Donald Insall Associates appoints new Chairman
Robin Dhar, 2023
Donald Insall Associates announces that as of 2024 the practice has appointed Robin Dhar as its new Chairman following a decade as a Board Director.
Robin is succeeding Tony Barton, who served as Chairman for over ten years. Tony, alongside Deputy Chair Tanvir Hasan, has stepped down from the board of directors but continues to consult for the practice as Director Emeritus.
Robin has a particular interest in historic interiors and rescuing unloved historic buildings – working with these imaginatively to bring out their special qualities and potential for viable future use. As Chairman, he will continue the practice’s specialism to conserve and sensitively unlock potential in historic buildings and focus on environmental sustainability, to ensure that older buildings are not left behind in efforts to make all buildings more energy efficient.
“Conservation is not about fossilisation – rather it is about understanding the significance of historic buildings and places, bringing out the best, and identifying opportunities for positive improvements for their continued vitality,” says Robin.
“I am heartened to see the conversation around the reuse of existing buildings gaining momentum over the past few years. The heritage sector has a significant role to play in decarbonising the built environment, and I am looking forward to our practice continuing to engage with clients and other professionals about creatively conserving and adapting our built heritage while minimising both embodied and operational carbon emissions. We believe that conservation and sustainability go hand-in-hand when sensitively carried out”
Robin’s appointment follows two earlier promotions to the board of Dorian Proudfoot and Helen Ensor, who lead the York and Oxford studios respectively. This reflects a succession strategy that brings together long-serving directors and the next generation of leadership, embracing both continuity and fresh thinking.
Donald Insall Associates board of directors, December 2023