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.
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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.