Chapter of Conservation Architects

Architectural conservation is the multidisciplinary process of understanding, protecting, and managing cultural assets to prolong their physical life and sustain their cultural significance for future generations. The process can include the introduction of a new, compatible function to a historic structure that ensures its long-term viability while preserving its cultural significance and structural integrity.

A Conservation Architect may therefore be defined as:
An architect responsible for the integrated conservation of a site or building of cultural significance and the safeguarding of any other associated cultural assets, through understanding and sensitive interventions, such that its legacy as a reflection of the country’s identity and history is preserved for future generations.

The primary objective of a conservation architect is to respect and celebrate the craftsmanship and intent of the original design while adapting the building to contemporary standards in a manner that preserves its significance.

A conservation architect is a professional who:

• Specialises in conservation processes;
• Is able to distinguish between different interventions;
• Is fluent in international charters, documents, guidance and best practices;
• Ensures that the character of built heritage and its setting are preserved;
• Ensures that the uses proposed for a building or site are compatible with its cultural significance;
• Is committed to the sensitive regeneration of the urban fabric;
• Prioritises the social value of a locality, promoting sustainable regeneration ;
• Is able to understand and appreciate local construction techniques and methodologies; and
• Carries out prior research from primary and secondary sources.

In carrying out this role, a Conservation Architect possesses:

• an in-depth knowledge of the architectural periods and styles;
• the ability to source the right materials and collaborate with other professionals;
• the knowledge to take the best informed approach;
• techniques in documentation and ability to maintain or re-gain structural integrity of a historic building;
• the ability to lead other professions and trades involved in the conservation project; and
• the ability to make informed decisions in order to determine compatible uses.

The membership criteria for the Chapter of Conservation Architects shall be founded on:
 
• Knowledge of heritage buildings, their architectural forms and styles;
• Knowledge of conservation philosophies, principles and their evolution;
• Knowledge of restoration techniques and methodologies within the local industry;
• Proven practical experience on multiple architectural conservation projects;
• Proficiency in international charters, guidelines, conventions and other relevant documents; and
• Commitment to abide by the Code of Practice, recognised standards and guidelines, and to follow the continuous professional development (CPD) in the field of architectural conservation.

Affiliation with the Chapter is open to all members of the Kamra tal-Periti who fit the above criteria. There are three levels of chapter affiliation: Associate, Member, & Fellow; with Fellow being the highest tier and given to an affiliate Conservation Architect based on merit and demonstration of extensive knowledge and experience in building conservation.

The requirements for affiliation will be as follows, but the Kamra reserves the right of future review:
 
Associate: This is the first stage of affiliation, preceding full membership with the Chapter. Affiliation may be given to any member of  the Kamra tal-Periti who is working towards full membership of the chapter or who wishes to ethically align themselves with the best practices of conservation.

Applicants must show a general understanding of conservation philosophy and historic architectural styles, supported by some experience or academic works on historic buildings, heritage management of conservation theory.

Associate members of this chapter are entitled to use the post-nominal AKTP (Conservation).
 
Members: This is the second stage of affiliation and the first tier of full membership, generally open for Associates of the Chapter to apply (in the Interim Period, applications for Member affiliation from non affiliates will be accepted).

Members require formal qualification in conservation from a recognised university or educational body, three years’ experience* and a portfolio of three or more projects that highlight their experience in the field.

Members of this chapter are entitled to use the post-nominal MKTP (Conservation).
 
Fellow: This is the highest tier of affiliation, generally open for Membersof the Chapter to apply (in the Interim Period, applications for Fellow affiliation from non affiliates will be accepted).

Fellows require at least ten years experience*, and a portfolio of at least six projects that show their leadership in the sector.

Fellows of this chapter are entitled to use the post-nominal FKTP (Conservation).

Potential applicants are encouraged to read the approved documents and the Interim Measures before application.

An administration fee will apply for prospective members
More information will be found in the Framework documents of the Chapter

*Experience needs to be post-warrant and post qualification, and is taken as an addition to the requirement of the previous tier.