Peter Lovell's enduring interest in the analysis and re-use of older buildings began during his studies at Melbourne University, where he followed his Bachelor of Building degree with post-graduate research on the decay and preservation of materials.
He founded his first practice — originally Allom Lovell & Associates — in 1981.

Major early projects, such as the restoration
of Melbourne's mid-19th Century Windsor Hotel, were significant to Australia's growing passion for rediscovery of its architectural heritage — a movement with which Peter is proud to be associated. He has since been involved in the continued and contemporary life of many the nation's iconic 19th and early 20th Century buildings, for which his authoritative knowledge of historic building crafts and materials has been critical.

As founder and director of Lovell Chen, Peter plays a principal role in providing expert advice for major heritage projects. He considers challenge and debate as essential to the ongoing development of a relevant heritage strategy and is pleased to have his ideas publically tested and honed.

His established skills in the field of restoration and his emphatic personal commitment to the heritage issues, no matter how controversial, make him a frequent contributor to heritage tribunals and the decisions of heritage authorities such as the Victorian Heritage Council and its predecessor, the Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal.

"The past must not be used to stifle the future," he says. "Every conservation proposal should be looked at, understood, questioned — and justified."

In recent years, Peter has been providing an overview and input into many of the projects undertaken by the practice, with particular emphasis on those involving complex conservation scenarios. This includes applied works and the development of projects in connection with major heritage sites. He continues to bring to these projects his detailed knowledge of traditional building and comprehensive understanding of the issues faced in the adaptation and re-use of heritage structures.

Professional associations include .....

• Australia ICOMOS, member — including service on the Executive
• International Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works
• Archaeological Advisory Committee of Heritage Victoria
• Association for Preservation Technology
• Melbourne Marketing Advisory Board
• Melbourne University Encyclopaedia Project Advisory Board
• National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
• Victorian Planning & Environmental Law Association

Peter contributed to the Round Table on Management Plans for National Heritage
and Commonwealth Heritage Lists, and to a peer review of the Department of Planning & Community Development's Sustainability & Heritage Buildings Research Project. He also lectures regularly on Melbourne's heritage and on heritage practice generally.

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