Founded in 1977, Simpson & Brown has evolved into a multi-disciplinary practice which now also offers architecture, archaeology, architectural history, heritage consultancy and master planning services. As a medium-sized practice of seven partners and 35 staff we have the capacity to resource projects fully and appropriately. Seven of our architects are conservation accredited according to the UK national registration scheme, three at the highest level.
During its 45 years the partnership has been responsible for conserving some of the United Kingdom’s most important historic structures including universities and government buildings. The practice operates throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. All staff are committed to quality, continuing professional development and, above all, the interests of our clients. We are a collaborative office and often work alongside other practices and professionals.
Simpson & Brown enjoy and learn from projects where we work in a team to provide heritage support to other architects and designers. We have extensive experience in the classification, condition assessment and repair of heritage structures and archaeological sites. We have worked on many projects of urban and rural regeneration including projects in the UAE and in Saudi Arabia.
Simpson & Brown have worked on assessments of World Heritage archaeological sites, repairing historic structures, and interpreting them for a museum. We have worked on many situations where an understanding of the relationship between a historic site and its cultural heritage context is key to the success of the project. We have experience of all types of conservation techniques and have completed work in Britain, Canada, India, USA and Myanmar.
We have specific skills that can be applied to this project; the archaeology and heritage assessment department of Simpson & Brown has relevant Jordan Valley experience. We can provide a fully integrated understanding of the history and significance of each element and value of the site. Our experience as architects means that we can support and contribute to the design process in a collaborative way.
As one of the leading conservation specialist architectural practices in the UK, we have carried out over 1,500 conservation projects at heritage sites.
The archaeology team of Simpson & Brown, Addyman Archaeology, has extensive experience in the assessment of historic landscapes and the conversion of archaeological sites and heritage structures for masterplanning, cultural tourism, museums and national branding. We have worked on significant projects of urban and rural regeneration including over 20 projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We have proven experience on delivering significant landscape assessments and historic environments surveys and analysis for national bodies such as the National Trust, both conducting fieldwork and assessing the significance and management requirements of complex, multi-site landscapes.
Site of Jerablus Tahtani, Syria with Tomb 302, the largest hypogeum tomb in Syria (after Peltenburg (ed) 2015); excavation, research and assessment by Philip Karsgaard of Simpson & Brown.
Archaeological Projects in Saudi Arabia
• Fayd station, Darb Zubaydah, Hail Region Saudi Arabia – Conservation Management Plan, specification for repairs, design for visitor centre, advice on World Heritage nomination.
• An Nuqrah, Darb Zubaydah station, Al Qassim Province - Conservation Management Plan, specification for repairs, design for visitor centre, advice on World Heritage nomination, specification for well, design for a visitor centre, redesign for interpretation and view point.
• Al Aqiq, Darb Zubaydah station, Makkah Province - Conservation Management Plan, specification for repairs, design for visitor centre, advice on World Heritage nomination, specification for well and design for commercial opportunities.
• Al Hait, Hail Province – archaeological and significance appraisal, community consultation and engagement, assessment of local skills, reports and ongoing consultation with Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia.
• Marid Castle, Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia – historical and archaeological assessment, conservation management plan, advice on archaeological sites and historic village, structural appraisal and proposals, community consultation, activation proposals – ongoing advice to Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia.
• Al Faw archaeological site – coordination of structural engineering and archaeological analysis for World Heritage site of ancient civilisation, ongoing consultation with Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia.
• Hima archaeological World Heritage site - historical analysis, archaeological analysis, construction details for repairs project to 7 historic well structures. Contract shortly to start on site. Supervision and ongoing consultation for Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia.
Ancient well and rock art conservation at Hima World Heritage Archaeological Site, Saudi Arabia, by Simpson & Brown
Museum Experience
Simpson & Brown have significant experience in the presentation of heritage in museums and historic site visitor centres:• Scottish National Galleries, Edinburgh World Heritage site, National Gallery of Scotland. Conservation Management Plan, conservation architects for exterior repairs, semi underground gallery, exhibitions and access. Architects for new access arrangements and exterior landscape works.
• Scottish National Galleries – Scottish Academy, Edinburgh World Heritage site. Conservation architects for major alterations to form new entrance, new galleries, new education facilities. Major exterior repairs to walls and roof. Conservation management plan. Continuing condition inspection.
• Scottish National Galleries – Edinburgh World Heritage site. National Portrait Gallery of Scotland. Conservation Management plan, exhibitions, design, conservation architects advising on major project of alteration and repurposing, continuing condition inspection.
• Scottish National Galleries, National gallery of Modern Art. Continuing condition inspection and conservation architectural advice to main building and lodges.
• Scottish National Galleries, Modern Art II Gallery. Continuing condition inspection, major programme of roof repairs and renewal of glazed elements to improve museum environment.
• Scottish National Galleries. Main museum storage facility. Continuing condition inspection. Conservation advice on renewal of external materials and environmental protection for exhibits.
• National Museum of Scotland. Interior design as part of major extension within new galleries.
• Glasgow Transport Museum. Interior design for exhibition to evoke historic character.
• National Seabird Museum, North Berwick, Scotland – new museum and subsequent extension to the same building.
• Thackray Museum, Leeds, England – major alteration work and new fitting of galleries as principal medical museum for Britain. Special exhibition for CoVID-19.
• St Albans Cathedral, England – new visitor centre including museum, food and beverage and retail.
• Lincoln Cathedral, England – new visitor centre including museum, food and beverage and retail.
• Rievaulx Abbey, England – new visitor centre and museum including food and beverage exhibition and retail for national conservation organisation.
• Robert Burns National Heritage Park for the National Trust for Scotland. New Museum including building restoration, new building, food and beverage, retail, conservation studios.
• Arbroath Abbey, Scotland. New visitor centre – museum to explain the Declaration of Independence – the Scottish national foundation document.
• York Art Gallery and Museum, England. Conservation plan. New gallery inserted into existing structure to house nationally important collection of ceramics. New ceramic external wall.
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York Art Gallery and Museum, England. Substantial upgrade including new pottery galleries. By Simpson & Brown.