Cathedral architects and archaeologists

The cathedral architect is responsible for:

• Overseeing all repair and conservation work
• Any maintenance work that would materially affect the fabric
• Acting as lead consultant for any repair or conservation work

They have a key professional and statutory role in all matters concerning the fabric of your cathedral and its ancillary buildings, including aesthetic issues.

The cathedral architect’s main responsibilities include:

• Writing a report every five years on the work that needs to be done and how urgent it is (i.e. the quinquennial inspection)
• Setting out a plan for maintenance, repairs, and improvements
• Writing a report every year on the work done the previous year
• Going to all meetings of the Fabric Advisory Committee
• Advising Chapter with regular and methodical reviews of contingency planning for fire or other disasters
• Advising Chapter with development projects
• Advising Chapter on the acquisition of new works affecting the aesthetic character of the cathedral

This might be the most important appointment you make. You should search widely for suitable candidates and always interview several qualified applicants.

You should always hire an independent architectural assessor to help you with:

• Writing the job description
• Shortlisting
• Interviews

We are glad to suggest suitable names.

There should be a three-to-six month overlap between the new architect and their predecessor so that they can go to meetings and become familiar with ongoing projects.

It can also be helpful for the succession to happen just before the quinquennial inspection so that the new architect can become familiar with the cathedral.

We can advise you further on the process of advertising and interviewing a cathedral architect. Contact us

Good relationships and communication are essential for the cathedral architect to properly perform their role.

You should have:

• Clear management structures between the architect, Chapter, the archaeologist, the administrator, the member of Chapter with responsibility for the fabric, and the Clerk of Works
• Regular meetings
• Lines for reporting

The cathedral archaeologist is your professional adviser on matters relating to archaeological remains above and below ground in the cathedral and its precinct.

They:

• Prepare appraisals and assessments of the cathedral’s archaeology
• Advise you on the relevant permissions required
• Advise you on the likely archaeological scope of a project
• Advise you on the cost and timescale of works
• Publish or disseminate the results of archaeological work (along with Chapter)

You should consult them as early as possible when you are proposing to do any changes, demolitions or restoration work.

And make sure that they are a member of any emergency disaster management group.

The cathedral archaeologist is responsible for:

• Writing a report every year on the work done the previous year
• Regularly assessing or making strategic plans for the management of the cathedral’s archaeology

If you are proposing new works, your archaeologist will:

1. Write an appraisal identifying any significant archaeological implications and what work will be required

2. Write a desk-based assessment or field evaluation to look for significant remains

3. Agree suitable mitigation procedures with Chapter (if the remains are significant)

4. Write a brief for a programme of work (if archaeological investigation is decided upon)

5. Vet any specification, project design or method statement prepared by contractors

6. Monitor the work

A cathedral archaeologist must be qualified to give professional advice of a high standard. They should normally be:

• A graduate or hold a post-graduate qualification in archaeology or related discipline
• A member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (preferably but not necessarily)
• A person of proven experience in the study and understanding of historic buildings, monuments and archaeological sites, particularly with regard to church archaeology
• Able to carry out small-scale programmes of archaeological recording, monitoring and excavation, or to coordinate such work by other qualified parties

In appointing your archaeologist, you should consult with the Commission. We may suggest an independent assessor to help with defining a job description, shortlisting and interviews.

Your archaeologist makes a valuable contribution to Chapter and should be accorded proper professional status.

They should have regular meetings with the architect and the Fabric Advisory Committee.