AABC Conservation Awards

The Civic Trust Awards established the Conservation Awards in 2014, seeking to recognise special projects which demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation. The care, conservation and adaptive re-use of historic buildings call for a variety of skills. These begin with understanding the significances of a historic building in whole and in its constituent parts. 

The National Judging Panel consider the identification of defects and the diagnosis of problems and functional deficiencies which leads to the development of an approach - a conservation philosophy appropriate to the specific circumstances of the project. Works of repair, remediation and, where appropriate, adaptation which are both technically and philosophically sound which were then formulated. We look at how works are documented, contracts let and managed. How the skills focus pass to the craftsmen and craftswomen who will execute the work, adding their knowledge and experience to the process. The not infrequent discovery of the unexpected calls for a collaborative response until all is successfully completed. Successful entries must demonstrate this broad range of skills in an overall project description. Exceptional qualities of the entry can then be described. These may include conservation of the rare and fragile, subtle remediation of structural problems or careful adaptation to meet current needs, all securing the ongoing life and value of the building. We therefore seek the demonstration of virtuosic skills that will inspire others.

In 2025, the Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC), who have worked with judging the scheme from its inception, have become the official sponsor of the AABC Conservation Awards. The AABC take pride in being more than just an accreditation body – they are the guardians of architectural heritage. The register of expert conservation architects is committed to protecting historical buildings from misguided alterations. Through rigorous peer assessment and client-focused evaluation, they accredit renowned conservation and adaptation experts. Their mission is to ensure that only proficient professionals are on our register, ensuring our clients' confidence and peace of mind. They believe in universal access to top-tier expertise, offering their register freely to all clients. 

The AABC Conservation National Judging Panel is a representative group of experts who make the final decision on the level of awards to be given, ensuring national (and international) consistency. This year's Panel Members include Simon Malam, Neal Charlton, Dearbhail Keating and Louise Priestman.

Recent winners include;

• Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
• Worcestor Cathedral Undercroft Learning Centre by Acanthus Clews Architects
• Wythenshawe Hall by Buttress
• Quay Place - Regeneration of St Mary at the Quay, Ipswich by The Churches Conservation Trust with Molyneux Kerr Architects
• Cardigan Castle, Ceredigion, Wales by Purcell
• The Lion Salt Works, Northwich by Donald Insall Associates Ltd
• CULLOMPTON The Walronds, Devon by benjamin+beauchamp architects
• Hadlow Tower, Kent by Thomas Ford & Partners
• King's Cross Station, Camden by John McAslan and Partners
• Middleport Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
• Oxford University Museum of Natural History by Purcell
• Wentworth Castle Glasshouses, Barnsley by Buttress