Since its formation in 2019, our heritage team has thrived under the leadership of Helen Walker, a renowned Conservation Architect with a passion for preserving and regenerating historic buildings. Helen’s expertise spans a diverse range of heritage assets, including Grade I, II*, and II listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments, and conservation areas. She has become a trusted advisor to government bodies, private clients, and esteemed organisations such as the National Trust.
Helen’s leadership is marked by her dedication to balancing the preservation of historic buildings with sustainable future use. She regularly speaks on industry panels and leads discussions on the importance of creating solutions that respect the past while ensuring these buildings remain functional and relevant for future generations.
Robert Sharples has been promoted to Senior Conservation Architect in recognition of his commitment to historic architecture. With over a decade of experience, Robert is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to integrate modern interventions sensitively into historic structures. His recent completion of the ABBE Level 3 Award in Energy Efficiency for Older and Traditional Buildings further strengthens the team’s expertise in sustainable retrofitting and ensuring heritage assets remain energy efficient.
Since its inception, the heritage team has worked on numerous high-profile projects including the Grade I listed Doddington Hall and Bootham Park and the Grade II* George Hotel in Huddersfield for Kirklees Council, Woolley Hall for Wakefield Council and Morley Learning & Skills Centre for Luminate Education Group and Leeds City Council.
The team has built strong relationships with Historic England, local authority conservation officers, and planning officers, which has helped solidify its position as a leading force in architectural heritage and conservation. With a robust pipeline of upcoming projects, Bowman Riley’s heritage team is set to continue its impressive trajectory and we are looking for new members to support the expansion of the team.
These promotions mark a significant milestone in the team’s growth, and we look forward to the continued success of the heritage team as they lead the way in historic preservation and architectural conservation.