Michael Swords Studio

Michael Swords Studio is a London-based architecture and heritage consultancy specialising in the care, repair, and adaptation of historic buildings, particularly places of worship. We support parishes, PCCs, and diocesan stakeholders with expert architectural services tailored to the needs of church communities.

Led by AABC-accredited conservation architect Michael Swords, the studio brings experience in ecclesiastical architecture, historic fabric repair, and heritage permissions. Michael is on the approved list of inspecting architects for the dioceses of London, Chelmsford, and Guildford, and is currently appointed as inspecting Architect to several listed churches.

We enjoy working with church communities to meet their responsibilities as stewards of historic buildings, from quinquennial inspections and urgent repairs to reordering and long-term conservation planning.

Our Services

• Quinquennial Inspections & Condition Surveys - We carry out quinquennial inspections and condition surveys in accordance with Church of England guidance. Reports are designed to help PCCs understand building needs, set
  maintenance priorities, and support grant funding applications.
• Planning & Faculty Submissions - We prepare faculty applications and listed building consent packages, including Statements of Significance and Heritage Impact Assessments. All documentation is aligned with Church Care, diocesan, and national heritage policies.
• Church Repairs & Conservation Projects - We specify and oversee repairs to roofs, masonry, joinery, glazing, and other building fabric, using appropriate materials and techniques. We collaborate with skilled contractors and craftspeople to ensure works are durable and sensitive to significance.
• Reordering & Adaptation - We assist parishes with reordering schemes and internal alterations that support current liturgical and community use.
• Surveying & Documentation- We use the latest technologies to facilitate our work, including drone surveys where appropriate
  to access high-level or difficult-to-reach areas safely and efficiently.

Who We Work With

We collaborate with private clients, developers, communities, and design-focused architecture practices to shape buildings that are beautiful, responsible, and grounded in place:

• Private Clients - We work with owners of listed homes and historic estates who wish to adapt, restore, or extend their properties with integrity and long-term vision.
• Churches & Faith Communities - From quinquennial inspections to full reordering, we support clergy, PCCs, and fabric
  committees with sensitive design, faculty navigation, and practical heritage advice.
• Architectural Practices - We collaborate with generalist practices as heritage consultants, adding value through
  conservation knowledge, report writing, and statutory strategy.
• Estate Managers & Developers - We assist with condition surveys, consent strategies, and early-stage heritage appraisals to
  unlock the potential of listed buildings.

Michael Swords Studio offers a focused, reliable service to parishes and church organisations responsible for historic buildings. Our work aims to ensure churches are well cared for, adaptable to evolving needs, and maintained in good condition for future generations.