Freya - who joined Buttress four years ago - will continue to support team strategy, develop client relationships and contribute to the continued development of new opportunities as demand for expert heritage advice increases across the built environment sector. The heritage consultancy team at Buttress is led by Jenna Johnston, associate heritage consultant, within Buttress director Stephen Anderson’s wider team.
Stephen Anderson, Buttress director, commented:
“Marking my own 20 years with the practice recently, it is especially rewarding to see where we are as a business. We’ve grown the heritage consultancy offering over the past 11 years and it has gone from strength to strength. We feel we’re in a rather unique place, offering this service as part of our leading architectural and design practice, working up and down the country on some very diverse projects."
Jenna Johnston, associate heritage consultant, said:
“It’s great to see our dynamic Heritage Consultancy team helping to carry our heritage work forward with such passion and integrity. Freya should feel proud of her appointment as it is very well deserved.”
Freya studied archaeology and later a Masters in cultural heritage management at the University of Sheffield. This grounding gives her a deep understanding of how places evolve and how communities interact with the historic environment.
“My background in archaeology is becoming increasingly relevant,” Freya explained. “It brings an additional layer of understanding to our work - helping clients appreciate not just the visible fabric of a place, but the deeper stories and layers (excuse the pun) that shape it.”
The Heritage Consultancy team at Buttress is currently delivering one of their largest heritage consultancy commissions: a comprehensive suite of conservation area appraisals and management plans for all 16 of Salford’s conservation areas. This project adds to their commitment and on-going work in Salford.
“This is an exciting project for us to be involved in,” said Freya. “Getting to understand a whole city in such depth has given me a completely new appreciation for Salford’s distinctive neighbourhoods.”
Freya works across a varied portfolio ranging from heritage statements and impact assessments to strategic advisory work for both public and private-sector clients. She enjoys the variety that comes with working across different heritage contexts - from major urban regeneration to sensitive rural projects.
Freya cites being part of the growth of Buttress’ Heritage Consultancy team as a real career highlight: “Seeing the scale and variety of projects we’re now delivering, and knowing I’ve played a part in that, is something I’m really proud of.”
Freya added: “Being from the Peak District, I do love working on our rural projects; equally, I enjoying contributing to large strategic commissions like the Salford Conservation Areas project or supporting Bradford’s Heritage Action Zone. They have a tangible, long-term impact that’s incredibly satisfying.”
Freya is also committed to supporting emerging professionals within the heritage and built environment sector and leads Buttress’ emerging professionals initiative, ‘Forge’, creating opportunities for colleagues to build their networks and confidence. Despite moving out of the early careers bracket herself, Freya is still keen to help others new to the industry to see the value of building their networks from the offset.
“I feel very lucky to be part of a practice that genuinely values its people. Being able to work closely with architects, technologists, masterplanners and conservation specialists all under one roof is something I never take for granted. Our greatest asset is our people.”
For more information on our Heritage Consultancy Services go to: Heritage Consultancy | Buttress