1. Frans Nicholas,Architect CurriculumVitae Page 1/2
Please see practice website for further information: www.fransnicholasarchitects.co.uk updated September 2014
FRANS HAIG NICHOLAS
MA (Cantab) DipArch DipConservation(AA) RIBA AABC FRSA
Education: Architectural Association [AA], London 1990 - 1992
Princeton University, New Jersey, USA 1970 - 1971
Cambridge University (King's College) 1967 - 1972
Whitgift School, Croydon, Surrey 1959 - 1966
Qualifications: Post Graduate Diploma in Building Conservation [AA] 1992
Diploma in Architecture (Cambridge University) 1972
Master's Degree in Architecture (First Class ) - Cambridge University 1970
Career summary : Principal/Director of own practice, Frans Nicholas Architects Ltd. 1991 - present
Partner-designate with David Duckham, Conservation Architect,Worcester 1990 - 1991
Chief Architect, Family Care Housing Association, Newport 1987 - 1990
Group Leader (Architects), Preseli Pembrokeshire District Council 1979 - 1987
David Lea RIBA,Architect, Gwynedd - project architect 1979
National Building Agency (London) - project architect, team leader 1975 - 1979
Phippen Randall and Parkes, Architects (London) - project architect 1974 - 1975
London Borough of Merton (Architect's Department) - project architect 1973 - 1974
Manorbier Castle - report on roof construction 1992
Conservation of Smeaton`s Tower (Grade 1 lighthouse/ museum), Plymouth
Hoe, for Plymouth City Council
2000-2004
Major repair and conservation work to numerous churches, chapels and historic
houses in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire incuding Grade 1 and II*
churches and chapels
1991 - present
Conservation Plans for several major lighthouses with attached cottages on
behalf of Trinity House Lighthouse Service
2002-2006
Project monitoring for Heritage Lottery Fund on major projects in Wales
including Aberglasney Gardens, Sker House, Beaumaris Old Courthouse, Picton
Castle; including monitoring of large Conservation Plans received by HLF
1997 - 2003
New-build mixed use blocks of apartments, offices and shops, Milford Docks 2000 - 2006
Townscape Heritage Initiative schemes in Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire 2000 - present
Published Conservation Plan for Blaenavon Town Conservation Area (Blaenavon
World Heritage Site)
2002
Quinquennial inspecting architect to Diocese of St David's (with care over the
years of some 40-50 churches)
1992 - present
Preparation for Bridgend County Borough Council of a Design Guide for listed
terraces of ironworker's houses,Tondu
1999
Extension of Baillie Scott house, Lydstep; recent conservation work to same 2000; 2013
Conservation of MarloesVillage Clock Tower (Edwardian Arts & Crafts) 2006-7
Conservation Area assessment of Pontypool historic town centre (published at
http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/EnvironmentAndPlanning/Conservation/Publications/
PontypoolConservationAreas.pdf)
2007
Alteration and access scheme to the English Baptist Church, Carmarthen (large
Grade II* chapel)
1999 - 2009
Management of problematic medieval church tower,Whitland. Extensive
grouting work undertaken in association with English Heritage's leading grouting
consultant. Work involved training local conservation team to carry out this
work – a valuable extension of local expertise.
2004 - 2009
Selection of recent
projects undertaken
by Frans Nicholas
Architects:

2. Frans Nicholas,Architect CurriculumVitae Page 2/2
Please see practice website for further information: www.fransnicholasarchitects.co.uk updated September 2014
Planning applications on difficult sites including those involving archaeology, tree
conservation, and flood risk assessments
2000 - present
Report on conservation and structural/ safety issues at largest group of
surviving C19 lime kilns in Wales (Kiln Park,Tenby)
2006
Access audits,Access Schemes and Local Authority Disabled Facility schemes 1991 - 2010
Expert witness at (successful) formal Planning Appeal,Aberystwyth 2010
Conservation and repair work to Tremaen closed church (Grade II*) for The
Friends of Friendless Churches, London
2012-2013
Chapel Bay Fort and Museum, Pembrokeshire: conservation work,
reconstruction of historic army buildings, external works and drainage to a
Scheduled Monument site: in collaboration with Opus International (Cardiff) Ltd
(approx contract value £350,000)
2012-present
Conservation Plan and Condition Survey of Caldicot Castle for Monmouth
County Council in collaboration with Opus International (Cardiff) Ltd
2014-15
Publications: `The Conservation of British Lighthouses`, post graduate thesis published in
`ASCHB Transactions`, the journal of the Association for Studies in the
Conservation of Historic Buildings, Bath
1994
Memberships: Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings [ SPAB]
Association for Studies in the Conservation of Historic Buildings [ASCHB]
Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation
Royal Institute of British Architects
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
Fortress Studies Group
Other involvements/
specialisations
Past professional practice examiner for the RIBA Professional Practice Board at
the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff (Cardiff University)
Architect with experience and training in film-making
Part time lecturer at Cardiff University School of Architecture on architectural
history, and on conservation issues
Expert witness on conservation matters
Awards Welsh Office Design Award for Hospital conversion 1983
Welsh Office Design Award for Palace Court, Milford Haven 1985
Civic Society awards for designs in Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven 1987 - 2009