Our Practice

stpauls2

Practice Ethos

Caroe Architecture Ltd is dedicated both to the care and conservation of historical places and to the creation of innovative new buildings and enhancements. Our expertise ranges from ecclesiastical settings to complex urban, educational and cultural environments.

We specialise in creative conservation, realising projects that enhance our delicate built environment, the life and longevity of the buildings themselves and work closely with their custodians. We offer, express and integrate an understanding of the significance and value of our historic built environment into all we do.

We believe that buildings should be handled in a thoughtful manner, evidenced by thorough understanding of their past, their present condition and future needs. Our team are just as likely to spend an afternoon inspecting the roof of a medieval abbey as they are to pore over drawings and historic research in the office. We employ a pragmatic and considered response to location, culture, materiality and scale. Our belief in the value of research underpins our conservation philosophy, as much as we pursue high quality, fitting designs.

Creativity is achieved through research, effective communication and engagement with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders. This collaborative process precedes sustained and thoughtful design work, ensuring that all projects from detailed architecture repairs and conservation strategies to new design respond intelligently to their surroundings and requirements. We endeavour to build close and enduring relationships based upon trust and performance.

Our ethos is reinforced by an holistic approach; with expertise in strategic advice, analysis of built fabric and interiors, integration of collections management and innovative architectural design. We appreciate the bigger picture and objective whilst attending to the details.

Ultimately we believe in the creative and sensitive management of our historic environment, ensuring a sustainable and delightful future for the buildings we work with and their occupants.

Practice Heritage

Oliver Caroe follows in the footsteps of three previous generations of conservation architects: his father, Martin; grandfather, Alban; and great-grandfather, W. D. Caröe, an early Brother of the Art Workers’ Guild. All were prominent architects in their own right.

Appointed Surveyor of the Fabric of St Paul’s Cathedral in 2012, Oliver is a Director of Caroe Architecture Ltd and also an Associate of Cambridge Architectural Research, an independent consultancy providing specialist advice for the construction industry, design professions and policy-making institutions.

A hands-on approach to architecture means that Oliver is just as likely to abseil down the face of a medieval abbey to examine the masonry as he is to pore over drawings in the office. Our team at St Paul’s have overseen numerous projects, ranging from repairs to the stairs and passages around the ascent of the dome, restoring the bells, and working alongside the Collections team to discover the extensive collections, archives and the magnificent Wren Library on the Triforium level, with the aim of opening it up as an exhibition area to visitors.

Our Expertise

The practice is expert at working in sensitive areas, including delicate landscapes, the historic built environment and urban centres. Our emphasis is on knowledge and research, combined with excellent architecture.

Our areas of expertise include:
• Historic Buildings
• Cultural Buildings and Sites
• Places of Worship
• Higher Education
• Residential
• Regeneration