Draft Newsletter July 2026 V2

Welcome

Welcome to the Summer 2026 edition of the AABC Newsletter.

In this issue, we’re pleased to announce details of our upcoming conference exploring Community and Civic Pride at the award-winning Maison Dieu in Dover this October.

We also invite you to take part in our 2026 Photography Competition, which features this year's theme: Detail and Decoration, along with updates on the 2027 Civic Trust AABC Conservation Awards.

This edition includes practical guidance for applicants preparing their AABC submissions, as well as information on mentoring and recent developments across the Register.

We also warmly welcome our newly accredited members—congratulations to all those who have recently joined the AABC Register.

Bringing you updates, opportunities, and insights from across the conservation community.

Happy reading!

AABC Conference 2026 - Maison Dieu, Dover

Community and Civic Pride — AABC Conference 2026

Tuesday 6 Oct 2026 | 10:00 - 16:00 BST

We are delighted to announce that the AABC Conference 2026 will take place at the restored Maison Dieu in Dover, a historic landmark at the heart of the town.

We are delighted to announce that the AABC Conference 2026 will take place at the restored Maison Dieu in Dover, a Grade I listed William Burges building and recipient of an AABC Civic Trust Conservation Award, supported by Haverstock and Rena Pitsilli-Graham Architect.

This year’s theme, Community and Civic Pride, will explore the vital role conservation professionals play in shaping places that people feel connected to and proud of.

Set within a significant heritage building in Dover, the conference will bring together experts and practitioners in the care, repair, and conservation of historic environments.

Through engaging talks and discussions, we will consider how conservation supports not only the preservation of historic fabric but also the strengthening of communities and civic identity.

Join us for a day of insight, knowledge-sharing, and networking in a unique historic setting.

The conference is open to both members and non-members of the AABC Register.

Full agenda to be announced shortly.

Book your place

2027 Civic Trust AABC Conservation Awards - Now Open

The 2027 Civic Trust Awards are now open for entries, with a deadline of Friday 24 July 2026.

All AABC registered members benefit from a £100 discount on entries to the Civic Trust AABC Conservation Awards.

We encourage submissions of projects of all types and scales, and look forward to entries showcasing excellence in conservation.

Deadline: 24 July 2026

Submit your entry

2026 Photography Competition - Now Open

2026 Photography Competition – Now Open

Are you ready to showcase your creative eye and celebrate the craft of conservation architecture?

We are excited to announce our 2026 Photo Competition, inviting submissions that capture conservation architecture in practice.

Theme: Detail and Decoration

From intricate carvings and material textures to crafted finishes and ornamental features, we invite you to explore how attention to detail and decoration contribute to the character and identity of historic buildings.

We’re seeking photographs that creatively reflect:

Architectural detail and ornamentation
Craftsmanship and material quality
Decorative features and finishes
Evidence of repair, conservation or intervention
Close-up observations that reveal the richness of historic fabric

Whether you’re a professional photographer, a student, or someone who captured a moment on your phone, all are encouraged to submit!

Quick and simple to enter — just email your images.

How to Enter

Deadline: 31 December 2026

Submit by email:
administrator@aabc-register.co.uk
Subject: AABC Photo Competition 2026 Entry

Please include:

Your name
Building name and location
Instagram username (optional)

Maximum of 3 entries per person
Open to both AABC members and non-members

Prizes and Recognition

The winning photograph will be featured on the AABC website and celebrated in the Spring 2027 AABC Newsletter. The winner will also receive a cash prize of £200.

Selected photographs will also be:

Showcased at the 2027 AABC Conference
Featured on the AABC website and newsletter
Eligible for special commendation by the AABC judging panel

Let your images reveal the richness of detail and decoration in conservation architecture.

By submitting, you grant AABC permission to use your photographs for promotional purposes, including social media. If your photographs include people on site, appropriate PPE must be worn where required.

We can't wait to see how you interpret this year's theme.

Thinking of applying to the AABC Mentoring Scheme?

The AABC Mentoring Scheme is open to anyone who has completed Part II in architecture. Whether you're new to the field or have years of experience, the scheme offers tailored guidance to support your journey to AABC accreditation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your career in architectural conservation — contact us at administrator@aabc-register.co.uk.

Applications are welcomed from architects at all career stages.

Find out how to apply using our guidance notes.

View mentoring guidance

Assessors Seminar

Assessors’ Seminar - November 2026

We will hold our next Assessors’ Seminar in November. Final details will be confirmed shortly.

The seminar is designed to share insights, refresh best practices, and ensure consistency and rigour across assessments.

This session is an important opportunity for both new and experienced assessors to:

Discuss updates to the assessment process and criteria
Share experiences and questions from recent rounds
Ensure our standards remain robust, fair and transparent
Exchange tips on effective and supportive feedback for applicants

The seminar is also an opportunity to connect with fellow assessors and strengthen understanding of AABC’s values and expectations.

Full details, including format and booking information, will be shared via email shortly.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the quality and integrity of the AABC Register. We look forward to your participation and input.

COTAC Insight 2

COTAC has published a new resource to help professionals understand the ICOMOS 14-point guidelines for conservation practice.

Insight 2: Need to be Aware of the Built Heritage – Developing Personal Competences highlights the key knowledge and skills required for effective conservation.

This is a useful reference for anyone working towards or maintaining accreditation.

The document is available as a free, full-resolution — download here

Use of AABC Logo

It has come to our attention that some members are using the AABC logo on their websites and practice branding. AABC’s long-standing policy is that the logo is for use by the Association only, not by individual members.

Membership of AABC is awarded to individuals, not practices. As such, the AABC logo should not be used on company websites or marketing materials.

We have added a page to the AABC website clarifying this policy: Use of AABC logo

A more appropriate way to highlight your membership is within the personal biography of the individual on your “About Us” page. You may also use the post-nominals AABC or CAABC and refer to your accreditation in supporting text.

This approach is consistent with organisations such as the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association (EASA).

If you are using the AABC or the EASA logo on your website or marketing materials we kindly ask that it is removed at the earliest opportunity.

Newly Accredited Architects - Congratulations

We warmly congratulate the following architects on achieving AABC Conservation Accreditation.

Accreditation recognises the highest standards of expertise in building conservation.

Andrew Perkins

Andy Wardrope

Jenny Bedford

Julia Cameron

Lucia Polignano

Rachel Farrer Bristow

Stephen Kendall

We are delighted to welcome them to the AABC Register.

Thank you for being part of the AABC community.

41 Bengal St Manchester M4 6AF

administrator@aabc-register.co.uk

0161 832 0666