Competence of Conservation Architects

“Conservation works should only be carried out by persons competent in these specialist activities.” (International Council on Monuments and Sites. Guidelines for Education and Training).

GRADE I OR II RIAI

To advise on:

• the philosophy and principles of conservation;
• UNESCO, ICOMOS and other Charters, Regulations and Guidelines;
• the legal background to conservation;
• the purchase of protected structures;
• statutory obligations regarding declarations, notifications and consents;
• the need for historic research and analysis;
• the need for specialist studies and advice;
• special techniques of repair, restoration and consolidation;
• appropriate new uses for historic buildings;
• the integration of modern technology and services into historic buildings;
• contracts suitable for conservation work;
• the conservation aspects of temporary works, demolition and shoring;
• grants and funding for conservation works;

And to:

• Study the history and technology of historic buildings/sites, interpret the results and plan for their conservation;
• Find and absorb the available sources of information relevant to the historic building or site being studied;
• Carry out searches of records and archives;
• Analyse the behaviour of monuments, ensembles and sites;
• Record, using all appropriate traditional and modern methods (including use of specialist technology, photogrammetry, rectified photography etc.), the condition of Historic Buildings;
• Provide measured drawings of Historic Buildings;
• Provide Historic Buildings Reports;
• Provide Inventories of Historic Buildings;
• Provide non-destructive investigation to analyse and evaluate Historic Buildings;
• Provide structural and material condition reports determining causes of building deterioration;
• Diagnose intrinsic and extrinsic causes of decay as a basis for appropriate intervention;
• Design appropriate alterations and extensions;
• Liaise with fire officers, consultants and building owners in the formation of fire prevention and security strategies;
• Work with inhabitants, administrators and planners to resolve conflicts and to develop conservation strategies appropriate to local needs, abilities and resources;
• Provide expert advice on maintenance strategies, management policies and the policy framework for environmental protection and preservation of monuments and their contents, and sites;
• Provide documents describing works executed and make them accessible;

GRADE III RIAI

To advise on:

• the philosophy and principles of conservation;
• UNESCO, ICOMOS and other Charters, Regulations and Guidelines;
• The legal background to conservation;
• The implications of the purchase of a protected structure;
• Statutory obligations for declarations, notifications and consents;
• The need for historic research and analysis;
• The need for specialist advice;
• Appropriate general repairs to historic fabric;
• Appropriate new uses for historic buildings.
• Applying for grants and funding for conservation works;
• Contracts suitable for conservation work;
• The conservation implications and need for specialist design for temporary works, demolition and shoring for historic buildings;
• Maintenance strategies and management policies for environmental protection and preservation of monuments and their contents, and sites;

And to:

• Examine a historic building or site, and identify its emotional, cultural and use significance;
• Commission searches of records and archives;
• Diagnose, in broad outline, causes of decay and recommend appropriate specialist investigation;
• Define the need for specialist studies of materials and systems, the services of art and architectural historians, archaeologists, conservators
• and other specialist consultants; and of specialist contractors, technicians, craftsmen and tradesmen;
• Design appropriate alterations and extensions;
• Document the works executed and making them accessible
• Work with inhabitants, administrators and planners to develop conservation strategies appropriate to local needs, abilities and resources;