Join us for the ‘Conservation Suite’ with Stephen Douglas, Charles Bain-Smith and Marc Piqué i Gascón. This series of four webinars will explore a wide range of conservation issues spanning from the theoretical to the technical.

This suite of CPD modules has been curated to provide learning opportunities for all architects, whether they are newcomers or experienced, in the field of heritage.

The four webinars can be purchased separately or as a package and will be taking place on the following dates:

Primark Belfast

Wednesday 19th March 2025, 1 to 2pm
Stephen Douglas will open the series with a case study on the Primark Belfast following a catastrophic fire. The webinar will cover leadership in public spaces, technical challenges, and the procurement methodology that enabled reconstruction while minimizing city centre disruption. View details

Specialist Conservation Series – Masonry Conservation

Wednesday 11th June 2025, 1 to 2pm
Charles Bain-Smith will follow up with an exploration of different masonry coursing and stone typologies. The session will cover key interventions in historic masonry conservation, stone selection for repairs, and guidance on seeking specialist advice when needed. View details

A History of European Architectural Conservation Practice and its Application (Part 1)

Wednesday 13th August 2025, 1 to 2pm
Marc Piqué i Gascón will present the historic approaches and theories in the conservation of the built heritage in Europe throughout the years. By knowing about past interventions and approaches to conservation, this webinar can help practitioners and other professionals in reading and understanding better a historic building. View details

A History of European Architectural Conservation Practice and its Application (Part 2)

Wednesday 26th November 2025, 1 to 2pm
Marc Piqué i Gascón will continue by presenting the evolution of conservation theory and practice in Europe from the 19th century to World War II. The session will explore the contributions of influential figures, their restoration philosophies, and the significance of the 1931 Athens Charter in shaping modern conservation principles. View details

Speakers

Stephen Douglas
Stephen was one of the founding partners of the Belfast based practice Hall Black Douglas in 1986 and is still a Consultant to the practice.  Stephen has had an interest in Conservation since his student days and has worked on a variety of Listed Buildings over the years, with a particular interest in finding new uses for redundant building types – particularly churches.
Stephen has been an accredited SCA for over ten years giving lectures and CPD talks for the RSUA Conservation Course, the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and other amenity groups.
Stephen also acts as UK Director for Engineering Ministries International, a faith based not-for-profit organisation mobilising construction design professionals and students to volunteer in the Global South through one of their 12 regional multi-disciplinary offices.

Charles Bain-Smith
Charles is Senior Building Conservation Manager for The National Trust – he is a Chartered Conservation Architect by profession and is an RIBA Accredited Specialist Conservation Architect.
Charles started his career with English Heritage, he set up a consultancy team in a conservation contractors, was one of the founding partners and Conservation Director of specialist Cyma Architects before joining NT in 2015 working out of the Scotney Hub and subsequently joined the central buildings team in 2019.  He is a central source of advice on the conservation of buildings. His role is about supporting delivery of projects, developing strategies, setting policies/standards and facilitating change so that NT remains an exemplar in conservation of buildings and facilitating in projects.  He also coordinates with the wider world of conservation, promoting NT in conservation circles.

Marc Piqué i Gascón
Marc is a RIBA-accredited Specialist Conservation Architect and Partner at Feilden+Mawson, specialising in the conservation and adaptation of historic buildings. With experience spanning churches, castles, museums, and country houses, Marc focuses on understanding historic structures to manage change and extend their lifespan.
After studying architecture in Barcelona and conservation in Florence, Marc worked with Albert Plà i Gisbert Arquitectes before moving to England in 2013. He joined Philip Hughes Associates in Somerset, completed an MSc in Conservation of Historic Buildings at the University of Bath, and later joined Feilden+Mawson in 2019, becoming Partner in 2024.
Marc is a Quinquennial Inspector for the Diocese of London, a member of ICOMOS UK, and a regular lecturer on building conservation. He has also served as a juror for the RIBA Awards in 2023 and 2025.