Together, we reimagine heritage sustainably, designing places where people can belong.
Purcell is a global leader in architecture, heritage consultancy, and masterplanning, with the world’s largest team of heritage experts. Our award-winning portfolio spans sustainable new buildings, conservation, restoration, retrofit, and adaptive reuse. As an AJ100 practice, we have an outstanding portfolio of world-class projects across Asia Pacific and the United Kingdom, encompassing cultural, public, hospitality, education, and transportation sectors.
Founded in 1947 as part of the post-war conservation movement, we continue to advance our core disciplines and expertise through practical experience, technical knowledge, and intellectual rigor, demonstrated by a diverse portfolio of projects across various scales and typologies. Our work spans large urban regeneration programs to small, beautifully crafted new buildings. Our projects are distinguished by their quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail, setting a standard of excellence that is globally recognized and awarded. Notable international projects include the conservation and renewal of Battersea Power Station, and our RIBA Award-winning extension at Radley College chapel.
Operating in the Asia Pacific region since 2009, Purcell has established studios in Hong Kong, Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart. Notable Hong Kong projects include the RIBA International and UNESCO award-winning transformation of Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, the enhancement project at one of Asia’s premier private members clubs, and the refurbishment of the Hong Kong Cricket Club. In Australia, projects include the MIPIM International Award-winning Bice Building, the National Trust Heritage Award-winning NSW Parliament House Chambers, and the PIA (TAS) award-winning Treasury Complex and Public Buildings in Hobart.
Our designs evolve from a deep understanding of shared heritage and the unique qualities of each place. Our mission is to improve the lives of those who use our buildings and ensure the long-term sustainability of each project. By reimagining heritage in new ways, we unlock opportunities to sustain and enhance historic places, blending conservation excellence with innovative design. As we deepen our appreciation for cultural heritage, we better understand how built heritage integrates with the broader cultural and contemporary social landscape.
For over 75 years, Purcell has been helping clients care for and enhance their buildings and landscapes.
As the world’s largest practice of architects working with the existing built environment, Purcell has consistently ranked No. 1 for Heritage in the World Architecture 100. Our employee-owned model fosters a collaborative approach, with over 320 architects and heritage experts working from 14 international studios.
Services include:
Architectural Services
Full or partial architectural design services for alterations, additions and adaptive re-use .
Due-Diligence and Pre-Design
Identification of opportunities, challenges, statutory controls and risks to achieving strategic project or built heritage outcomes.
Building Condition Assessment
Inspection and reporting, priority works recommendations.
Conservation Works
Dilapidation, preservation, restoration, repair, and reconstruction documentation.
Masterplanning
Built heritage considerations as part of strategic, urban design or heritage area renewal.
Built Heritage Management Planning
Conservation management plans (CMPs) or guidance to support management of heritage objects, places, precincts or complexes.
Asset Management and Maintenance Plans
Inspection, advice, maintenance and monitoring to assist with integrated asset management.
Built Heritage Advice and Impact Appraisal
Advice, analysis, sightline assessment, expert opinion and assessment when change proposed to a heritage building, precinct or setting to support consent applications.
Grant Funding Applications
Grant funding application, discharge and reporting assistance.
Peer Review
International peer review, best-practice and project benchmarking.
Purcell are a registered architectural company with the Architect’s Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV).
Our team comprises registered architects across NSW, Victoria, SA, WA, Tasmania and the UK who hold positions as members of the following:
We have also held positions on award boards across Australia including Jury Chair at the 2020 AIA Tasmania awards.
Level 4/182 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002
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