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Donald Insall Associates Architects News

21 February 2024

Donald Insall Associates appoints new Chairman

Robin Dhar:

photo : Katie Hyams

Donald Insall Associates Architects Chairman News

Donald Insall Associates announces that as of 2024 the practice has appointed Robin Dhar as its new Chairman following a decade as a Board Director. Dhar is succeeding Tony Barton who served as Chairman for over ten years. Barton, alongside Deputy Chair Tanvir Hasan, has stepped down from the board of directors but continues to consult for the practice as Director Emeritus.

Dhar has a particular interest in historic interiors and rescuing unloved historic buildings – working with these imaginatively to bring out their special qualities and potential for viable future use. As Chairman, Dhar will continue the practice’s specialism to conserve and sensitively unlock potential in historic buildings and focus on environmental sustainability, to ensure that older buildings are not left behind in efforts to make all buildings more energy efficient.

“Conservation is not about fossilisation – rather it is about understanding the significance of historic buildings and places, bringing out the best, and identifying opportunities for positive improvements for their continued vitality,” says Dhar.

“I am heartened to see the conversation around the reuse of existing buildings gaining momentum over the past few years. The heritage sector has a significant role to play in decarbonising the built environment, and I am looking forward to our practice continuing to engage with clients and other professionals about creatively conserving and adapting our built heritage while minimising both embodied and operational carbon emissions. We believe that conservation and sustainability go hand-in-hand when sensitively carried out”.

Dhar’s appointment follows two earlier promotions to the board of Dorian Proudfoot and Helen Ensor, who lead the York and Oxford studios respectively. This reflects a succession strategy that brings together long-serving directors and the next generation of leadership, embracing both continuity and fresh thinking.

The Donald Insall Associates board of Directors (L-R): Francis Maude, Robin Shepherd, Jennifer Beaumont, Helen Ensor, Simon Malam, Dorian Proudfoot, Robin Dhar:

photo : Katie Hyams

Robin Dhar

Robin Dhar joined Donald Insall Associates in 1988. Early projects include at the Society of Antiquaries, Ware Priory and work on the post-fire restoration at Windsor Castle, followed by specialising in working for private clients on town and country houses and private estates as well as for commercial clients on distinguished townhouses in London including Chandos House, and Virginia Woolf’s former Richmond home. Dhar has also worked on prominent London buildings open to the public: Royal Albert Hall; Apsley House; Kenwood House; Orleans Octagon; Café Royal; Connolly – Mayfair Store; Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

2017-2023 Dhar was Chairman of the Employee Ownership Trust at Donald Insall Associates and soon after joining the Board took on the roles of Director for Sustainability, and Continuing Professional Development within the practice. He is a Trustee of the Leche Trust that supports the performing arts and heritage conservation and he is a visiting lecturer on the MA in Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors at The University of Buckingham.

Donald Insall Associates

Donald Insall Associates has pioneered a creative approach to architectural conservation for over 65 years. A 140-strong practice of both architects and heritage consultants, it has led nationally significant projects including the ongoing repair works at the Palace of Westminster, the restoration of Temperate House at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the community-led revitalisation of Cleveland Pools which won a Europa Nostra Award in 2023.

This British architecture practice currently operates from nine studios across the UK: London, Bath, Birmingham, Cambridge, Chester, Conwy, Manchester, Oxford and York.

More Donald Insall Associates Architects projects online soon

A British building on e-architect with involvement by Donald Insall Associates:

Bluecoats Arts Centre, central Liverpool, northwest England, UK
Date of historic building renewal: 2007
BIQ Architecten with Austin-Smith:Lord & Donald Insall Associates

photo © Adrian Welch
The Bluecoat Liverpool