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 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 historic buildings and cultural landscape projects in both the educational and private sectors, with a geographical focus split between the UK, the Mediterranean and Canada. Ben’s skills as an archaeological surveyor and archaeological geophysicist keep him in high demand as a specialist consultant to archaeological companies in both North America and Europe. He is a talented instructor who has led multiple field schools and academic courses with universities in Canada and UK, and delivered hands-on training for heritage carpenters, engineers, and architects. Ben is recognized as a leader in the heritage community for his delivery of training in the assessment and repair of historic masonry and his research in the traditional uses of earth, stone and lime. Ben’s research has been key to developing Heritageworks’ specifications for traditional repairs to foundations, chinking, lime-wash and other aspects of historic log and timber buildings.
Ben is a partner with Heritageworks Ltd. where he has been responsible for developing innovative assessment protocols which integrate time-honoured recording methods with cutting-edge digital technology.
Gord Macdonald
Gord is a designer, builder and building conservator with a PhD in Archaeology and Ancient History from the University of Leicester. 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 12 seasons and more than a year ‘on the ice’.
Gord is an instructor with the International Wood Conservation Course at Riksantikvaren, Norway. He is the Canadian representative to the International Wood Council (IWC), and the International Polar Heritage Committee (IPHC), both are Special Scientific Committees to the International Council on Sites and Monuments (ICOMOS). He is the current President of the IPHC. 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.
Gord is a Professional Member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP/BCAHP).