve and enhance a building at the same time.
Professor Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, APM’s Vice President, said in the article that, “Collaborative expertise is critical – projects benefit immensely when professionals from diverse disciplines come together.”
That is just as true of residential and commercial projects as a whole. Bringing disciplines together on a clear, shared understanding, followed by supervision, is at the core of project management.
In conclusion, we are grateful to our counterparts in France for bringing back from the ashes such a well-known and popular attraction and heritage site.
Would you like to know more? Give Tony Cheeseman, our Founder and Director, a call for a free, no-obligation chat on 01959 533788.
Otherwise, please get in touch via the form on our Contact page.