Dear Reader,

If you have a moment to spare may I introduce myself, and explain a little about the background and ethics of DSE Design and it’s sister practice Bureau Novar: Britain’s original specialist design service for buildings of the era 1850 - 1950 and their engineering services. 

My name is Alistair Jones and I founded DSE, or to be more correct, developed it as an independent entity from it’s roots as part of the long standing architectural practice of Sir Percy Thomas and Son of Cardiff, dating back to 1912. 

At the start of the 20th century a new life was being breathed into Architecture which was quickly going to to lead in many exciting and previously unimaginable directions : Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, The Modern Movement, Art Deco, Moderne, Garden Suburb and even the Municipal Neo-Georgian of countless 1930’s suburban shopping parades. 

By the time 50 years had passed the landscape and streetscape had come to terms with new shapes, materials and planning - not without many misgivings along the way! 

Now after perhaps upwards of 50 years many of these buildings are in need of renovation or perhaps adaption to a new use. Until recently many were simply being pulled down for re-development on the spurious surmise that it is uneconomic to bring them up to present day standards of utility. 

Too many others are “modernised” in a way that loses that priceless atmosphere which makes original unspoiled examples so atmospheric. We have all seen vintage cars after “chassis-up” restorations with new upholstery, acrylic re-spray and new chrome where it used to be nickel : very smart but with no trace of the aura of their past. 

This is where I would like the opportunity to introduce myself and explain my personal background. 

Over 40 years ago I studied Architecture at the long vanished Hanley School of Architecture. I now realise how especially fortunate I was in receiving my Architectural training in what was in more senses than one, the old style. The principal tutor of our very small group was the well known figure Percy Lloyd, a veteran of the architectural “Grand Tour” of the classical world before the first world war. 

Our tutor in building construction and building engineering services had previously retired from being a leading figure at the Building Research Establishment before and during the second war, and had contributed to many British Standards. 

The Architectural world had not quite changed yet and my first post, as a junior (pupil) Architect was with Staffordshire County Architect’s Office where I found myself briefly in a time-warp working on Municipal Neo-Georgian projects before the new broom of the sixties swept what I had already come to feel as real solid design away in favour of colourful sheds. 

1967 brought the Conservation Act and a move to the County Planning Office’s Conservation Section where I spent the next few years in identifying and analysing proposed conservation areas, together with much research work in connection with applications for Listed Building Consent. 

It was at this time that I became strongly aware of how little protection existed for 20th century buildings at that time. Often allowed to get run down, if any effort was made at refurbishment it was usually with the express intention of trying to change them into something seen as modern. Fixtures and fittings were ripped out and the exterior crudely adapted. Very few were listed and most were regarded as too recent to be of any interest or merit. 

I strongly disagreed: the seeds of DSE were sown! 

Since then attitudes have fortunately changed with wider appreciation of the aesthetics and rationale behind the designs, but even now we see another manifestation of development vandalism: the new building constructed behind the preserved façade of a beautiful old one which has been demolished to make way for it. Sadly when the Conservation Act was drafted the technology for doing this regularly did not exist so it went unforeseen at the cost of countless examples of our heritage. 

In 1972 I joined Sir Percy Thomas and Son at their recently established Central Technical Services Unit in Shrewsbury and became Manager of the Building (Engineering) Services Dept in 1978. After the retirement of Norman Percy Thomas the character and direction of the practice gradually changed over the years towards a more international flavour and in 1994 a restructuring of PTP, as it now was known, resulted in several of the Departments becoming wholly independent, one of which was DSE. Since then I like to think we have got right back to the design ethic which Sir Percy Thomas would recognise. 

If this potted history of the background to the DSE Ethic has been too wordy then I apologise, but I do want to convey that in consulting or appointing DSE you will be dealing with people with a very special mission: 

· Every project is individually handled and thoroughly researched. We have no stock methods. 

· We care about your building because it is part of the irreplaceable heritage of all of us: it must be right. 

· We care that you get exactly what you want, on time and without hassle. 

· Thoughtful re-use and adaption of original fixtures, fittings and engineering services can often make savings whilst preserving that period feel that makes the building special. 

· Our long practical experience and historical research ensures the right materials, finishes and fittings are specified. Every one will be as original : we do not specify sham look-alikes. 

· Above all a DSE job should be indistinguishable from what the original Architect would have done if he was working to your instructions. 

We invite your interest.