Lovell Chen is an architectural practice and heritage consultancy founded by Peter Lovell and Kai Chen in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Founded in 1981 as Allom Lovell & Associates, the practice became Lovell Chen in 2005. They are known for their heritage, conservation and strategic planning work, and latterly for architecture. The practice Principals are Kai Chen, Kate Gray, Peter Lovell, Adam Mornement, Anne-Marie Treweeke, Milica Tumbas and Katherine White. History Peter Lovell Peter Lovell graduated Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Building in 1976. Following this he went on to do two years post graduate study focused on research into low cost housing and adaptation and reuse of old buildings – particularly the technical aspect of reuse. Following this he spent 6 months in private practice working for Peter Elliot and then a short piece of work for Guilford Bell. Within 12 months of finishing postgraduate studies he went on to set up his own practice as a specialist in building conservation in Niagara Lane, Melbourne CBD. This office consisted of a collaborative of young practices including Peter Elliot, Gary Boag and John McNabb, all able to support each other in the early days of establishment. This was started in 1979 and ran until 1981. In 1981 he went on to form a partnership with Richard Allom, a Brisbane-based architect to form an architectural practice with offices in Melbourne and Brisbane. The Melbourne office was focused on building conservation works in providing advice on restoration in buildings. The Brisbane office was a mix of architecture and conservation work. The aim for the two offices was to provide services across the eastern seaboard including Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. The practice slotted in at a time where there was great interest in conservation work that arose in the late 70’s early 80’s and grew throughout these years. Commissions specialising in the interior such as finishes, paintwork and decorative work were achieved such as the Windsor Hotel, the Royal Exhibition Building, Parliament House, Princess Theatre, the Melbourne Town Hall and a number of defence projects including the fort at Queenscliff throughout the 80s and early 90s. In specialising in conservation the firm consisted of two parts – a research based part and applied architectural works. Kai Chen Kai Chen graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) degree. Prior to Lovell Chen he worked with Ian Robinson in a practice