Working on historic sites brings unique risks and responsibilities. This webinar provides practical solutions for protecting heritage buildings, managing unexpected finds, and reducing both physical and reputational damage during construction.

Construction work on heritage properties comes with its own set of unique challenges and often conflicting demands. Undertaking site work in historic buildings can pose risks not only to the structure and its contents, but also to those working within them. This session will outline why and how heritage assets are protected, what to do when unexpected finds occur, and the main causes of damage on site. We’ll also look at effective strategies to mitigate both physical harm and reputational risk—ensuring work proceeds efficiently, safely, and in cooperation with all stakeholders.

About the speaker:
Phillipa McDonnell has more than 10 years’ experience in architectural paint research, decorative schemes, and conservation practice. She works across academic and commercial contexts at Lincoln Conservation, University of Lincoln, where she also lectures and provides training for emerging and established professionals. Phillipa has spoken widely, published on conservation topics, and contributed to the development of EU standards for architectural paint research. Her doctoral research focuses on nineteenth-century house paint, but her expertise extends across the risks and responsibilities of heritage practice on site. She brings both practical and research-driven insight into how conservation awareness can protect historic buildings, their contents, and those working with them.