Applicants are asked to submit reference projects to demonstrate experience in heritage contracting.

A reference project is a project in which conservation work was carried out on a heritage structure.

Heritage structures may include historic monuments, listed buildings or any structures completed at least 50 years ago. Conservation works may include repair, preservation, restoration, renovation and any other activities which aim at the conservation of the heritage structure. The experience may concern any type of work(s) executed or managed within that project.

The reference projects submitted to prove the appropriate experience shall be no more than five years old.

A reference project form must be signed off by a third party. This must be a Grade 1 or Grade 2 Conservation Architect, Engineer or Building Surveyor from the:

1. The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland register, or
2. Heritage Council’s Conservation Panel, or
3. Irish Georgian Society list, or
4. Holders of a Post-Graduate Diploma in building conservation or equivalent.

The applicant should aim to demonstrate points (a) to (i) below in each reference project submitted:

1. Demonstrate careful research and preparation for conservation works. Practical evidence of this should be submitted;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the value of materials being conserved, both physical quality and cultural value;
3. The conservation principle of minimum intervention and the concept of adding to a structure and only taking something away when it is absolutely necessary;
4. Competence of technical execution of works;
5. No damage done to the surroundings – capable of taking care;
6. Understanding the difference between restoration and conservation. Restoration faithful to original in replacement works, e.g. re-slating;
7. Demonstrate capacity to collaborate to devise appropriate works, during the course of the project, say, with briefing relevant specialist heritage sub-contractors;
8. Demonstrate knowledge of the market for specialist skills and materials or components; and
9. To accept or propose changes of methodology required to minimise intervention due to unanticipated site conditions, or, to have the capacity to do things more than one way.

The Registration Board reserves the right to decide on the acceptability of the qualification of the assessor.