Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC)

The AABC is the building conservation accreditation register for Architects in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland have their own equivalent, administered through the RIAS. Paul, Chloe and James are all registered members with the AABC, after submitting case studies that demonstrate their experience, technical expertise and philosophical understanding of building conservation. An accredited architect must re-submit case studies to be assessed every 5 years to remain on the register.

Sadly, many refurbishment projects are entrusted to people who do not understand historic building materials, construction and performance. Most pre-war buildings, and almost all pre-1900 buildings, are constructed in ways which are quite different from modern construction techniques. Modern building materials are impervious and rigid, whereas traditional materials are more porous and flexible. Historic walls breathe, quickly drying surface moisture and keeping the interior dry and snug. Repairing traditional construction with impervious and rigid materials such as cement-based mortars and renders actually cause major problems and accelerate decay.

So how does one go about refurbishing an old barn or taking on a major conversion project? Be wary of approaching a builder who claims to ‘know all the tricks’; rather, you should begin by seeking advice from a professional who is appropriately qualified and experienced. Unfortunately, most architects and building surveyors are taught only about modern building technology and not about traditional building construction. As a result even they can often design inappropriate alterations or specify inappropriate materials and methods of construction.

Happily, there are architects, surveyors and engineers who have developed the specialist skills, knowledge and understanding essential for working on historic buildings; these professionals are accredited in building conservation.In the mid 1990’s English Heritage, the national statutory advisor on the historic built environment and at that time a major grant-giving body, strongly encouraged the establishment of a register of architects equipped with specialist skills; unlike surveyors, architects did not at that time have a register of building conservation specialists. With English Heritage’s practical and financial assistance, the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) was set up in 1998 as a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organisation. The aim of the AABC is to protect historic buildings and clients from inappropriate work.

www.aabc-register.co.uk