With a history dating back to 1982, A F Starr has built a strong reputation in heritage and traditional construction, delivering a wide range of repair, restoration, and refurbishment projects across London.
Working extensively with local authorities including the Royal Borough of Greenwich and several London borough councils, the company has developed expertise across the full spectrum of building works, from drainage infrastructure to complex roofing and full-scale refurbishments.
Over the years, A F Starr has played a key role in restoring Victorian and Edwardian homes, listed buildings, public monuments, and historic sites such as schools, parks, town halls, and cemeteries.
Now recognised as a National Federation of Builders Heritage Approved Contractor, the firm continues to apply traditional methods and materials while meeting modern construction standards, maintaining a consistent approach to preserving the character and integrity of historic buildings.
Can you tell us about the origins of the company and how its approach to traditional and heritage work has evolved over the years?
Our Company A F Starr Ltd became incorporated in 1982. We have carried out a multitude of works for local councils such as The Royal Borough of Greenwich, London Borough of Lewisham, London Borough of Southwark, London Borough of Bromley, London Borough of Newham, London Borough of Tower Hamlets and London Borough of Bexley.
Our works have entailed all spectrums of building repair and maintenance works from laying main drains to fitting pitched roofs on top of flat roofs on blocks of flats i.e. from top to bottom.
We have carried out complete refurbishment to Victorian and Edwardian houses, we have carried out refurbishment to various monuments and listed buildings, we have also carried out restoration projects on a vast number of London parks and also Victorian and Edwardian Schools, Town Halls and Cemeteries.
A F Starr is a National Federation of Builders (NFB) Heritage Approved Contractor. Can you explain what this accreditation means for your work and your clients?
The NFB Heritage Approved Mark means that our clients can have trust and faith in us to satisfy complete Heritage Works.
You’ve worked on the restoration of the twin bell towers at Conway School. What were the main challenges of this project, and how did you approach them?
The main challenge of Conway Primary School was the working at height (30 meters) and the contract period of completion; the works were carried out during the summer holiday Period.
Both towers had engineered scaffolding erection and hoisting applications.
The works themselves consisted of standard carpentry rebuilds, domed leadwork and decorations. An incredible amount of pre preparation was required to carry out the works within the timetable allowed for.
When it comes to heritage projects, how do you balance preserving original features with modern safety and building standards?
We basically balance preserving original features by carrying out the works as the original builders would have done. Obviously, there would be more emphasis on the Health and Safety Standards of today.
How do you source authentic materials for heritage restoration, and how important is it to match historical fabric exactly?
We look to match the historical fabric exactly as it was built. We source materials from second hand builders merchants, we would look to get stones made from traditional stonemasons and we can obtain mortars and other sundries from specialist suppliers.
Many historic buildings weren’t designed with energy efficiency in mind. How does A F Starr integrate sustainability without compromising heritage value?
A F Starr Limited does not compromise heritage value for energy efficiency unless instructed to do so in which case we would not consider it true Heritage Works.
Can you share a particularly memorable moment or discovery from any of your heritage projects that reinforced the importance of your work?
We restored the Icewell at The Tarn Bird Sanctuary in Court Road, Mottingham, London, SE9.
The Icewell was originally part of a large manor estate and was full of 150 years’ worth of silt and articles that we removed before carrying out repairs, some of the articles were very interesting.
We also carried out a rebuild of the Vandyke brick conservatory in Eltham Hill, London, SE9 some years ago, this structure again had an interesting history, and it was in a state of dereliction when we started.
Heritage restoration requires highly skilled craftspeople. How do you ensure your team maintains these specialist skills, while inspiring the next generation into the sector?
We would advise building owners that Heritage Restoration can be expensive and can take a considerable amount of time to complete; however, the final article should be considered well worth doing.
Where do you see the future of heritage contracting heading, and how is A F Starr preparing for evolving standards and technologies in traditional building conservation?
We consider the future of Heritage is in a fairly good place, keeping old buildings alive seems to be an improving social entity, however, we are unsure about the use of technology within the sector.
