Could you tell us a little about the history of Architectural Heritage Ltd and the driving force behind its success as innovators in garden, sculpture and interior design?

Architectural Heritage Ltd (AH) was started over 40 years ago by my parents in partnership with two friends from outside of the antiques world. This combination of knowledge and business experience plus being in the right place at the right time set the course for the company for years to come. It is however, in the present that we see AH now, well into its second generation, striving for innovation in our product development and looking to be the best we can be in within our areas of expertise.

You specialise in antique and classic modern garden ornaments, fountains and planters, modern British sculpture and architectural interiors including panelling, staircases and chimney pieces, as a market leader. To what do you owe your success in such a competitive marketplace?

It is our unique company DNA that I believe helps us constantly rise to the challenges of the market. I am taking a risk here as this is not completely thought through but…  I used to ride horses and for a brief period competed in Point to Point Races. My analogy to business is the obvious hurdles that need to be negotiated, always coming at you at speed, the competition with others in the race and the jostling for (market) position. There are though the subtleties of race riding, the being aware of everything and everyone around you , knowing your own and your horse’s (supplant horse for business here) strengths and weaknesses and getting up dusting yourself off when things don’t go to plan! It’s not perfect but as a sign off and to misquote – Determination is omnipotent!

Architectural Heritage Ltd is a well-known brand in your sector. Good design is often copied. When you have come across infringements, how have you dealt with them?

We have been lucky thus far and I put that down to our constant use of the ACID brand on our literature and web site.

What is your message about the copying culture that pervades some of your sector and those who ride rough shod over the law?

Don’t try it!

You have been ACID members for some time now and clearly IP ethics, compliance and respect for intellectual property are the cornerstones by which you operate. What do you think could be done to promote this more within the garden ornaments, sculpture and interiors sectors? 

I would say that well run companies should look to incorporate ACID into their business model as a default setting. Those who don’t I would see are not seeing the bigger picture and not understanding how quickly a business can be affected by those looking to make you the short cut.

 Is enough done by government to promote IP respect in corporate social responsibility?

I would say the government has a lot of caching up to do on several fronts.

ACID is campaigning for stronger enforcement for design infringement. Since the 2014 IP Act introducing criminal provisions for intentional registered design infringement but also for individual directors, do you believe that if this is extended to unregistered designs infringement, it will become more of a deterrent, and would you support this?

Yes, and Yes.

Do you think there should be exemplary damages for design theft?

I do not like blanket statements and think each case should be taken on its merits – I would however say that a high monetary ceiling for damages would allow for more scope to punish the worst offenders.

Can you give us a steer on what you feel ACID’s achievements have been and what we could do in the future to raise further awareness about IP theft?

You’re doing a great Job!

Architectural Heritage Ltd