ABOUT | Owlsworth

About Owlsworth Conservation

Owlsworth Conservation’s philosophy of providing a sympathetic exceptional service for the careful repair and adaptation of historic buildings and structures remains unchanged. Recognised as one of the leading specialist contractors within the building conservation sector, we pride ourselves on the excellence and professionalism with which every project is managed.

With over 25 years’ experience and a directly employed workforce in excess of 30 skilled trades people we act as both a specialist and main contractor to some of the country’s most prestigious buildings.

By employing our own carpenters, stonemasons, lime plasterers, brick and flint layers and blacksmiths we are able to ensure that the quality of each project meets our own self-imposed high standards.

Our roots are firmly based in conservation. Our ethos is to repair rather than replace and to maximise the retention of historic fabric. With this comes a necessary mind-set of care and sensitivity towards the buildings we work on. It is this same approach that has allowed us to carry out highly successful adaptations and sympathetic improvements both contemporary and traditional to numerous historic buildings

Who Are We?

We are a team of managers and skilled professionals that share a passion for historic buildings. We have a highly skilled workforce spanning all of the principal trades, many of which have come up through our apprenticeship scheme.

Our key areas include:-

Conservation and repair of traditional timber framed buildings.
New timber framed structures
Conservation of historic joinery
New traditional joinery
Stone masonry repair and conservation
Brick and flintwork
Lime plaster repair and conservation
Traditional millwriting
Traditional metalwork and ironmongery.

Fortunately our level of staff retention is very high ensuring that we have excellent control over the quality and delivery of all our projects. Furthermore if you have dealt with us many years ago, it is likely that the same faces are still here, doing what they love.

Our company is run by a time served management team:-

Jon Spalding – Managing Director

Jon started his career in the new build sector before joining Owlsworth Conservation 15 years ago. Since then Jon has built up an extensive knowledge of the conservation sector and his very strong managerial skills has seen him oversee our most complex and challenging projects. Jon’s exceptional interpersonal skills encourages strong client relations and makes the often stressful process of going through a construction project a more positive experience.

Richard Blackwell - Director

Richard is chairman of the Owlsworth Group, which also incorporates Owlsworth Construction, Owlsworth Roofing, Ecoright and Old House Store. Richards has a wealth of experience in general business and contract law.

Robin Dukes - Chairman

For Robin the segregation between work and pleasure is a very fine line. Robin’s passion for historic buildings has driven the company forward and led Owlsworth Conservation to working with some of the country’s most important buildings. Having been with the company for the last 30 years his experience with historic buildings and structures has seen him involved in both project management and consultancy throughout the country and beyond.

Rob Gandy: Surveying Director

Rob has been with Owlsworth Construction for 15 years and has been instrumental in the growth of the company. Rob has helped us develop a depth of sub-contractors, who not only understand the nuances of the work we undertake, but offer an excellent service. Unlike many of his counterparts you will find Rob pragmatic, easy to deal with and someone who looks resolve issues amicably.

Our Clients:-

Over the years we have worked alongside some of the country’s most well known and respected organisations as well as with numerous private owners, providing consultation services and condition surveys right through to full project delivery. We take a huge amount of satisfaction in working with clients and architects that care as much about the history and fabric of these buildings as we do.

Some of our clients we have enjoyed working with include:-

Historic Royal Palaces

The National Trust

Oxford Colleges

English Heritage

The Churches Conservation Trust

Royal Botanic Gardens

Winchester Cathedral

A full set of references is available upon request.