Thoughts

Turning challenges into opportunities: adapting post‑war estates for the future

Mid‑century buildings sit at a critical moment in their life cycle.

Why heritage building condition surveys are essential for preservation and long-term maintenance

Heritage buildings carry immense cultural value but they also carry long-term responsibilities. A well-executed condition survey gives owners the clarity needed to make informed, confident decisions about the future of their assets.

Preserving the recent past: Lessons from the Getty’s International Course on Modern Heritage

The UK’s relationship with its modern built heritage has never been straightforward. Battles over style, shifting notions of taste, perceptions of failure, and architectural determinism have all shaped the now more general acceptance that the post-war years represented a high watermark for British architecture.

Why physical models still matter in a digital age

Despite the extraordinary digital tools at our disposal, physical architectural models not only endure, but they also remain one of the most powerful, thought-provoking forms of architectural communication we have.

Preserving Hobart’s heritage

The case for climate action in our higher education institutions

Tackling climate change is a key priority for UK universities, which are working to decarbonise campuses and ensure new buildings meet strict environmental standards.

Climate resilience and adaptation

How can we protect historic properties from the threats of climate change, especially considering the impact of increased rainfall and flooding events.

Heritage and hospitality

Five minutes with our Head of Hotels, Nicholas de Klerk.

Reimagining Purcell

We are excited to share our new website. Our Chairman, Elizabeth Smith, explains how its design and new visual identity is founded on our practice values.

International perspectives in practice: Heritage beyond borders

As an employee-owned practice, we value the rich knowledge across our practice and diverse projects, clients and communities we work in.

Heritage as opportunity: how to unlock the power of heritage capital for a sustainable future

Tom Brigden, Partner at Purcell, explores how our historic built environment holds untapped potential to deliver economic, social, and environmental value.

The climate emergency and our industrial heritage: what next?

Several Purcell projects have been directly affected by the climate emergency. As a global team of heritage custodians and conservation experts, we feel the need to respond and take responsibility towards the growing impact that climate change is having on our industrial heritage.