CONTEXT 187 : MARCH 2026 45 Francesca Cipolla My journey in conservation began long before it became my profession. Growing up in Italy, surrounded by layers of history embedded in everyday life, I developed a deep appreciation for places shaped by time, craft and human stories. That instinctive fascination evolved into a vocation during my architectural studies in Turin and Venice, and later through work within Unesco world heritage sites in Chile and Nepal, where I saw how profoundly heritage can influence identity, community wellbeing and resilience. Those early encounters taught me that conservation is never only about buildings, it is about people, meaning, continuity and the sustainable stewardship of our shared heritage. Since moving to the UK in 2005, my career has been defined by a steady commitment to the historic environment. Over two decades at Heritage Architecture (recently rebranded as Levrant), I have had the privilege of working on extraordinary heritage assets and sites as a RIBA specialist conservation architect: from the post-fire reinstatement at KOKO to long-term stewardship of Liberty in London, Manchester Town Hall and Cenotaph, Temple Works in Leeds, and from historic estates at Pinewood to the university buildings of Senate House and King’s College London. Each project has shaped me not only technically and professionally, but also personally. They have taught me that conservation requires humility, curiosity and the courage to question received wisdom. It is a discipline grounded CONTEXT 186 : DECEMBER 2025 43 Elaine Walters New member profile My conservation career began as a town planner in local government. I appreciated the diversity of heritage assets and found that historic environment cases required careful research and a problemsolving approach. Following my MSc in historic conservation at Oxford Brookes, sponsored by Winchester City Council, I moved into a historic environment team post and volunteered on the Winchester Diocesan Advisory Committee. I set up my own consultancy in 2021 and have worked as the principal historic conservation officer at New Forest District Council since 2023. At the beautiful district of New Forest the range of historic environments, heritage assets and applications is varied and interesting. Under the theme of transportation infrastructure, we recently granted listed building consent for the relocation of a D-Day Whale Bridge, a vital component of the Mulberry harbours used during the Normandy landings in 1944, from Town Quay in Southampton to the Marchwood Military Port. A D-Day Whale Bridge being relocated (Photo: Associated British Ports) We work with the policy team on the emerging local plan, implementing a conservation area review programme and drafting historic environment retrofit guidance, which forms part of the evidence base. Our heritage at risk register is being reviewed with the help of our graduate planner, and we have helped to secure conservation repair work to the council-owned Grade II* listed Eling Tide Mill, to allow it to mill again. Applying for IHBC full membership did take time to draft but this was a useful reflection on my career to date, directing my CPD. I am grateful for the professional expertise and support of Chris Reynolds, my MATE mentor, and my in respect: for evidence, for craft, for communities and for the irreplaceable stories that buildings hold – and, increasingly, a responsibility to pursue sustainable solutions that ensure that heritage can be enjoyed by future generations. As a practice director at Levrant, what I value most is the collaborative nature of this profession. I have been fortunate to build strong relationships with clients, contractors, specialists, local authorities and colleagues. I take pleasure in working with my team, mentoring the younger peers and supporting them in developing their skills. Teaching, lecturing and exchanging ideas – whether through seminars, networks or international forums – are also deeply rewarding aspects of my current role. Sustainability, community engagement and inclusive decision-making are increasingly central to my work, shaping how projects are conceived and delivered. My decision to apply for full IHBC membership came from a desire to give back to the profession that has shaped my life. I hope to contribute my experience of complex heritage sites, my international perspective and my commitment to rigorous, thoughtful practice. I am particularly interested in supporting the institute’s work around global heritage challenges, promoting sustainable heritage management, and strengthening the IHBC’s engagement with ICOMOS and the international conservation discourse. Looking ahead, I hope to see the IHBC achieve chartered status, reinforcing its authority and visibility, and expanding its role as a leader in shaping policy, standards, sustainable practice and international collaboration. I would be proud to contribute to this future and to continue growing within this professional community. Francesca Cipolla is a new full member of the IHBC.
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