Bates Zambelli Chartered Architects is a London-based architectural practice specialising in historic building conservation, listed building restoration, ecclesiastical architecture and the sensitive adaptation of existing buildings.
The practice traces its origins to STS Bates Architects, established in 1991, and subsequently developed into Bates Zambelli Limited in 2000. Its work combines architectural design, historic building consultancy, planning advice and conservation project management.
Operating from North London, Bates Zambelli undertakes commissions involving medieval churches, historic houses, listed residential properties, institutional buildings and structures of architectural significance.
The practice approaches architecture and conservation as closely related disciplines, recognising that historic buildings and traditional construction techniques provide important insights for contemporary design. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding existing buildings, their architectural setting and the requirements of individual clients.
Bates Zambelli provides specialist architectural services for the conservation, repair and adaptation of historic and listed buildings.
Its work encompasses the assessment of existing structures, investigation of building defects, development of conservation repair proposals and architectural design for the sympathetic alteration of historic properties.
Historic building conservation requires an understanding of traditional construction methods, the performance of original materials and the architectural significance of surviving building fabric.
The practice's approach considers the relationship between original construction, subsequent alterations and contemporary requirements. Appropriate interventions may involve retaining historic features, repairing deteriorated fabric, reinstating lost architectural details or introducing new elements that respect the character of the existing building.
Through its specialist conservation activities, including those previously identified under BZ Conservation, the practice has developed experience of buildings dating from the medieval period through to the twentieth century.
The conservation of historic churches represents an important part of Bates Zambelli's professional work.
The practice undertakes architectural assessments, inspections and conservation projects involving medieval and later ecclesiastical buildings, including churches designated as nationally significant listed buildings.
Services include church condition surveys, quinquennial inspections, architectural conservation advice, preparation of repair specifications and the design and supervision of restoration programmes.
Church conservation projects may involve repairs to stonework, roofs, towers, windows, rainwater drainage systems and historic interior finishes.
Sherry Bates, a conservation-accredited architect, has served as an inspecting architect for churches within the Oxford and St Albans dioceses and is included in the Diocese of Chelmsford's register of architects authorised to undertake quinquennial inspections.
This specialist experience is relevant to parochial church councils, diocesan authorities and organisations responsible for the maintenance and conservation of ecclesiastical buildings.
Bates Zambelli undertakes architectural investigations, historic building assessments and feasibility studies to support conservation and development proposals.
These services may involve examining building condition, identifying defects, researching the historical development of a property and assessing the architectural significance of existing structures.
Detailed assessments provide a foundation for determining appropriate repair priorities and evaluating the potential impact of proposed alterations.
The practice also offers conservation management planning and associated historical research, helping property owners and professional advisers establish strategies for the maintenance and future use of significant buildings.
Such services are particularly relevant where conservation proposals must reconcile the protection of original architectural fabric with structural repairs, improvements to building performance or changing patterns of occupation.
Alongside traditional conservation work, Bates Zambelli designs alterations, extensions and adaptations to listed buildings and historic residential properties.
The practice's architectural approach recognises that historic buildings frequently require improvements to accommodate modern living, accessibility, building services and environmental requirements.
Alteration projects may involve internal reconfiguration, sympathetic extensions, conversion of existing accommodation and the introduction of contemporary architectural features.
For listed buildings, these proposals require particular consideration of architectural significance, existing construction and the potential effects of new interventions.
Bates Zambelli combines conservation expertise with contemporary architectural design, seeking to establish an appropriate relationship between historic fabric and new construction.
The practice also provides planning advice and professional assistance in discussions with local authority planning and conservation officers.
Contemporary architectural design forms an integral part of Bates Zambelli's wider practice.
The firm undertakes architectural commissions for residential, educational and commercial buildings, including new construction and the adaptation of existing structures.
Its published architectural philosophy emphasises the importance of understanding a building's context, construction techniques and relationship with its surroundings.
Where contemporary additions are proposed within historic settings, the practice seeks to develop designs that respond to existing architectural character without necessarily reproducing historical styles.
This approach enables new interventions to be clearly considered in relation to the significance, proportions and material qualities of the original building.
Bates Zambelli provides professional services associated with the planning, development and delivery of architectural projects.
These include feasibility studies, planning consultancy, development advice, architectural project management and services relating to party wall matters.
The practice's published professional information also identifies experience in construction health and safety consultancy and CDM-related services.
For historic buildings, effective coordination between architectural design, conservation requirements and statutory approval procedures is particularly important.
The practice's multidisciplinary approach enables conservation considerations to be addressed alongside planning, construction and project delivery requirements.
Bates Zambelli's published portfolio includes conservation and adaptation projects involving historic churches, listed residential properties and buildings undergoing sensitive redevelopment.
At St Luke's Church in Charlton, a Grade II* listed church dating from the seventeenth century, Bates Zambelli undertook architectural conservation work involving the external repair of the tower and upper masonry.
The project also included renewal of the central valley gutter and alterations to the rainwater drainage arrangements to address overflowing and reduce the risk of water penetration.
The commission illustrates the importance of coordinated masonry conservation and rainwater management in the protection of historic ecclesiastical buildings.
Bates Zambelli has undertaken a series of conservation and repair projects at St Mary's Church, a Grade II* listed medieval church in Mentmore.
Works included renewal of lead roofing to the tower and north aisle, repairs to historic stonework, new rainwater downpipes and gargoyles, vestry roof repairs and internal redecoration.
The project demonstrates the practice's experience in coordinating traditional roofing, architectural masonry conservation and associated repairs within an important medieval building.
At St Giles' Church in Cheddington, Buckinghamshire, the practice undertook architectural services for a programme of ecclesiastical conservation and restoration.
The works included repairs to historic stonework and windows, reroofing of the chancel, renewal of the tower's lead roof, safety alterations within the belfry and internal redecoration.
The project reflects the practice's experience of managing conservation interventions affecting several interconnected elements of a historic church.
Bates Zambelli undertook architectural investigations and project development for the Hibbert Almshouses, a group of eight Grade II listed almshouses constructed in 1859.
The commission involved condition reporting, conservation assessment, feasibility studies and proposals for repairs and improvements intended to support the continued use of the buildings as specialist social housing.
The project demonstrates the importance of integrating historic building conservation with the practical and social requirements of continued occupation.
At Cornwall Gardens, Bates Zambelli undertook the architectural conversion and restoration of a substantial Grade II listed Victorian townhouse.
The project involved converting the property from flats into a single residence, incorporating new accommodation while respecting the building's original architectural form.
Works included a carefully designed mansard roof extension with lead dormers, alterations to a rear terrace and the introduction of contemporary architectural features.
Internally, conservation considerations included the protection of historic murals discovered during construction and repairs to original decorative plaster mouldings.
The practice also provided planning supervision and party wall services.
At a Victorian residential property in Conewood Street, Bates Zambelli undertook architectural design for conservation repairs and alterations.
Works included removal of defective modern external render, repairs to historic brickwork, reinstatement of traditional tuck pointing and structural stabilisation of a flank wall.
The project also incorporated internal alterations and a contemporary rear extension, demonstrating the integration of traditional conservation repairs with modern residential design.
Bates Zambelli's professional experience combines architectural practice, historic building conservation, teaching and research.
Sherry Bates holds architectural qualifications including an MA, BSc (Hons) and Diploma in Architecture and is identified professionally as RIBA and AABC.
His conservation accreditation through the Architects Accredited in Building Conservation scheme reflects specialist expertise in the architectural conservation of historic buildings.
His professional background also includes involvement in ecclesiastical architecture, diocesan advisory work and professional organisations concerned with the conservation of historic buildings.
This experience informs the practice's approach to architectural design, conservation policy, traditional building construction and the relationship between historic structures and contemporary development.
Bates Zambelli works with private property owners, church authorities, conservation professionals, developers and organisations responsible for historically significant buildings.
Its services encompass initial architectural advice, feasibility studies, historic building investigations, conservation planning, architectural design and the coordination of repair and adaptation projects.
The practice's experience is particularly relevant where buildings require specialist architectural judgement to balance the preservation of historic significance with structural performance, modern services and continued use.
For those responsible for the care and adaptation of historic buildings, Bates Zambelli provides professional expertise in conservation architecture, ecclesiastical buildings, listed property restoration and sensitive contemporary design.
| Services & Expertise | |
|---|---|
| Principal Areas of Work: | Historic Building Conservation, Conservation Architecture, Listed Building Restoration, Ecclesiastical Architecture, Church Conservation and Restoration, Historic Building Surveys, Quinquennial Church Inspections, Conservation Management Plans, Heritage Consultancy, Architectural Design, Historic Building Adaptation, Listed Building Alterations, Planning Consultancy, Conservation Feasibility Studies, Historic Building Research, Architectural Project Management, Traditional Building Repairs, Historic Residential Restoration, Conservation Area Development, Contemporary Architecture in Historic Settings, Party Wall Consultancy |
| Capabilities and Specialisms: | Conservation Architectural Design, Historic Building Condition Assessments, Listed Building Conservation, Architectural Heritage Surveys, Church Building Inspections, Quinquennial Inspections, Historic Fabric Assessment, Heritage Significance Assessment, Conservation Management Planning, Architectural Feasibility Studies, Conservation Repair Specifications, Traditional Masonry Repairs, Historic Stonework Conservation, Church Roof Restoration, Historic Lead Roofing, Rainwater Drainage Improvements, Historic Brickwork Repairs, Traditional Tuck Pointing, Structural Conservation, Listed Building Extensions, Historic Interior Conservation, Architectural Planning Applications, Listed Building Consent, Conservation Officer Consultation, Planning Negotiations, Historic Building Conversion, Adaptive Reuse, Architectural Project Coordination, Party Wall Services, Contemporary Architectural Design |
| Accreditations, Certifications & Memberships : | Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC), Architects Registration Board (ARB), Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association (EASA) |
| Accreditation & Membership Details: | Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) - Bates Zambelli is represented in the RIBA's Chartered Practice directory. Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) - Sherry Bates holds AABC conservation accreditation. Architects Registration Board (ARB) - The practice's historical professional information identifies Sherry Bates and Alessandro Zambelli as registered architects. Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association (EASA) - Sherry Bates has previously chaired the Association for Studies in the Conservation of Historic Buildings (ASCHB) and has served on the Southwark Diocesan Advisory Committee. |
| Geographical Areas Covered: | Greater London, North London, Central London, South London, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Kent, South East England |
| Contact & Online Presence | |
| Mobile: | +44 (0) 7957 563853 |
| Contact(s): | Sherry Bates – Conservation Architect and Director |
| Email: | info@bateszambelli.com |
| Business Details & Insurance. | |
| Company Trading Name: | Bates Zambelli Limited |
| Company Number: | 04061466 |
