Consultant Advice
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Which professionals can help me with a heritage building project?
Depending on the project and its simplicity or complexity, you may need to consult some or all of the specialists listed here during project planning, Resource Consent application preparation and project construction.
Specialist consultants in addition to conservation architects, heritage consultants and quantity surveyors, are able to work with you and advise your other consultants on heritage matters.
Some projects may not need this advice but it is better to know at that outset what is available to assist you.
Conservation Architect
A conservation architect can provide advice on the heritage significance of the place, its current condition, any proposed changes of use, or changes to the fabric of the building. They can also assist in the preparation of a Conservation Plan (see Conservation Plans).
The conservation architect can advise on heritage conservation works and new works for the intended use to reduce or avoid a loss of the building's heritage values (see Assessment of Effects). To identify the best solution, alternatives may need to be considered. The Conservation Architect will usually consult the project architect, the structural engineer and may also seek input from a specialist materials conservator and other heritage consultants.
Heritage Consultant
A heritage consultant will generally have experience in architectural history, archaeology and research. They contribute to the assessment of the heritage values of the building, its setting and landscape. They work with the conservation architect to identify heritage values and features of particular importance. Their advice will be based on heritage research (see Heritage Research). They may need to do extra research to assist your understanding of the heritage significance of your building (see Heritage Listings).
Materials Conservator
Materials conservators provide specialist advice on different materials and treatments. If the building is built in stone, or has stone facings, you may need to seek a stone conservator for advice on stonework which is in a poor state, needs repair work or replacement. They can also give advice about appropriate types of mortar and joint finishing for stone and brick. Many other traditional materials such as timber, slate, zinc, copper and cast iron may benefit from specialist assessment and treatment. The cleaning of heritage fabric, and use of paints and paint removal are specialist areas where good advice can avoid irreversible damage to the building fabric by the inappropriate use of cleaning methods.
Seismic Design Engineer
Some structural engineers specialise in providing advice on seismic upgrading to heritage buildings. This is a major issue for heritage buildings, because any proposed design for strengthening needs to carefully consider the building's heritage features. Liaison with the conservation architect is very important, because your resource consent application may have to include and descriptions of alternative seismic options. This is particularly important if your application proposes major alterations as the only feasible option.
Heritage Landscape Architect
Some landscape architects provide specialist advice about gardens, settings and planting to suit different historical periods and styles of design and architecture.
Fire Design Engineer
Many heritage buildings will require specific fire design advice to meet both conservation and fire code standards. Engineers with experience in fire issues in heritage buildings work with the conservation architect and the project architect to meet the NZ Building Code and Council approval, to ensure that the heritage values are maintained and the proposed use for the building achieved.
Other Consultants
There are a number of other issues which may also need to be considered These could include specialist advice about disabled access, safety or Maori issues.
How to find a consultant
Check with the professional institutes for qualified and experienced professionals, eg NZ Institute or Engineers, NZ Institute of Planners, NZ Institute of Architects, NZ ICOMOS members, Historians Associations etc listed in the Yellow Pages.
Ask for recommendations and referrals from other heritage owners and consultants.
Ask the Heritage Team or the Historic Places Trust. We can suggest consultants, although we do not endorse or recommend.
Further information
Christchurch City Council now has a range of 14 heritage information leaflets available online.
The New Zealand Historic Places Trust publishes heritage guidelines on a range of conservation issues. To order any of the 10 guides visit www.historic.org.nz and click on publications.
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