How I Work

I am curious.  I start by investigating, researching and asking questions.  I want to understand the building and its history, how it came to be as it is now, what changed, what was gained, what was lost.  I want to understand how the building currently functions and where it fails.  How do you use the building and how you want to be able to use it?  What is missing?  What spaces bring you joy?  Which spaces would you like to do so?

I am pragmatic.  I understand that historic buildings have lived many lives before and will, I hope, outlive us and as such we are their guardians, we owe them our care and attention.  I also believe that they need to work for us in the present and into the future if they are to survive.  I integrate complex, sometimes competing needs to design careful, elegant, sustainable schemes that are appropriate and achievable for the individual building. 

I am collaborative.  I bring my design and technical experience to guide the process and to work with you and the wider team of professionals and specialists to develop and deliver your project.  I am the person you will work with, you will always benefit from my personal skills, knowledge and experience.

I care about old buildings. I care about the people who own them, use them and live in them.

Work with me

Depending on your situation and what you need I can work in a number of different ways.  As a one-person practice, you are assured of Sarah’s skills, knowledge and experience at all times, and for very large projects she can partner with experienced, reliable associates.

For people or organisations with historic buildings

I can provide a full architectural service from inception to completion, or can modify my services to work with your needs.  I have a background in working specifically with private clients, churches and local authorities and understand the ways that the type of client can inform the development of a project, the needs you have and the way you might choose to procure the building work.

I can undertake a short initial investigation for a fixed fee to identify potential for the reconfiguration or extension of your building to help you clarify the direction for your project. 

‘Sarah helped us navigate the process of renovating a listed Georgian terrace. She balanced sensitivity to the building, creativity, and pragmatism. We remain very happy with the result years later.’ - E and O, Clerkenwell.

For churches

Sarah Earney is a quinquennial inspector and acts for a number of churches in the Dioceses of London, Southwark and Winchester.  

Keeping water out of the church fabric (from any and sometimes all directions) is vitally important but I understand that you are working with limited resources.  My support beyond the QI is always tailored to what the PCC needs.  I can provide advice by phone or email to church volunteers as they procure tradespeople, guide you through the consent processes, or provide full designs and specifications and manage consent applications and building contracts.  

For churches within or outside of the London, Southwark Winchester of Guildford Dioceses, if you are considering a larger project I can help at all stages.  I can provide a full service or start by advising on the potential for reordering, which can identify solutions that you have not yet have considered. 

For architects

Working with historic buildings and historic places is part of working as an architect.  Where you don’t have a conservation specialist in-house I can work as part of the design team to provide conservation advice to support the development and delivery of projects.  This includes assessing buildings to provide Heritage Statements and condition surveys, and preparing designs and specifications for repair, renewal and redevelopment, for all types of building at all grades of listing. 

‘Sarah was an invaluable member of the team in applying for listed building consent. Her initial heritage assessment and insight allowed us to refine the scheme for application, ensuring adequate consideration of relevant historic features whilst still meeting the client’s brief. The rigorous heritage statement she prepared for submission furthered the credibility of our design and helped us to form a compelling and informed application. Sarah has remained involved as we have progressed to detailed design, offering crucial advice on appropriate conservation and restoration methods. Her comprehensive knowledge allows her to be both practical and creative, which is a joy to collaborate with, and we look forward to the next project together.’ - Studio Carver.