Artifex Conservation Architects
Artifex is a small architects practice which offers a dedicated and personal client service where close, creative working relationships are formed. We specialize in innovative, individual design within the historic environment and our projects range from extension, alteration and refurbishment of listed buildings, to barn conversions and new build dwellings within conservation areas.
Whatever your requirement, we will work with you to achieve your brief, both financially and aesthetically.
About
Fiona Russek qualified as an architect in 2001, having passed the RIBA part I, II and III exams. After spending some years in private practice specializing in heritage work, Fiona was head-hunted by the Conservation Officer at Fenland District Council and was asked to join the heritage team. She spent five years there before moving to Huntingdon District Council where she became a valued member of the Development Control department, advising officers and the public on Buildings at Risk, enforcement work and all aspects of heritage management.
Fiona has a Master’s Degree in the Conservation of the Historic Environment from Reading University. She is currently enrolled on York University’s English Building History course which finishes in 2022. Once completed, Fiona intends to continue her studies by undertaking further training and obtaining a PhD in heritage research.
Fiona is a Chartered RIBA architect, registered with the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB), a member of The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and an affiliate of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). Fiona is an active member of Save Britain’s Heritage (SAVE).
Why Choose Artifex Conservation Architects
At Artifex, we have a love of the contemporary as well as the historic and have the skill to create spaces with innovation to meet all criteria.
Fiona’s unique experience as a conservation officer and also a chartered architect specialising in heritage, gives her an unparalleled perspective on the planning process allowing her to have informed opinions about what might or might not achieve approval. Site constraints or lengthy planning history become positives, not negatives, adding to and informing the brief. With this approach and the ability to negotiate well with all parties, she has achieved 100% success rate in obtaining listed building and planning approval.
We believe that a successful conservation project works with the existing fabric and a building’s setting so that on completion, the heritage remains the principal focus on site. Whether a client prefers a traditional or contemporary aesthetic, intervention should be secondary and not detract from the core of the project. It is when this is done right, that heritage regeneration is most successful.
Principal: Fiona Russek BA(Hons) Dipl Arch MScCHE RIBA