Design Team Members Honoured

Pip Cheshire and Julian Bickersteth, members of the Trust’s Conservation Design Team, have both received high honours.

Pip Cheshire, of Cheshire Architects, has been honoured as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for his exceptional contributions to the field of architecture and preserving cultural heritage. This prestigious recognition highlights Pip’s impact on urban renewal, architectural design, and heritage preservation throughout his career.

Julian Bickersteth, of International Conservation Services, was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2024 Australia Day Honours for ‘distinguished service to the museum and arts sector, and to conservation and the environment’.

The Trust is fortunate to have worked with both Pip and Julian for many years. Their work on the Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project, Pip as Project Architect and Julian as Conservation Adviser, has been pivotal in developing the conservation plans and methodology for how the Trust would conserve the expedition bases of Carsten Borchgrevink, Sir Ernest Shackleton, Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Edmund Hillary. Both have spent time working on the Ice with the Trust, Pip during the 2002- 03 and 2014-15 seasons, and Julian during 2003-04 and 2006-07.

In 2023, Pip and Julian took part in a two-day workshop to review the Trust’s Conservation Management Plans, which have been in place for 20 years. The workshop participants worked collaboratively to identify high-level constraints and issues, and to recommend appropriate policy directions as the plans are reviewed.

“We are very proud to work closely with both Pip and Julian as members of our international design team. Their passion for this heritage work alongside their individual expertise has been critical for the Trust as we have undertaken the initial conservation of these significant heritage sites and all of the challenges and opportunities that entailed,” says Executive Director Francesca Eathorne.

Outside of working with the Trust, Pip’s architectural prowess is exemplified by his work transforming Auckland’s (NZ) urban landscape, blending contemporary design with the city’s rich heritage on groundbreaking projects like the Britomart urban renewal initiative. He has been an advocate for the architectural profession throughout his career, including a term as National President of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, where he helped promote excellence and inclusivity within the industry.

As the current President of the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Julian is a prominent figure within the conservation profession and wider cultural heritage sector. He has been actively involved in the International Council on Sites and Monuments, serving as President of the International Polar Heritage Committee from 2010-2018. Julian’s multifaceted expertise and dedication make him a valued asset to the global conservation community. His leadership and expertise around helping to manage the 20,000+ artefact collection left behind from the historic expeditions has been significant for the Trust over the last 20 years.