Designing the future from the past

Held in the Grange at newly built Shoemakers Museum, the lead architect for this project will walk you through the designing of the new museum.

A fascinating talk by the architect behind the newly built Shoemakers Museum in Street – a landmark celebrating the rich history of shoemaking.

In this exclusive event for Heritage Open Days, Alasdair Ferguson from Purcell Architects in Bristol, will take you on a journey into the design intent behind the creation of Shoemakers Museum from initial concept to final construction.

Learn how the design blends modern architectural techniques with heritage and sustainable materials to honour the legacy of Streets architectural heritage.

There will be time for questions and discussion after the talk, including a tour, offering a unique opportunity to explore how history and design can come together in meaningful and inspiring ways.

As a senior Architect at Purcell for nearly four years, Alasdair is comfortable delivering complex projects across all stages—from new builds to Grade I listed conservation, across a range of sectors.

His philosophy emphasizes sensitivity, context, and joyful spaces, particularly thriving when designing within constraints, Alasdair approaches existing buildings as opportunities to reuse and retell, framing history through contemporary design.

The Shoemakers Museum project holds special significance for Alasdair as it celebrates people – the generations of Street families who’ve invested in this 200-year-old brand.