40 THE BUILDING CONSERVATION DIRECTORY 2025 CATHEDRAL COMMUNICATIONS and AI/IT principles will need to be initiated, developed and promoted. A compliance framework should include appropriate penalties and consequences for any misuse of AI/IT in conservation activities which threatens the integrity of heritage assets. Principle of ethical AI use in conservation (ICOMOS: i) Incorporated AI/IT technologies in conservation activities must respect the cultural significance, authenticity and historical value of heritage assets, and be overseen under the guidance of qualified participants in both disciplines. Prior to adoption, human decision-making should remain central to all conservation related AI/IT intentions. Digital tools incorporated in the decision-making processes should be transparent, accountable and supported by explicit credentials, being appropriately reviewed and audited. Accessibility and inclusivity (ICOMOS: j, n) To avoid bias that could marginalise or misrepresent emerging results, specialist expertise, developed in support of AI/IT applications, should respect and reflect the cultural contexts of the heritage asset they intend to address. Enhancing public understanding, inclusivity and participation in conservation-orientated AI/IT technologies should be accessible to a broad range of users, including smaller and under-represented actors, and the enquiring public. Monitoring and review (ICOMOS: k) Mechanisms should be established for ongoing monitoring of AI/IT applications in conservation to ensure they align with agreed principles, are relevant and effective. In recognition of evolving technologies and challenges, intentions and results should be periodically reviewed, adapted and promoted by agreement through a broad range of stakeholders. Integrity in digital preservation (ICOMOS: l) Digital models and AI/IT-driven reconstructions must accurately reflect the current state and historical context of heritage assets and avoid introduction of speculative elements. They should build upon existing archival standards to include the creation, maintenance, long term archiving and accessibility of digital heritage data and records. An over-reliance on virtual models should be avoided to prevent digital reconstructions and virtual activities from replacing the physical conservation of heritage assets. AI/IT initiatives should emerge to serve as complementary tools. POSSIBLE LIKELY UPTAKE Meeting the financial investment required to adhere to any new principles and intentions of a 21st-century ‘Architectural Conservation and AI/IT Convention’ will likely involve a significant outlay. This will be essential if there is an agreed joint aim to safeguard the built heritage by incorporating emerging benefits whilst also safeguarding against threats and risks that AI/IT and other advancing technologies might create. At the outset such financial commitments are likely to be borne primarily by government bodies, industry, corporations, philanthropic organizations and international entities, either individually or in combination. All involved will need to collaborate closely, this to ensure that the preservation and conservation of the built heritage in an AI/IT age is effective, equitable, and free of risk to acknowledged and determined historic significance and value. Importantly, such proponents should also plan to disseminate their experience, developed knowledge and enhanced understanding of the addressed issues to inform a broader spectrum of potential beneficiaries. INGVAL MAXWELL OBE DA(Dun) RIBA FRIAS FSAScot was director of the Technical Conservation, Research and Education Division of Historic Scotland. Currently, he is an Honorary Member of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Stone; Chair of the Council on Training in Architectural Conservation; Vice Chair of the BIM4Heritage Group , and sits on the RIBA’s Conservation Register Steering Group, Conservation Accreditation Assessors Moderating Panel, and its Conservation Group. QUANTITY SURVEYORS ◼ CAVENDISH BLOOR Rosehill Cottage, 179 Lower Road, Hookgate, Market Drayton TF9 4QJ Mobile 07971 628543 Email harvey.bloor@cavendishbloor.co.uk www.cavendishbloor.co.uk CHARTERED QUANTITY SURVEYORS, COST CONSULTANTS AND PROJECT MANAGERS: Specialists within the historic built environment, providing services for the conservation and restoration of historic buildings, scheduled monuments and historic parks and gardens. The company offers bespoke quantity surveying services including feasibility studies, cost planning, option appraisals, procurement advice, tender documentation, bills of quantities, post contract cost management, final account settlement and property insurance reinstatement valuations. The company also provides full project management, contract administration and employer’s agent services ensuring seamless coordination of projects. Cavendish Bloor delivers services across the UK. ◼ D R NOLANS & CO Unit 2 Abbeygate Court, Stockett Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME15 0PP Tel 01622 752511 Email info@drnolans.co.uk www.drnolans.co.uk QUANTITY SURVEYOR: Established in 1928, D R Nolans is an award-winning PQS that provides a national service. Specialising in conservation of historic buildings, with experience in new build and all types of alteration and repair projects. The practice has been associated with repairing historic buildings for over 25 years. It has been privileged to work with such organisations as the National Trust, Historic England, preservation trusts, churches, cathedrals, museums and private clients. The paramount principle of the practice is that a client should be protected from adverse financial outcomes so far as its service can achieve this. The practice is ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Control certified. Experts in protecting our heritage We are specialists in the cost and project management of repair and alteration work to historic buildings, to conserve, transform or future-proof them, or to simply introduce the comforts of 21st century life. Our heritage clients include English Heritage, National Trust, preservation trusts, country estates, hotels and many prominent places of worship. We are proud to be the retained quantity surveyor at St Paul’s Cathedral and the quantity surveyor for many projects at Westminster Abbey. 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