Dr James Lesh is an historian and heritage specialist whose work examines the intersection of people, place and the built environment. As an honorary research fellow within the Future Regions Research Centre (FRRC), his research focuses on how heritage and social values can be practically applied to planning and public policy. Drawing on his historical expertise in urban conservation, this work explores how heritage-led strategies support the sustainable evolution of Australian cities and communities.  

James is a specialist in Australian urban history and conservation. He is the author of the monograph Values in Cities: Urban Heritage in Twentieth-Century Australia (Routledge, 2022) and co-editor of People-Centred Methodologies for Heritage Conservation (Routledge, 2021). His scholarly work, which includes over 30 articles and book chapters, addresses how social and cultural values evolve within the built environment. He has held previous academic appointments at the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, Deakin University and King’s College London, and is a contributor to public discourse through media outlets and industry forums.  

Complementing his research, James is the founding director of Heritage Workshop, a strategic conservation advisory practice. In this capacity, he bridges the gap between academic rigour and industry pragmatism, providing specialist advice on heritage strategy, adaptive reuse and urban planning. His professional portfolio includes significant projects such as the City of Melbourne Heritage Strategy, the re-naming of the City of Merri-Bek, and the protection of Federation Square. He applies his research to de-risk complex projects and achieve sustainable conservation outcomes for communities.