Meet Dav Smith

York Conservation Trust's newly appointed Heritage Manager

In 2016, lecturer in Historical Buildings Dav Smith was working in the Archaeology Department at the University of York. Preparing case studies for the year, Dav was casting around to find an historic building to use for a site condition survey. Not getting anywhere fast, Dav made use of the opportunity to forge links with York Conservation Trust (YCT). Introduced to recently appointed conservation architect Guy Bowyer, the Trust was just starting an ambitious project to save a Georgian townhouse at 69 – 71 Micklegate. The answer to Dav’s prayers.

Fast forward to today, and CEO Guy welcomes Dav as the Trust’s newly appointed Heritage Manager. We talked to Dav to find out about his route from Australia to York, and how his mum inspired his early interest in history and heritage buildings.

“One of the ‘Ten pound poms’, that emigrated to Australia in the 1960s, my mum comes from an area of Nottinghamshire called the Dukeries, which had lots of big country estates. With a best friend’s mum being a cleaner, she spent hours playing hide and seek in old halls, amongst suits of armour. So, I grew up on parental nostalgia, longing and stories of great houses. One of the estates, Welbeck Abbey, was made famous by the reclusive 5th Duke of Portland, known as the ‘Tunnelling Duke’. My grandfather used to go to dances in a wonderful underground ballroom there during the war. He also used to play cricket on the estate pitch.

“These stories became part of my childhood mythology, and led me to read Medieval History at Melbourne University, after which, I set off to see Europe. Backpacking for six months with friends, I had the vague idea of looking for work in building conservation, as the job didn’t exist in the same way in Australia, I had no idea what I’d find.

“Finally, landing in Bournemouth, I got a job at the University as an administrator in the then School of Conservation Science. To discover that buildings archaeology was a thing, bringing together science, geology, geography and history was so exciting. I got to think about construction fabric. I got to explore archives, and look at old photos and maps… It was just this amazing intersection of all the things I'd loved as a kid. I knew I’d found the career for me!

“I dived in. Auditing buildings teaching and developing a particular interest in church archaeology. After three years, encouraged by my colleagues at Bournemouth, I came to York in 2008 to do a master’s degree, returning to complete a PhD on a teaching fellowship in 2010, and I’m still here!

“During these years I worked with Historic England (then English Heritage) and as a research assistant for Dr Jane Grenville, the founder of the Buildings Archaeology Masters Programme (now MA in Historic Buildings). Jane was a great influence on me, exploring how one could take an academic approach to historic buildings but also apply this practically, in a world of commercial realities.

“Setting up my own commercial practice followed, leading to a long partnership with Geoff Maybank FRICS, joining forces in a heritage consultancy firm (Maybank Buildings Conservation), whilst still lecturing on historic buildings at the University. This dual approach was always, and still is, intentional, as I find I can improve my work in both areas. As a university lecturer, I keep at the forefront of conservation philosophy and the cutting edge of technology. This, in turn, makes me a far better professional practitioner.

“Some feel the commercial world always as the cut down, quick and dirty version - the fastest route to profit, and academia as the ivory tower of best practice. In my experience, I don’t think that’s true. Yes, you don't always have the opportunity to use exemplar practice in commercial reality, but you need to know what best practice is, to know where and how to compromise to get the best outcomes for the client and the building.

“I can offer students real case studies where I can share the decisions, the compromises, and why that's OK. In this way, as future building conservators or heritage consultants, they'll have a much keener understanding of the built heritage landscape, and I’m delighted that lots of our students have gone on to amazing jobs working for national bodies, local authorities, and in archaeological and architectural practices.

“It’s an exciting time for the Trust as it kicks off its 10-year plan to get all its properties in good order and optimal use, together with encouraging more public enjoyment of the buildings themselves. Principally, my role as Heritage Manager is helping to deliver this plan, and that means around £17 million worth of repairs and upgrades across the entire estate. As we do this, we need to ensure we have a fundamental understanding of the significance of the buildings to assess the impact of any proposed works. My role involves detailed drawings of existing fabric, archaeological building recording, writing Listed Building Consent applications and the required Heritage Statements from my research into each building's history and significance.

“We already have several projects underway this year, including 83-89 Micklegate and 77 Walmgate. Alongside the practical elements of my role at YCT, I’m also enjoying having some input into strategic planning; helping to shape the future of the Trust, their buildings, estate management and engagement with the wider City. Working with Guy, the operational team and the Trustees is a real privilege!

“Over the last 15 years York has changed massively, together with the role of the Trust, as curator and landlord of some of the UK’s most significant buildings. York is an extraordinary place, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to help ensure its role as an historically important, vibrant and much loved place to live, study and work.”