We are a small friendly practice based in the Peak District near Buxton. We love working on old buildings, churches, estates and new build in a historic context across the country. We also enjoy helping homeowners with domestic repairs, alterations and extensions more locally.

John Ruddy established Capstone in early 2001, to follow his passion in the conservation of historic buildings. As well as having an MA degree in conservation, and being a Chartered Structural Engineer, John became one of the first 'CARE Conservation Accredited Engineers' in the country back in 2005, and is also a full member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

Being a small practice, John has a hands-on role from initial site visit through to completion of the work. John's approach of ‘working with’ the existing structure rather than ignoring or understating its inherent stability and strength often results in lower levels of intervention. We see producing design drawings as an important part of this process, as it aids in developing an understanding of the building's structure and the issues it faces.

We have a good relationship with our clients and the repeat work is a testimony to their satisfaction with us.