Human Resources in Canada's Built Heritage Sector: Mapping the ...

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MAPPING THE WORK FORCE AND SETTING STRATEGIC PRIORITIES• Architects who lack experience in the built heritage sector may impose designs that are incompatiblewith the architectural or historical values of a heritage structure. Consequently, original features orcomponents of the heritage structure may be unnecessarily replaced, lost or submerged throughinsensitive renovations and additions.• Structural or civil engineers without experience in the built heritage sector may not understandthe engineering properties of traditional building materials or methods. This may lead to designspecifications that are inappropriate. Mechanical engineers may not understand the way in whichheritage structures can be more vulnerable to humidity, condensation or vibration. In retrofittedprojects, mechanical systems may be designed and installed in a way that unnecessarily detracts fromthe heritage character of a building.• Project managers who lack experience in the built heritage sector may underestimate timerequirements, fail to recognize the need for conservation specialists, and use trade contractors and otherprofessionals who similarly lack the skills that are distinctly required by the built heritage sector.Heritage features of a building may be unnecessarily replaced.As noted in Chapters 5 and 6, the experience of the US and the UK lends significant credence to theconcerns raised. However, based on the consultations that inform this study, we cannot conclude with certaintythat the concerns raised in our interviews and workshops constitute systemic problems. To draw such a conclusionwould require a more systematic canvassing of the owners of heritage properties in both the public andprivate sector. Professional bodies for engineers, architects and project planners also should be involved inany such research.Engineers:In the case of engineers, the interviews and workshops do not make a strong case for a specialist “heritageengineer” designation. While there are distinctive engineering issues in the built heritage sector, these maybe factors that can be dealt with by continuing professional development and advice to the owners ofheritage properties to engage appropriately experienced or trained engineers. It should be noted that mostprofessional engineering associations in Canada have adopted (or are adopting) policies which makecontinuing professional development a condition of licensure.In the engineering profession, there is an exceptionally well developed institutional capacity to delivercontinuing professional development. The various engineering discipline associations are active in the fieldof professional development, as are the free-standing professional development centres. The largest of theseprofessional development centres is the University of Toronto’s Centre for Professional Development, whichis affiliated with its Faculty of Engineering. It may be appropriate to explore with the major deliverers ofprofessional development training the possibility of specialized courses in the application of engineering tobuilt heritage structures.Architects:In the case of architects, the interviews and workshops suggest a stronger justification for exploring a specialized“heritage architect” designation. Architects play a pivotal role in the built heritage sector. Most commonly, itis architects that are responsible for the initial conceptualization and design of a project, including thespecification of which features will be preserved. Architects may specify the use of particular materials ortechniques. In many cases, architects also function as project managers. In this capacity they either select or©CULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL47
HUMAN RESOURCES IN CANADA’S BUILT HERITAGE SECTORadvise on the selection of general contractors and trade contractors. As both designers and project managers,architects working in the built heritage sector must know when to draw on the expertise of professionalconservators. The need for architects who are specialized in the built heritage sector is already partiallyrecognized in the labour market by the emergence of architectural firms with specialized practices. It wasnoted in Chapter 5 that the US has occupational standards for architects who work in the built heritage sector. Inthe UK, Chapter 6 described the movement to introduce a specialist designation through the Royal Institute ofBritish Architects. The Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland adopted specialist designations in 2002.It was noted earlier that there are two distinct approaches to occupational standards. In the US, professionalstandards were established by the Secretary of the Interior and made applicable to all work undertaken usingfederal monies, including federal tax credits. This system of professional occupational standards applies to theemployers or engagers of professionals. The standards therefore operate outside the system of professionalaccreditation. In the UK, the favoured approach is specialist credentials administered by professional bodies.Occupational guidelines are easier to establish and apply than accreditation schemes. However, the impactof occupational guidelines is confined to work carried out under the auspices of the body sponsoring theguidelines. A broader scope is potentially achievable through the specialized accreditation route.Recommendation No. 2Architecture and Engineering Professions in the Built Heritage SectorThat a research project focused on the role of architecture and engineering in the built heritage sector be carriedout to document the distinct professional skill requirements of persons in the architectural and engineeringprofessions who work in the built heritage sector and the extent to which professional specialization alreadyprevails; and to examine the possible role of professional standards, continuing professional development,specialized registries, or other procedures in meeting the needs of the built heritage sector for professionalsin these fields.Background:This research project should be developed in co-operation with the respective professionalassociations and with major public and private owners of heritage structures. The projectwould need to take account of regional differences.Technical OccupationsTechnicians and technologists are usually trained in community and technical colleges or CGEPS.There are two types of technical occupations that are relevant to the built heritage sector. The first aretechnical occupations that usually work under the direction of a related professional. Among others, theseinclude architectural and engineering technologists. Some conservators also employ technicians. The secondtype of technical occupation are those which often work independently of a related professional. These mayinclude materials testers, photogrammatrists, building recorders, etc.It is noteworthy that our interviews and workshops identified no serious concerns about either shortagesor the quality of skills in regard to technical occupations. On the whole, therefore, the impression is thata sufficient number of young persons are drawn into these occupations and that the college system does acommendable job in providing them with appropriate training.48©CULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL
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