Architects are essential for heritage building projects, especially in their role as an executive architect \u2013 as the bridge between the client, consultants, and local authorities. With expertise in local regulations, including building code and permitting, good architectural professionals can make a huge difference in ensuring projects are delivered on time and reach completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mandatory regulation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Eva Diego, our director in Madrid, says \u201cContacting an architect is mandatory for many countries in Europe because it is part of the official permitting process.\u201d Aimee Hooper, senior associate in Winchester says, in the UK, for example, \u201cIt is a criminal offence to carry out works that require listed building consent without formal approval, therefore obtaining advice when working with heritage buildings is key.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe architect will be the link with the heritage department and will make sure the project is agreed\u201d, says Carole Netzer, director at Hyphen in France. \u201cFailure to have this will result in a rejected application. However, if the building is not listed but located in a protected area (like most of Paris), a full permit is not requested every time, but it is still important that an architect is involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCertain features of the building will still require collaboration between the architect and local heritage organisation. In Paris, for example, it would be needed when changes are made to the fa\u00e7ade.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Giacomo Spinelli, director in Italy, says that in Milan, \u201cYou must apply for a permit from the heritage commission if you are within 100m of a listed building \u2013 even if the building you\u2019re working on is not listed!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The time factor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting this formal approval can be a lengthy process. \u201cThe timescales to achieve consent can be challenging and understanding this as soon as possible is really important,\u201d says Aimee. \u201cSo, the client and project team are aligned on the programme and potential risks. Due to the nature of the buildings and their listing, more attention and time needs to be spent obtaining, reviewing, and providing the relevant information to ensure the heritage asset is preserved.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laura Vatteroni, Associate in our Milan office says, \u201cin Italy, the Soprintendenza (supervisory authority for culture and heritage) typically takes 120 days to review and approve a project. You need to issue the permit before the work begins on site. However, if the design changes during the execution of the work, the permit must again be reviewed by the Soprintendenza. This means that any unforeseen site constraint impacting the design will be subject to the same procedure and timeframe as the initial permit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n