After attending a recent RIBA South West symposium on Reimagining Resources: Buildings, Materials and Crafts, I was prompted to reflect on the role of craftsmanship in traditional buildings and how it contributes to the evolving character of a structure over time. The irregularity of craftsmanship creates character by introducing uniqueness, authenticity, and a human touch that machines or mass production can't replicate.
Integrating traditional crafts into our conservation work feels both intuitive and effective. These practices come with a rich history that we can honour and extend by continuing their legacy in a similar spirit. The real challenge, however, is finding ways to bring the same depth of character into our new-build work, especially when faced with the modern-day pressures of speed, budget constraints, and regulatory demands.
We must first ask… how can we define character in architecture?
A building with character tells a story. It speaks of its place - its topography, climate, and culture. It does not shout, but it resonates.
In practice, we see character manifest in subtle, often quiet ways:
- A curved timber handrail worn smooth by generations.
- A window that frames an important view, possibly with a space to sit and have a quiet moment.
- A threshold that marks not just transition in space, but in experience.
True character is never imposed. It grows out of an attentiveness to people and their rhythms. It reflects how they gather, retreat, connect, and reflect. Creating architecture that allows these moments is essential.
We are inspired by buildings that age well - using natural, local materials that can hold the patina of time, and creating spaces that can gather stories and deepen in meaning. In every project, we ask: Will this place still matter in 30, 60, 100 years?
At CHALK, our responsibility is not to chase character as a style, but to cultivate it as a quality - through process, material honesty, craftsmanship, and care. To listen first and to understand what the site, the client, and the moment truly need.
Because ultimately, character is not what we design into a building - it’s what we allow to emerge.
