The IHBC is delighted to congratulate our Chair David McDonald on his formal investiture following the award of an OBE in the New Year Honours List 2026, an award that ‘recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK.’
David McDonald said: ‘I was delighted to receive my OBE on Tuesday 7 July. The investiture took place in the Great Reception Hall at Windsor Castle, and it felt particularly appropriate that I received the award from King Charles. His work and support for heritage is well known.’
‘The wording of the citation was ‘for services to the historic built environment and charity’. As I have said before, this award is not only for my achievements, but recognition of how far the IHBC has progressed as a leader in the historic environment sector’.
Following the announcement of David’s award in January, 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.’
See full details of the honours
For more on the jointly-authored RIBA Conservation Guide see the IHBC NewsBlog with full details HERE
