Victorian Heritage Services Directory

Heritage Workshop: Next Generation Conservation

We don’t just write reports; we unlock the future of your site.

Heritage Workshop combines deep academic rigour with strategic pragmatism to help developers, property owners, the for-purpose sector, and government navigate Victoria’s complex planning system. We move beyond simple preservation. Our goal is to empower our clients, adapt historic environments for sustainable use, and ensure your project clears the approvals process with absolute clarity.

Our Capabilities:

  • Permits & Approvals: Heritage Impact Statements (HIS), Conservation Management Plans (CMPs), and seamless permit strategy.

  • Strategic Advice: Commercial and residential feasibility, masterplanning, and precinct controls.

  • Placemaking: Interpretation strategies, community engagement, and social value assessments.

  • Engagement: Meaningful collaboration with stakeholders and communities.

  • Expert Witness: Independent peer reviews, historical research, and authoritative VCAT representation.

Contact Us:

Ready to discuss your project goals?

Phone: +61 03 9947 5499‬.

Email: hello@heritageworkshop.au

Website: www.heritageworkshop.au

 

Professional Affiliations / Qualifications

Dr James Lesh

Founding Director, Heritage Workshop
Historian and Heritage Specialist

James is an award-winning historian and thought leader in heritage conservation. He combines deep academic rigour with strategic pragmatism to unlock value for complex and sensitive heritage projects.

 

  • Academic Qualifications: PhD (University of Melbourne); MA (University of London); BA Hons; BCom (University of Melbourne).

  • Professional Affiliations: Registered Planner, Planning Institute of Australia (PIA); Full International Member, Australia ICOMOS; Professional Historian, Professional Historians Association (PHA); Member, Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA); Member, Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand (SAHANZ).

  • Academic Appointments: Honorary Research Fellow, Federation University. Previously at the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, University of Sydney, and King’s College London.

Stacey Nguyen

Principal, Heritage Workshop
Engagement and Communications

Stacey brings over 15 years of government experience to navigate complex policy and manage project risk. She translates technical heritage constraints into meaningful community dialogue.

 

  • Academic Qualifications: Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM); Bachelor of Arts (B.Arts); Diploma of Arts (DipArts) (University of Melbourne).

  • Government and Advisory Roles: Extensive leadership experience across the Australian and Victorian Governments, including roles as Acting Chief of Staff, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Media Adviser, and Senior Departmental Liaison Officer.

  • Key Portfolios: Office of the Minister for Planning and Outdoor Recreation; Department of Justice and Community Safety; Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Heritage Workshop

Dr James Lesh

Suite 105B, 84 Hotham Street
Preston VIC 3072
Woi-wurrung Country

GML

GML

GML Heritage is one of Australia’s most respected heritage consultancies. We provide balanced solutions for heritage places and communities that respond to our clients’ needs and the complexities, opportunities and challenges of our time. GML’s portfolio includes strategic heritage advice, place-based and social histories, integrated heritage values assessment, and heritage studies across Victoria, conservation management…

SHP (Sue Hodges Productions Pty Ltd)

SHP (Sue Hodges Productions Pty Ltd)

SHP (Sue Hodges Productions Pty Ltd) has over 23 years of experience in the heritage sector. We specialise in heritage interpretation but offer a complete range of heritage-based services, including design and fabrication. We aim not only to make heritage relevant and meaningful for clients and audiences but also to produce leading-edge work. Our work…

Purcell

Purcell

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…

Vision Ornate Plaster Pty Ltd

Vision Ornate Plaster Pty Ltd

Vision Ornate Plaster is a highly specialized heritage moulding and building restoration business. We are exclusive in that all heritage work from consultancy to installation is managed and completed ‘hands on’ by Vision Ornate Plaster owner/Principal craftsman Ben Belzunce and fellow specialists. Whilst our core business is with interior heritage plaster work, we also reproduce…

Close Menu