FAQs

What is the purpose of accreditation?

The aim of the RIAS accreditation scheme is to promote conservation skills among architects so that they will be better equipped to take the lead in conserving Scotland’s built heritage.

Accreditation relates to the demonstration of a high level of conservation skills and a sympathetic design approach to monuments, buildings or structures which are listed. The scheme recognises that historic building owners, central government and local authorities, funders etc need reassurance about the skills of conservation architects, and this is first of all what the scheme aims to provide; it is not intended to be a barrier to work if you are not a conservation accredited architect. Accreditation at entry level is intended to be possible for any architect who can demonstrate the skills and experience reasonably required to deliver conservation projects competently on behalf of clients and the scheme is intended to support and encourage each architect’s further education and development of experience in architectural conservation. Clients require reassurance that the accredited architect has the appropriate skill set and is passionate about working with historic buildings. Funding agencies, in particular, require reassurance that applicants for their repair grants employ a lead professional with the relevant specialist conservation knowledge, ability and experience.

Conservation architecture entails work to existing buildings or new work which has a significant impact on an existing building or its setting. There is a presumption that architectural conservation is primarily, but not exclusively, concerned with listed buildings. The objectives of architectural conservation could be economic or environmental as well as being purely cultural and the work may include designated or undesignated buildings, scheduled ancient monuments, conservation areas and buildings in gardens and designed landscapes.

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