Heritageworks is dedicated to promoting good practice in all aspects of Cultural Heritage both here in Canada and further abroad. We offer a range of services and training opportunities in conservation and archaeology. Our team works closely with universities, building professionals, local societies and all levels of government to deliver effective and lasting conservation projects.
We are comprised of craftspeople, conservators, archaeologists, architects, engineers and conservation practitioners. Together we have a broad international experience of vernacular buildings, traditional building materials and the craft skills necessary to shape them.
We believe that everyone has a stake in the stewardship of our historic places. Further, that skilled and informed use of traditional materials is not only good for our historic buildings, but good for the environment and good for the soul!
Ben Gourley
Ben Gourley is a building conservator and archaeologist with a BA in classical archaeology from Queen’s University, an MA from the University of British Columbia, and an MA in architectural conservation from the University of York.
He has worked on a range of buildings and landscape related projects in both the educational and private sectors, with a geographical focus split between the UK, the Mediterranean and Canada. He is currently an instructor with the Cultural Resource Management program at the University of Victoria, and a research associate with the Department of Archaeology at University of York.
Ben is recognized as a leader in the heritage masonry community for his delivery of hands-on training in the assessment and repair of historic masonry and his research in the traditional uses of earth, stone and lime.
Gord Macdonald
Gord Macdonald is a designer, builder and building conservator with more than 30 years’ experience working with wooden buildings and historic structures. He has led teams on six continents, creating a range of interesting and award-winning projects from the restoration of medieval castles in Europe to the re-creation of a 30-ton Roman ballista for BBC Television. Gord has worked at many diverse locations including the equatorial jungles of Suriname and the Ross Sea area of Antarctica where he has spent nine seasons and more than a year ‘on the ice’.
Gord is an instructor with the International Course on Wood Conservation Technology at Riksantikvaren, Norway. He is a Canadian representative to the International Wood Council, and the International Polar Heritage Committee, both are Special Scientific Committees to the International Council on Sites and Monuments (ICOMOS). Gord is also a founding member of the Wooden Places of Faith, ICOMOS Sub-Committee, the Past-president of Heritage BC, the founder of the specialist carpentry company Macdonald & Lawrence (M&L) and a partner with Heritageworks Ltd., an international heritage conservation company based on Vancouver Island, BC. Gord is a Professional Member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals.
Gord is currently undertaking doctoral research with the Department of Archaeology and Ancient History at University of Leicester.