Conservation & Listed Building Architects

At Matson Mourier, we specialise in the careful adaptation, restoration and extension of historic and listed buildings. Based near Edinburgh and working across the UK, we bring a sensitive, research-led approach to every heritage project - ensuring character is respected while enabling homes and buildings to function beautifully for modern life.

From Victorian villas and Georgian townhouses to rural steadings and listed cottages, we work closely with heritage bodies, consultants and craftspeople to deliver thoughtful, contextually appropriate design.

What We Design

  • Modern backyard with outdoor dining area and a glass-enclosed bedroom with a bed and seating, surrounded by stone and brick walls, under a partly cloudy sky.

    Sensitive Extensions

    New additions that complement the character of historic buildings, from traditional forms to contemporary contrasts where appropriate.

  • Bright kitchen with large window, white cabinets, black countertop, and a wooden dining table with metal chairs.

    Internal Reconfigurations

    Improved layouts for modern living while respecting key features, proportions and plan forms.

  • Interior view of a room showing a wall with a black double-shade sconce and a decorative molding around a doorframe, with partly visible chair in front.

    Restoration & Repair

    Careful reinstatement of historic details, materials and construction techniques.

  • A backyard patio with stone paving, potted plants, a tree, and a building with stone and black siding, featuring large glass doors and windows.

    Steading Conversions

    Transforming agricultural buildings into modern homes while preserving their rural character.

  • Modern bathroom with a white bathtub, double sinks, gray stone walls, and a large window with a dark roller blind.

    Performance Improvements

    Upgrades such as insulation, airtightness and services designed to improve comfort without damaging fabric.

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A bright living room with large bay windows, wooden floors, a gray sofa with cushions, a wooden armchair with pillows, a floor lamp with a black shade, and framed artwork of dogs and birds on the wall.

Our Approach to Conservation & Listed Buildings

Every project begins by understanding the building — its age, construction, alterations, and areas of significance. We carry out a detailed analysis of fabric, form, and context before proposing any interventions.

Our architects then work with you to develop a design that meets your needs while responding carefully to heritage constraints. Whether you’re planning internal alterations, upgrading performance, or designing a new extension, our proposals are grounded in proportion, materiality and craftsmanship.

We collaborate with structural engineers, conservation officers and specialist consultants where appropriate, ensuring each stage is well informed and thoughtfully coordinated.

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Listed Building Consent, Planning & Regulations

Working with historic properties often involves additional regulatory steps. We guide clients through the process with clear, honest advice.

We prepare the required drawings, statements and documentation for Listed Building Consent and planning applications, ensuring proposals respond to relevant policy and guidance. While decisions rest with the local authority, our role is to present a well-justified, sensitive design that acknowledges the building’s importance.

For technical stages, we produce building warrant information and coordinate with specialists such as engineers, energy consultants or heritage surveyors where appropriate.

A historic multi-story building with large windows, small balconies with wrought iron railings, and steps leading to the main entrance, in a city street setting.

View Our Residential Portfolio

Discover how our residential architects in Edinburgh and across Scotland bring ideas to life through luxury new builds, self build homes, refined refurbishments, and bespoke extensions.

View Our Portfolio

Start Your Conservation Project With Us.

Whether you’re restoring a listed home, adapting a historic building or planning a sensitive extension, Matson Mourier can help you achieve a design that is both respectful and inspiring.