About Us

What we do

We are a small and friendly, RIBA Chartered Practice that specialises in the conservation and adaptation of historic buildings. We work on all shapes and sizes of ancient or listed buildings, including restoration projects, conversions, alterations and extensions. We work predominantly in Essex, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and London. We are passionate about old buildings and the stories they tell. The challenge we have is to balance the repair and the retention of the historic fabric while ensuring these important buildings can evolve and adapt to uses that keep them animated, allowing them to tell new stories for the future.
The practice has won the RIBA East Heritage Award on a number of occasions for the work they have done.

Our people

Director
Kay Pilsbury graduated from the University of Manchester with a BA (Hons) rather more years ago than she cares to remember. She is a Chartered member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, registered with the Architects’ Registration Board and is an RIBA, Accredited Architect in Building Conservation. Kay is also a member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).
The practice was set up by Kay 25 years ago and she subsequently has a vast knowledge and understanding of historic buildings, their construction and detailing. Kay has worked on many restoration projects but also extensively on English Heritage and Heritage Lottery grant aided projects where important historic buildings are adapted for public use within a community. She has an excellent understanding of buildings local to East Anglia, such as medieval timber frame structures. Kay works on many important Churches in both East Anglia and London, overseeing the specialist repairs that these structures require, as well as designing and thoughtfully adapting the spaces within churches to provide much needed modern facilities.

Director
Sibyl Thomas graduated from the Royal College of Art with an MA in Architecture, she was then awarded the Certificate in Professional Practice and Management in Architecture with Commendation from The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London. She is a Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and is registered with the Architects’ Registration Board.
She is currently writing a thesis on the history and conservation of rural water supply in Essex, for the Graduate Diploma in Building Conservation at the Architectural Association in London. She offers a vast knowledge of historic buildings, materials and techniques and an understanding of the innovative approaches to old buildings, including sustainable materials, renewable energies and the use of modern materials within a historic context.

Leah Palfrey is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists and is currently writing a thesis on the Conservation of historic buildings in Venice, for the Graduate Diploma in Building Conservation at the Architectural Association, London. She has an extensive knowledge of historic domestic buildings in East Anglia and the re-arrangement of these old houses and extensions to them.

Nicola Higgins has a BA (Hons) in Interior Design, she is an Associate Member of British Interior Design Association and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. She has a special interest in Church architecture and in particular has worked on the re-arrangement of church interiors and the addition of new facilities.

Jonathan Buck received an RIBA Bronze Medal prize and International Student Competition prize prior to receiving a Diploma in Architecture with Design Distinction from the Polytechnic of Central London in 1992.
Jon has worked with Ian Ritchie Architects, Michael Hopkins & Partners, has been a tutor at the Royal College of Art and continues to teach in the London Universities and the Welsh School of Architecture.
Working with KPA, Jon is also a director of London-based design practice SCABAL, where he drives the concept design of community, education and residential projects. His role within KPA is to mix his experience as a designer, teacher and strategist with the historic, material and detail expertise of the practice.

Peter Thomas is the Company Secretary and a qualified CDM Co-ordinator. A CDM Co-ordinator is required where the project is notifiable. He is a key part of the support team and his responsibilities include advising and assisting the client with the allocation of responsibilities within the construction process. Notifing details of the project to HSE including co-coordinating health and safety aspects of design work.
He also ensures good communication between the client, designers and contractors including all relevant documentation. He is responsible for all accounting aspects of any project.