Student Success Stories

Discover how our courses have transformed careers and inspired remarkable restoration projects

Inspiring Journeys

Real stories from our community of architecture enthusiasts and professionals

Emma Richardson restoring Victorian townhouse in Bath

Emma Richardson

From Accountant to Restoration Specialist

After completing the Victorian Splendour and Professional Restoration courses, Emma left her corporate career to restore a derelict Victorian townhouse in Bath. "The courses gave me not just the technical knowledge, but the confidence to pursue my passion," she says.

Emma's restoration project won the Bath Preservation Trust Award in 2024, and she now runs her own heritage consultancy, advising homeowners on period-appropriate renovations. "Historic Homes Explorer opened a door I didn't know existed. The expert instructors and hands-on workshops were invaluable."

Her Victorian townhouse restoration has been featured in Period Living magazine and serves as a case study for sympathetic heritage conservation. Emma continues to take advanced courses to expand her expertise into Georgian architecture.

James Chen leading architectural tour in London

James Chen

Building a Career in Architectural Tourism

James discovered his calling through our Georgian Elegance course while working as a museum guide. "I'd always loved historic buildings, but the course taught me to really see and understand them," he explains.

Inspired by the self-guided routes module, James launched 'London Architecture Walks', offering bespoke tours of Georgian and Victorian London. His business now employs five guides and has been rated the top architectural tour company in London on TripAdvisor.

"The course content on architectural details and historical context gave me the expertise to create truly engaging tours. I still reference the course materials regularly, and the lifetime access has been worth its weight in gold," James shares. He's now developing virtual tour experiences using techniques learned from our 3D tours module.

Sarah Thompson working on Tudor timber frame restoration

Sarah Thompson

Preserving Family Heritage

When Sarah inherited her family's 16th-century Tudor cottage in the Cotswolds, she felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of maintaining such a historic property. "I knew nothing about Tudor architecture or traditional building techniques," she admits.

After enrolling in the Tudor Architecture and Professional Restoration courses, Sarah gained the knowledge to work confidently with conservation architects and craftspeople. "Understanding the principles behind Tudor construction helped me make informed decisions about repairs and restoration."

Sarah successfully restored the cottage's timber frame, wattle and daub panels, and original diamond-pane windows. The project was completed in 2023 and received a commendation from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. "The courses didn't just save my family home – they gave me a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship of our ancestors. I now volunteer with the local heritage society, helping other owners of historic properties."

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