Sector: Conservation

This sector highlights the breadth and diversity of projects completed using our in-house conservation skills and expertise. Given the rich cultural heritage of Scotland, with its abundance of traditional buildings, we believe there are increasing opportunities to preserve and repair these structures using time-honored construction methods and materials, especially on category-listed buildings.

Our work involves the careful restoration of intricate materials such as stone masonry, lime mortar, lead sheets and flashings, cast and wrought ironwork, slated roofs, stained glass windows, internal plasterwork, sash and case windows, traditional ironmongery, and historic paintwork. Throughout every project, we rigorously apply the Principles of Conservation, ensuring compliance with the high national and international standards required by heritage authorities.

Over the past decade, Wellwood Leslie Architects has successfully completed numerous conservation projects, demonstrating our commitment to preserving Scotland’s architectural legacy.

Sector Leader: Stephen McPhail

Stephen brings a wealth of experience across a diverse range of sectors, including heritage, healthcare, transportation, residential, education, and sport and leisure. Over the years, his professional focus has increasingly turned toward heritage projects, allowing him to develop a deep understanding of the unique challenges and sensitivities involved in the design and development of historic buildings. His work in this field has strengthened his appreciation for sympathetic architectural approaches and the complexities of operating within heritage environments, including navigating intricate procurement routes.

Before joining Wellwood Leslie, Stephen spent several years working with Architecture & Design Scotland, Scotland’s Design Champion. In this role, he collaborated extensively with public sector stakeholders and clients to enhance the quality of the built environment across the country. This experience further refined his ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage high-profile projects with efficiency and clarity. Stephen is known for his analytical and incisive approach, consistently delivering rational and context-sensitive solutions. His strong communication and leadership skills have enabled him to negotiate persuasively with key stakeholders and statutory bodies such as Historic Scotland.

Stephen’s recent work includes a substantial extension to the Category A listed Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for The R&A. His portfolio also features notable heritage projects such as the development of Angus Historical Park at House of Dun for the National Trust for Scotland, alterations to the historic Ethie Castle near Arbroath, and the redevelopment of the Category A listed Clocktower at City Quay in Dundee. These experiences underscore his expertise in managing complex projects within historic contexts, balancing conservation needs with innovative design and functionality.

Chris Berridge, an experienced architect, will provide essential architectural support to Stephen throughout the duration of the project. Chris brings a wealth of relevant expertise, having recently collaborated with Stephen on several notable heritage projects. Among these is the recent alteration work at the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, a prestigious assignment that highlights his skill in managing sensitive historic environments.

In addition to his work with Stephen, Chris has contributed to significant projects alongside other partners, including the Glasgow Golf Club and the Liberal Club in Paisley. The latter involved a complex Category A listed façade repair, underscoring his capability in handling high-profile heritage conservation challenges.

Chris’s role encompasses the generation of detailed visual materials necessary for stakeholder and public consultations, ensuring that all parties can clearly understand and engage with proposed interventions. He is also adept at preparing comprehensive planning applications and listed building consent documentation, vital for navigating regulatory frameworks in historic settings. Recently, he has authored multiple heritage statements tailored to meet specific project requirements, reflecting his deep understanding of heritage legislation and conservation principles.

His portfolio demonstrates substantial experience on large-scale heritage projects. Notably, Chris has been involved in the refurbishment and extension of the R&A Clubhouse in St Andrews, the fire re-instatement works at Glasgow Golf Club in Killermont, and the refurbishment of the Liberal Club in Paisley. These projects have further cemented his reputation as a skilled architect with a strong focus on preserving the architectural and historic integrity of heritage assets.