Understanding Your Old Building

Event details

Access to pre-recorded presentations: from 3 April until 31 May 2025
Live online Q&A session with the course tutors: Saturday 10 May, 12.30 - 2pm (BST)

Join us for an introduction to the care and maintenance of period properties, ideal for homeowners and tenants of old buildings.

This modular, self-paced online course features six pre-recorded presentations and a live Q&A session. It introduces the SPAB conservation approach and offers guidance on how best to tackle common problems and maintain the character and value of your home. 

If you live in or look after a period property, or are a professional who needs to brief their clients on understanding their old building, this course is ideal for you. The SPAB is an IHBC-recognised CPD provider and certificates of attendance are available on request.

Topics we will cover

•    An Introduction to Old Buildings and Conservation: putting ideas into practice 
•    Construction and Performance: understanding why old buildings are different 
•    Introduction to Lime: a beginner’s guide 
•    Maintenance Matters: the importance of the routine care of buildings 
•    Understanding the Legal Framework and Working with Professionals 
•    Energy Efficiency: upgrading old buildings without compromising character and integrity

"All the key topics and important points were covered, and the use of example photographs and diagrams was very useful. The tutor's style and practical knowledge were also useful." - course participant. 

How the course works

The course includes six pre-recorded lectures followed by a live online Q&A session on Saturday 10 May 2025, 12.30-2pm (BST).

You will receive access to the pre-recorded lectures via email from 3 April and can watch them at your own pace until 31 May.  

We recommend watching as many as you can before the live online Q&A session. You’ll receive joining instructions a few days before the Q&A and the session will be recorded for those unable to attend. 

Tutors

The course is presented by James Innerdale and Libby Watts. James is an accredited architect, historic buildings consultant and SPAB Technical Adviser. Libby is a RIBA Specialist Conservation Architect, director of Liberty Rose Architects and SPAB Education and Training Guardian.

IT requirements

You will need a laptop, phone or other device connected to the internet. 

Accessibility

Anything we can do to make this course more accessible for you? Please email education@spab.org.uk.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Image credit: Phil Hearing, Unsplash