The IHBC is delighted to welcome Torsten Haak, Executive Director of the Iona Community and IHBC’s Vice President as our guest judge for IHBC’s 2025 Gus Astley Student Award, supporting our student awards programme of certificates, cash prizes & free places at IHBC’s 2026 Annual School – #IHBCNewcastle2026 – 18-20 June.
Torsten said: ‘It is an honour to be invited to judge this year’s awards. With a long-standing involvement in heritage, I am eager to see how fresh ideas, collaboration, and purpose are shaping the sector’s future.’
‘I look forward to being inspired by the innovation and integrity shown in this year’s entries.’
IHBC’s Vice-President’s Personal Statement and ‘Expression of Interest’ for his successful appointment
I am an architecture, planning, and conservation graduate from Germany and have worked in heritage and conservation across Scotland since 1995. I became a full member of the IHBC 22 years ago and served as a committee member of the Scottish Branch from 2014 to 2017. I have attended many IHBC Annual Schools and value the Institute’s role in supporting heritage professionals, shaping conservation policy, and advocating for best practice.
My career in heritage and conservation has been diverse, covering both practical and strategic leadership. I began as a cabinet maker in Hamburg before moving into building conservation, working as Buildings Advisor for Edinburgh World Heritage, managing the Arbroath Townscape Heritage Initiative, and leading Glasgow City Heritage Trust as Director for 15 years. Currently, I am the Executive Director of the Iona Community, an international ecumenical movement focused on justice, peace, and environmental stewardship, with over 280 Members and 2,000 Associates worldwide. In this role, I oversee governance, finance, trading, human resources, and the management of properties and estates, ensuring long-term sustainability while supporting the Community’s mission.
Alongside my professional work, I have dedicated significant time to volunteering as a Trustee and, at times, Treasurer for various heritage organisations, with a particular focus on governance, finance, and the development of traditional building skills. I have served as a Trustee of ICOMOS- UK and a member of its World Heritage Committee for 10 years, as Honorary Treasurer of the Built Environment Forum Scotland for five years, and as Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of Europa Nostra UK for three years. I am also a member of the Incorporation of Wrights at the Trades House of Glasgow, the Merchants House of Glasgow, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
On an international level, I serve as Vice-President of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Historic Towns and Villages (CIVVIH) and have represented the UK as an expert on CIVVIH since 2008. Through my work with ICOMOS and Europa Nostra, I have been privileged to engage in heritage conservation e?orts across Europe and beyond. I am particularly interested in how historic cities and cultural heritage can drive sustainable development and economic growth, as well as the importance of preserving and sharing traditional building skills across di?erent cultures.
The IHBC plays a crucial role in supporting professionals, advocating for conservation, and ensuring high standards in heritage practice. My three years with the Scottish Branch were just the start of my contribution, and I now wish to serve as Vice-President to further strengthen the IHBC’s influence. I bring a combination of practical conservation experience, leadership in governance and finance, and an international perspective on heritage policy and practice. I believe my experience can support the IHBC in responding to emerging challenges, strengthening its professional network, and championing the role of conservation in shaping sustainable, resilient communities.
I would be honoured to contribute to the leadership of the IHBC and to work alongside colleagues to advance its mission in particular in relation to traditional skills training and community engagement.
Torsten Haak, 16 February 2025
See more on the IHBC’s Gus Astley Student Award
See Testimonials from successful applicants, and winners in previous Awards
See more on submitting online
See more on the IHBC’s Annual Schools HERE, including #IHBCShrewsbury2025 and #IHBCNewcastle2026
