Toni Page MCIAT- ‘The conservation expert’
Introduction
Toni has always been interested in technical drawing. Architectural Technology appealed to her as it seemed to be the nuts and bolts of architecture - getting components to work on an aesthetic, technical and practical basis in order to create and repair buildings.
She studied her degree at Napier University which had a common first year with Structural Engineers, Building Surveyors and Quantity Surveyors which gave good insight into neighbouring disciplines and how they interact.
Toni graduated in 2000 and wanted to apply principles she had learnt to real life projects. She joined R H Partnership Architects in the same year and was involved in many projects from inception to completion.
At RHP, she works within the conservation department and has developed a keen interest in historic buildings leading to gaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Conservation of the Historic Environment from the College of Estate Management in 2008. Since gaining the diploma, she has been involved in many interesting projects including new headquarters office buildings, laboratories, schools, 20th century architecture and 15th century timber framed barns.
Current job role and associated functions
Audley End Visitor Centre
Toni works alongside colleagues for both new build and conservation projects. Her role varies from attending meetings, carrying out site visits and surveys, liaising with suppliers, main contractors and subcontractors to producing AutoCad and Revit drawings for planning, tender and construction. She also write NBS specifications.
Why Toni joined and qualified
Toni joined CIAT to aid recognition of the role of Architectural Technologists in the design team, obtain technical support and to meet with like-minded individuals.
When Toni qualified
Toni qualified in 2002. With her experience on historic buildings, she then applied to become an Accredited Conservationist by submitting a portfolio of relevant projects and attending an interview with CIAT. Toni was accredited in 2010 and re-accredited in 2015.
How Toni has benefited from the qualification
As a Chartered member of CIAT Toni adds to the skills of other professionals within the project team. She has found the information on the CIAT website to be a very useful point of knowledge and has attended regional CPD events.
Relevant achievements
Cripps Building
The R H Partnership team of which Toni was a part, won the RIBA East Conservation Award in 2016 for the conservation and repair of the 1960s Grade II* Cripps Building at St Johns College (Cambridge) and the Norfolk Constructing Excellence Club Award in the Heritage Category 2016 for the conservation of the Grade II* Earlham Hall at the University of East Anglia.
Toni was delighted to be asked to work on behalf of the Institute in attending membership interviews last year. She has also had articles published in AT, CIAT’s magazine.