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Two years ago, I embarked on what would become one of the most demanding — and ultimately rewarding — projects of my career: the restoration of a Grade II listed farmhouse in rural Shropshire.

As both a project manager and interior designer, I understood from the outset that listed buildings are not for the faint-hearted. They come with layers of history, responsibility, and regulation. What I perhaps underestimated was just how testing the process would become when navigating listed building consent and planning departments — particularly when guidance shifted and decisions were revisited mid-project. At times, it felt like moving the goalposts while the match was already underway.

That said, heritage buildings demand resilience, clarity of vision, and a deep respect for their past. Every challenge forced better decision-making, stronger problem-solving, and a more considered approach. The goal was never to impose modern design, but to work with the building — restoring its character, celebrating its imperfections, and ensuring its future longevity.