Jake Motley joined SSHC 2014 having previously completed a 6 ½ year project as Construction Manager in charge of the conservation works on the Cutty Sark. Since joining, he has contract managed an 18 month project at Cannington Court; a Benedictine nunnery in Somerset. Following this, Jake moved on to become the Contract Manager for two year-long conservation projects at two Historic Royal Palace sites – the Tower of London and Banqueting House which ran simultaneously. Jake has amassed a wealth of experience in managing contracts from their design and programming stage, through to completion.

Nick is one of our most experienced mason/conservators having a wide range of skills in the cleaning, consolidation and repair of historic surfaces. He is often involved in our most challenging work and in recent years has developed a special interest in the conservation of ruinous structures. Nick has been an experienced site manager for a number of years for SSHC. He is also the Health and Safety Manager and has recently become an Associate Director for the company.

Having trained as an art historian, she worked with Robert Baker from 1980 to 1984 at Wells Cathedral and Iffley Church. In 1984 she was awarded an ICCROM fellowship at the Bonn conservation workshops where she specialised in the conservation of polychrome sculpture and the development and application of stone consolidants alongside lime based materials and techniques. She was a founder member of the UKIC stone section committee in 1986 responsible for technical days. In 1984 she was a founding member of the Nimbus Conservation Group and a director until 1996. From 1996 to 2008 she was a partner in Strachey and Strachey Conservation. She is a CPD reader for PACR accreditation and currently lectures at the AA and Bath University.

We are very pleased to have Nicola in the role of Finance and Operations Manager here at SSH Conservation. After 20+ years in the care industry, She brings with her invaluable experience and knowledge, boasting qualifications in CIPD & CIMA.

Lucy has many years experience of working within the construction industry. Originally studying painting & print-making at The City & Guilds of London Art School, she later undertook the Foundation Degree in Applied Architectural Stone Conservation at Weymouth College. Before joining SSHC in 2012, Lucy worked for Ian Constantinides. Recently Lucy has become an Associate Director for SSHC.

Jemma studied for a Foundation Degree in Applied Architectural Stonework and Conservation, having previously gained a degree in modern languages at Norwich University. A fluent German speaker as well as an experienced conservator, Jemma now leads forward the practical day to day management of the SSHC consultancy team. Jemma has excellent written skills and is known for her attention to detail.

James was initially employed by Strachey & Strachey Conservation as an assistant stone conservator back in 2000. Whilst with SS he built up his skills, specialising in stone masonry/carving and ropes access conservation. James went on to attend City of Bath College (2006-2008) to complete his NVQ Level 3 in banker masonry, along the way winning various awards including 1st place in the UK National Stone Federation Masonry Skills Challenge 2007. This has led to being part of a three-man judging panel for the annual UK Skillbuild events. James has been managing contracts of all sizes for a number of years.

Lisa started work with Strachey & Strachey Conservation in September 1999 as a conservator and quickly elevated to site foreman. She is able to see all elements of a job, understanding a variety of skills required within a complex specification. Lisa is skilled in all aspects of lime based conservation, monuments, structural elements, finishes and cleaning. She has excellent man-management skills, is articulate and has good communication skills. Lisa has since become a lead role in the management team. She has also recently given lectures and talks, most notably for the institute of conservation (ICON).

Following a background in Art History, Rachel completed a Masters in Conservation Studies at West Dean College. She originally specialised in ceramic and glass conservation but was drawn to in situ working and quickly found a love for stone and architectural conservation. With over 10 years’ experience including 8 years with SSHC, Rachel has worked with a variety of materials and now manages large scale sites and consults on many prestigious and complex projects.

John is a member of the CIOB and the CIOB’s Building Conservation Certification Scheme. He has a post grad diploma in Architectural Stone Conservation and also studied stone masonry at the City of Bath College and stone carving at the City and Guilds of London Art School. A member of SPAB, John has over 25 years’ experience working on historic buildings and has a keen interest in the built environment and sustainability. When not working, John has a dedicated interest in sport.

Emma has a BA (Hons) Built Heritage Conservation with History as well as 15 years' experience working in the field, conserving historic structures. She has worked for SSHC for 8 years and has has extensive experience of cleaning surfaces using a variety of conservation techniques as well as of working with hot mixed lime mortars and the conservation of brickwork. She is an experienced site manager, managing high profile projects where multiple subcontractors require specific co-ordination.

Columba Strachey is an experienced conservator and site manager. He trained with the company and has a special interest in sculpture and monuments. Columba has been a SSSTS - trained site manager for a number of years and has managed a number of challenging sites. He is also an Irata-trained rope access operative and an integral member of the RA team undertaking surveys, maintenance & repairs via the ropes.

Lee has been employed by Strachey & Strachey Conservation since 1999 and has a BA hons in Ceramics and Glass. Over the years Lee has managed contracts of various sizes, the largest and most noteworthy being the 2 year conservation programme to Corfe Castle, Dorset. As senior conservator for SSHC, Lee’s ability in traditional lime techniques are second to none. Lee also gives technical advice and training within the Strachey team as well as at educational sessions with community groups.

Jack joined SSHC in 2018 and trained with the company as an apprentice stonemason through the CITB scheme. He qualified in 2021, having trained at Building Crafts College in London. Whilst training, Jack won an apprentice award from the Worshipful Company of Masons. He has a particular interest in architecture dating from 11th century.