IHBC President, Rebecca Thompson has warmly welcomed the award of an OBE to IHBC Chair David McDonald in the New Year Honours List 2026, an award that ‘recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK.’
IHBC President Rebecca Thompson, Director of Property, St Paul’s Cathedral, said: ‘It is with great pleasure that I am the conduit for fantastic news!’
‘Our IHBC Chair, David McDonald has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Years Honours List. This prestigious honour recognises their outstanding contribution and dedication to the heritage sector, and is richly deserved. We are incredibly proud to have David as part of our organisation.’
‘As well as being our IHBC Chair, David is a heritage consultant specialising in training for built environment professionals. David was, until 2011 Conservation and Design Team Leader at the Royal Borough Kensington, a post held for over 20 years.’
‘David joined the IHBC at its inception and has always been an active member, and is a superb Chair to the board of trustees, leading IHBC through some interesting changes.’
‘David is a published author, and co-wrote the RIBA Conservation Guide.’
‘May I take this opportunity to congratulate David personally on this well-deserved honour that reflects your work for the heritage sector.’
‘On behalf of all staff, trustees and members of the IHBC we thank you for your exceptional service and commitment to the sector and we are pleased your work has been recognised in this way. This honour reflects the positive impact David has made and the future positive impacts to be made. We are delighted to celebrate this achievement with you.’
IHBC Chair David McDonald OBE said: ‘This award is most unexpected, but I am delighted to have my work for the IHBC recognised nationally.’
‘It comes at a time when we are working towards chartered status for the institute and this honour will give me added confidence in moving forward with our Petition for Charter.’
‘I also consider that this Award is a tribute not only to me but also to the value of the IHBC and the historic built environment sector as a whole’.
See full details of the honours
For more on the jointly-authored RIBA Conservation Guide see the IHBC NewsBlog
