The practice specialises in the recording of Ancient and Historic Buildings. It carries out accurate and comprehensive measured surveys, photographic recording, and historical and documentary research. The practice was established in 1984 by R W Selwood as a specialised service for historic buildings. A Duncan joined the practice in 1996 as a partner. Measured surveys are used for making records for archiving, for the interpretation of archaeological, historical or constructional development of buildings or as a tool to aid the repair and conservation of historic buildings.
Surveys made by the practice are very specific and provide accurate and detailed information.
The format of a survey can be focussed on the particular requirements of each case. The practice makes use of a variety of techniques for carrying out measured surveys, in various combinations selected according to the requirements of the particular job. Each technique used contains an appropriate discipline of control, so that it is possible to return to a survey at a later stage and develop it with a different focus for additional requirements. Surveys are usually presented as computer-generated drawings. This not only has the usual advantages for the transmission, storage and use of material, but it can also be used for the analysis and presentation of many more aspects of the buildings than is possible with traditional drawings.