Join us for a CPD session on masonry conservation including stone typologies, interventions, and decision making with Charles Bain-Smith, as part of a series of four ‘Conservation Suite’ webinars which explore a wide range of conservation issues spanning from the theoretical to the technical. This course explores the recognition of different masonry coursing and stone typologies. It covers key interventions in historic masonry conservation, stone selection for repairs, and guidance on seeking specialist advice when needed. Who should attend? This course is primarily aimed at architects with three or more years’ experience who wish to shape and guide decisions related to masonry conservation. It is also suitable for newly qualified architects, students, and other design professionals looking to broaden their knowledge of working with traditional materials, which are increasingly significant when addressing embodied carbon in construction. The course is designed to cater to those working on projects of all scales, from small domestic schemes to large commercial developments. Additionally, this course serves as a pathway towards potential conservation accreditation. Learning Objectives The ability to recognise and communicate the coursing of stonework. The ability to differentiate between rubble, ashlar, and formed aggregate work. Basic competence in identifying sandstones, limestones, granites, slates, and alabasters. Basic competence in recognising various types of intervention, such as consolidation, indenting, plastic repairs, replacement, and active interventions. The course will also equip participants with the knowledge to consider key factors when instructing different forms of intervention and to identify when specialist expertise is required in the decision-making process. Speaker 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.Please note Each recording will expire 12 months after enrolling onto the module The session was recorded from the live webinar on 22 July 2025. For more information on this course, or if there are no places available, please email us, or call +44 (0)20 7307 5355 to talk to a member of the team. Please view the Terms and Conditions for more information.
