Forty-Five Years Restoring Heritage Buildings

45 Years

In the Trade

Ian Stewart started his apprenticeship at fourteen. What followed was six years working across Europe on historic homes, castles and châteaux, learning restoration techniques and finishing methods most tradespeople in Australia have never been taught.

Among them is the traditional French smooth-render technique — a finish that replicates the aged, smooth surface original render develops over a century, so restored work reads as period-correct rather than obviously new.

He brought that training back to Australia, built a reputation in Perth, then moved to Adelaide. Over the following decades his work has included government buildings, the State Library of South Australia and the Adelaide Zoo.

One client handed Ian the keys to their historic home before leaving Australia for an extended period, and asked him to carry out the full restoration while they were away. They came home to a finished house.

"Restoration isn't about covering up what's there. It's about understanding the original material, repairing it properly, and making the finished work look like it belongs."

Today, Heritage & Modern works exclusively on high-end residential painting, plastering, and heritage restoration across Adelaide, with Ian personally overseeing every project.

Is Ian Stewart involved in every job?

Is Heritage & Modern licensed and insured?

What areas does Ian work in?

How do you handle large-scale restorations?