The Civic Trust Awards established the AABC Conservation Awards in 2014 to recognise projects that demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation. The AABC, which has supported the judging of the scheme since its inception, became the official sponsor of the AABC Conservation Awards in 2025.
The care, repair and adaptive reuse of historic buildings demand a wide range of skills, beginning with a clear understanding of a building’s significance, both as a whole and in its individual parts. The National Judging Panel looks for a rigorous diagnosis of defects, structural issues, and functional deficiencies, leading to the development of a conservation philosophy appropriate to the specific circumstances of each project. This philosophy must be translated into works of repair, remediation and, where necessary, adaptation that are both technically sound and intellectually coherent. Equal importance is placed on how projects are documented, procured and managed, and on how design intent is communicated to the craftspeople responsible for the work. Their skill, judgement and experience are integral to successful conservation, particularly when unexpected discoveries require collaborative problem-solving during the works. Successful entries demonstrate this breadth of expertise through a clearly articulated project narrative. Exceptional projects may further distinguish themselves through the conservation of rare or fragile fabric, the sensitive resolution of structural challenges, or the careful adaptation of historic buildings to meet contemporary needs, securing their long-term use and value. The Conservation Awards, therefore, celebrate virtuosic skill, thoughtful stewardship and exemplary practice that have the potential to inspire others.
