Honoring the Past, Building for the Future: Jonathan Goode’s Approach to Heritage and Conservation Architecture

Preserving Heritage with a Modern Sensibility

Jonathan Goode, an architect at Lillet Architects, has spent over two decades immersed in heritage and conservation architecture, specializing in preserving and revitalizing historic buildings in London. Working on projects across areas like Chelsea and Kensington, his practice combines an understanding of historical context with innovative conservation methods, ensuring that each structure he touches retains its unique legacy while meeting modern needs.

One of Goode’s notable projects involved the renovation of a school in Chelsea housed within a former Welsh chapel. Built atop a Victorian public bath, this building was rich in history yet deteriorated from years of neglect. Goode’s team embarked on a detailed restoration, ensuring that the structure’s unique character was preserved while adapting it to serve as a functional and welcoming school space. “We had to make it accessible and versatile while respecting its history,” Goode explains. “Our goal was to reveal its inherent beauty while enhancing its usability.”

Balancing Restoration and Innovation

Goode’s approach emphasizes sensitivity, both to the original fabric of the building and to the community’s needs. He notes that the heritage buildings he works on are “living structures” with dynamic histories that require careful stewardship to ensure they continue to thrive. “Heritage buildings have to adapt to modern needs, including accessibility and environmental standards,” he says. “We look at the full history of each building, respecting what came before while allowing room for what’s needed today.”

This perspective is especially relevant when working with listed buildings, where changes require planning permissions and adherence to strict conservation policies. Goode explains that his team conducts thorough historical research to understand the building’s origins, the significance of its elements, and how they can adapt without compromising its integrity. “We work within the restrictions, but we also bring a sense of discovery and creativity, finding ways to honor the building’s story while making it relevant for today’s users.”

The Craft of Adaptive Reuse: Heritage Meets Sustainability

Adaptive reuse is a cornerstone of Goode’s philosophy. Through projects like the former chapel school, he demonstrates how old buildings can serve new purposes, ensuring their relevance in today’s urban landscape. By updating these spaces with sustainable materials, accessible design features, and new functionalities, Goode breathes life into these storied structures without erasing their past.

In line with this philosophy, he sees great potential in retrofitting heritage buildings to address contemporary issues, especially climate change. In addition to preserving embodied energy and reducing waste, heritage conservation often involves making strategic upgrades to heating, lighting, and insulation systems, which can contribute to energy efficiency. Goode views this as a way to bring heritage buildings into the future responsibly, reducing their environmental footprint while maintaining their historical identity.

Heritage Architecture as a Hands-On Craft

For Goode, working in conservation is a deeply hands-on experience. He recalls a recent project where a routine survey revealed a historic timber structure hidden beneath layers of brickwork. “We uncovered a piece of craftsmanship that hadn’t been seen in decades,” he says. Such discoveries highlight the importance of exploring and respecting the original fabric of the building—a process that Goode finds both challenging and deeply rewarding. “The actual act of working with the material, being on-site, and making these discoveries is a privilege. It allows us to see a building’s entire lifespan and respond to it.”

The labor-intensive aspect of conservation architecture often means working closely with craftsmen who can replicate traditional techniques, as well as employing modern technology where appropriate. Goode explains that while he values the tactile nature of heritage work, he also appreciates the benefits of digital tools for documentation, especially in projects with limited existing plans. In these cases, he often uses 3D modeling and photogrammetry to create accurate records that inform every stage of restoration.

Building Community and Respecting Cultural Significance

One of the unique aspects of Goode’s work is its social dimension. Heritage buildings are often key elements of a community’s cultural landscape, and his team approaches each project with an awareness of its historical and social relevance. He describes his approach as engaging not only with the current occupants of a space but with past and future generations. “These buildings have served countless people over the years. As architects, we’re here to ensure that they continue to serve and inspire.”

Goode’s community-minded philosophy has been especially evident in his work with churches, where architectural decisions impact both the congregation and the surrounding neighborhood. Understanding the evolving needs of a congregation, he aims to make these sacred spaces both functional for today and preserved for tomorrow. “A church is more than a building; it’s a living entity that changes with its community,” he says. “Our job is to ensure that it remains accessible and relevant without sacrificing its heritage.”

Advice for Aspiring Heritage Architects

For students and young professionals intrigued by heritage and conservation, Goode offers practical advice: immerse yourself in the built environment. He encourages aspiring heritage architects to explore historical sites, volunteer with heritage organizations, and cultivate a deep respect for the craft. He particularly recommends the resources offered by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), which provides training and scholarships for those interested in heritage work.

Goode also highlights the importance of hands-on experience, advising young architects to seek out firms with a strong heritage focus. He believes that conservation architecture is best learned by doing, whether it’s through site visits, mentorships, or simply spending time understanding the physical structure and history of buildings. “Working in heritage means understanding the nuances of each building. You have to experience it to fully appreciate it,” he says.

The Future of Heritage Conservation: Embracing Technology

As Goode looks to the future, he’s cautiously optimistic about how technology, including AI, might complement heritage architecture. While the heritage sector has been slower to adopt digital innovations like BIM, he sees potential for AI in areas like site documentation, historical analysis, and public engagement. “Technology shouldn’t replace the human touch but enhance our ability to interpret and communicate a building’s story,” he says. He believes that AI could play a role in developing virtual interpretative experiences, allowing communities to connect with the history of their heritage sites in new ways.

Goode’s work at Lillet Architects demonstrates that heritage architecture is not simply about preserving the past but about creating a bridge between history and modernity. Through careful research, community engagement, and adaptive design, he ensures that these historical structures continue to inspire and serve future generations.

For more insights on architecture, heritage, and sustainability, visit Architecture Social, where professionals can connect and explore resources for a fulfilling career in architecture.