The Team

CJR Heritage Services

Colin Richards

MBE, BA Hons, Dip Arch Cons, IHBC

Contact Colin Richards - CJR Heritage

Colin is a joint founder of The Institute of Historic Building Conservation and has worked extensively within the heritage building industry as a professional consultant, site manager, conservation officer and traditional skills trainer.

He has led national and international community based projects for government departments and non governmental organisations. In Eastern Europe he has worked on many World Heritage Sites for conservation trusts often under the patronage of HRH Prince of Wales, advising senior government officials on the formulation of policy to safeguard their cultural heritage and delivering practical skills training to local building professionals.

In 2007 Colin was awarded an MBE by HRH Prince of Wales as recognition for his services to building conservation. Between 2009 and 2014 he was Historic Environment Manager for Shropshire Council.

He is a competent demonstrator/teacher in a range of traditional building crafts and has many years experience delivering accredited university lecture and workshop based courses to both students and experienced building professionals.

In recent years Colins expertise has been sought by television companies including the BBC and Discovery History channels providing commentary and practical demonstrations of skills required to conserve the built and natural landscapes.

Colin's regular work comprises projects large and small where he acts as consultant to private individuals and business clients on heritage related planning applications, historic building analyses and technical guidance for repair specifications.

Dan Richards

Cert Carpentry Skills

Dan Richards Carpentry on Facebook

Contact Dan Richards - Carpentry & Construction

07870 912 119

About Dan Richards Carpentry and Construction

Dan Richards Carpentry and Construction is a specialist carpentry company dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of traditional timber-framed buildings. With a deep respect for historic fabric and a commitment to high standards of craftsmanship, the company delivers considered, high-quality work across both heritage and bespoke new-build projects.

Dan is an accomplished carpenter with extensive experience in timber frame restoration and traditional construction. His portfolio includes involvement in major award-winning conservation projects, the construction of period-accurate film sets, and the delivery of international training programmes in heritage carpentry. This breadth of experience brings both practical expertise and a broader understanding of historic building techniques to every project undertaken.

Heritage Craftsmanship

At the core of the company’s work is a strong grounding in traditional materials and methods. Dan specialises in the careful repair and restoration of timber frames, ensuring that structural integrity is maintained while preserving as much original fabric as possible. Each project is approached with sensitivity to the building’s age, character, and historical significance.

He is highly experienced in the preparation and application of lime mortars and renders, understanding their essential role in maintaining breathability and the long-term health of traditional structures. By working with materials that are compatible with historic buildings, Dan ensures that repairs and upgrades support the building rather than compromise it.

Improving Performance, Respecting Tradition

Dan Richards Carpentry and Construction combines traditional craftsmanship with modern eco-building knowledge. Dan has installed numerous Historic England–specified infill panels within timber-framed buildings to improve thermal performance while maintaining vapour permeability and fabric integrity.

He is also experienced in the careful installation of double-glazed units into original sash window casements, enhancing energy efficiency while preserving the appearance and character of period properties.

This balanced approach allows historic buildings to perform better in contemporary use without sacrificing authenticity.

A Bespoke Service

Every building presents its own challenges. Whether undertaking a full-scale heritage restoration, upgrading a timber frame to improve thermal performance, or carrying out a precise localised repair, Dan Richards Carpentry and Construction provides a fully bespoke service tailored to each client and property.

Projects are approached with clear communication, thoughtful planning, and meticulous attention to detail. The result is work that is structurally sound, aesthetically appropriate, and built to last.

Joe Richards

Advanced Carpentry Dip, HND Construction, MA Conservation of the Historic Environment

Contact Joe Richards - Heritage Carpentry

07972 182 018

Joe is an experienced Master Carpenter with a wide knowledge of the construction industry. He has worked on multi-million pound restoration projects and small cottage extensions.

Joe has made new structural timber frames and repaired/reinforced historic framing. He is competent in all aspects of carpentry including kitchen fitting second fix, skirting and architrave.

Many properties Joe has worked on over the years have been listed and as such he understands the need for precision work and care. He specialises in the restoration of sash windows and has a wide array of skills allowing him to complete other building tasks to a high standard outside his own trade.

Joe has extensive experience of working on World Heritage sites in Eastern Europe undertaking and demonstrating traditional skills on behalf of the British Council and UK based Conservation Trusts.

Colin Richards

MBE, BA Hons, Dip Arch Cons, IHBC

Contact Colin Richards - CJR Heritage

07891 432 991

Colin is a joint founder of The Institute of Historic Building Conservation and has worked extensively within the heritage building industry as a professional consultant, site manager, conservation officer and traditional skills trainer.

He has led national and international community based projects for government departments and non governmental organisations. In Eastern Europe he has worked on many World Heritage Sites for conservation trusts often under the patronage of HRH Prince of Wales, advising senior government officials on the formulation of policy to safeguard their cultural heritage and delivering practical skills training to local building professionals.

In 2007 Colin was awarded an MBE by HRH Prince of Wales as recognition for his services to building conservation. Between 2009 and 2014 he was Historic Environment Manager for Shropshire Council.

He is a competent demonstrator/teacher in a range of traditional building crafts and has many years experience delivering accredited university lecture and workshop based courses to both students and experienced building professionals.

In recent years Colins expertise has been sought by television companies including the BBC and Discovery History channels providing commentary and practical demonstrations of skills required to conserve the built and natural landscapes.

Colin's regular work comprises projects large and small where he acts as consultant to private individuals and business clients on heritage related planning applications, historic building analyses and technical guidance for repair specifications.

Dan Richards

Cert Carpentry Skills

Dan Richards Carpentry on Facebook

Contact Dan Richards Carpentry & Construction

07870 912 119

About Dan Richards Carpentry and Construction

Dan Richards Carpentry and Construction is a specialist carpentry company dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and enhancement of traditional timber-framed buildings. With a deep respect for historic fabric and a commitment to high standards of craftsmanship, the company delivers considered, high-quality work across both heritage and bespoke new-build projects.

Dan is an accomplished carpenter with extensive experience in timber frame restoration and traditional construction. His portfolio includes involvement in major award-winning conservation projects, the construction of period-accurate film sets, and the delivery of international training programmes in heritage carpentry. This breadth of experience brings both practical expertise and a broader understanding of historic building techniques to every project undertaken.

Heritage Craftsmanship

At the core of the company’s work is a strong grounding in traditional materials and methods. Dan specialises in the careful repair and restoration of timber frames, ensuring that structural integrity is maintained while preserving as much original fabric as possible. Each project is approached with sensitivity to the building’s age, character, and historical significance.

He is highly experienced in the preparation and application of lime mortars and renders, understanding their essential role in maintaining breathability and the long-term health of traditional structures. By working with materials that are compatible with historic buildings, Dan ensures that repairs and upgrades support the building rather than compromise it.

Improving Performance, Respecting Tradition

Dan Richards Carpentry and Construction combines traditional craftsmanship with modern eco-building knowledge. Dan has installed numerous Historic England–specified infill panels within timber-framed buildings to improve thermal performance while maintaining vapour permeability and fabric integrity.

He is also experienced in the careful installation of double-glazed units into original sash window casements, enhancing energy efficiency while preserving the appearance and character of period properties.

This balanced approach allows historic buildings to perform better in contemporary use without sacrificing authenticity.

A Bespoke Service

Every building presents its own challenges. Whether undertaking a full-scale heritage restoration, upgrading a timber frame to improve thermal performance, or carrying out a precise localised repair, Dan Richards Carpentry and Construction provides a fully bespoke service tailored to each client and property.

Projects are approached with clear communication, thoughtful planning, and meticulous attention to detail. The result is work that is structurally sound, aesthetically appropriate, and built to last.

Joe Richards

Advanced Carpentry Dip, HND Construction, MA Conservation of the Historic Environment

Contact Joe Richards - Heritage Carpentry

07972 182 018

Joe is an experienced Master Carpenter with a wide knowledge of the construction industry. He has worked on multi-million pound restoration projects and small cottage extensions.

Joe has made new structural timber frames and repaired/reinforced historic framing. He is competent in all aspects of carpentry including kitchen fitting second fix, skirting and architrave.

Many properties Joe has worked on over the years have been listed and as such he understands the need for precision work and care. He specialises in the restoration of sash windows and has a wide array of skills allowing him to complete other building tasks to a high standard outside his own trade.

Joe has extensive experience of working on World Heritage sites in Eastern Europe undertaking and demonstrating traditional skills on behalf of the British Council and UK based Conservation Trusts.

History

CJR Heritage Services

Since launching in 2014 the associates of CJR Heritage Services have been involved in the restoration of iconic historic buildings along the Welsh border and the dramatic Lyulph Castle overlooking Ullswater in the Lake District.

Other projects have included a comprehensive refurbishment of the Old Mayors Parlour in Church Street, Hereford. This included re-roofing, complete renewal of the timber frame infill panels (to the latest Historic England eco specification) and notably restoration of the 17th century decorative plaster ceiling which was suffering delamination and fracture.

Conversion of a dovecote to residential use near Ross-on-Wye. Chimney and stonework repairs to the dramatic Broadgate in Ludlow. The major refurbishment of residential properties in Leintwardine and Puddleston have provided fascinating work allowing historic buildings to tell their story yet remain relevant for contemporary living.

The team have done much work aloft in Quarry Place, Shrewsbury. Repairing decorative chimneys and the very fine wrought iron cupolas of number 4 and 5 Quarry Place. This embraced metal work repair, extensive lead work, renewal of the plinth area and reglazing.

Smaller projects include: repairs to historic timber framing, sash window repair/renewal, construction of a straw bale birdhide for the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, restoration of a Victorian conservatory and repointing/rebuilding sections of Ludlow's ancient town walls.

We have worked for the National Trust in the picturesque Fishpool Valley, this involved restoration of a ruinous Ice House and Lime Kiln along with repair/consolidation of a Grotto and Gothic Pump House.

The restoration of a squatters cottage at Burley near Craven Arms received a Shropshire Conservation award, as did consultancy services to the restoration of the former Angel hotel in Ludlow.

Our film and TV work has continued providing period sets and participating in historical documentaries around the world. Recent work has included the production of 15th century style bricks for the BBC and conducting training workshops on the Great Wall of China for the Discovery History channel. We also gave technical analysis of the construction of Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru and Mont-St-Michel in France for Pernel Media.

An unusual commission was building: a wattle and daub car, a brick car and a clay car on old Land Rover chassis for the Clarkson, May and Hammond Grand Tour programme.

Throughout this period in parallel to the restoration programme, the consultancy has been very busy producing: Heritage Impact Assessments, securing planning permission/listed building consent for clients and providing design/conservation advice on projects ranging from simple building repair, to major redevelopment of large historic properties.

The associates comprises Colin, Joe and Dan Richards working alongside a wide network of specialist associates as project requirements dictate.