ABOUT
Michael Swords Studio is a conservation-led architecture and heritage consultancy based in London. We specialise in listed buildings, sensitive sites, and historically significant places, helping clients navigate planning, unlock potential, and deliver lasting architecture.
Our work combines deep heritage expertise with a contemporary design sensibility, producing thoughtful, context-driven projects across homes, public buildings, and places of worship.
We help clients navigate every stage of their heritage project — offering clear advice, creative thinking, and expert support from start to finish. Our work is grounded in deep respect for architectural heritage and a commitment to enduring craftsmanship.
Led by AABC-accredited conservation architect Michael Swords, the studio combines hands-on knowledge of traditional building techniques with thoughtful, contemporary design. He is a member of several Diocesan Advisory Committees (DACs) and serves as inspecting architect to multiple churches.
OUR SERVICES
Heritage Consultancy
We help clients understand the architectural and historical significance of their buildings and advise on how best to conserve, adapt, and care for them.
Planning & Faculty Permissions
We assist clients through complex regulatory processes, including listed building consent and DAC faculty approvals. Our work ensures proposals are sensitive, well-supported, and policy-aligned.
Ecclesiastical Architecture
We offer insight into Quinquennial inspections, reordering, conservation, and phased interventions for places of worship. Michael is currently appointed as inspecting architect to a number of listed churches.
Contemporary Interventions
We specialise in designing thoughtful new elements within historic contexts, from discreet insertions to bold spatial adaptations. This includes extensions to existing buildings, whether listed or not.
WHO WE HELP
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.