The award, presented by The Architects’ Journal, celebrates our “exciting attitude to future-facing conservation work” and its role in demonstrating that heritage-led architecture is central to addressing the climate emergency and wider societal challenges facing the built environment.
Judges praised the practice for its clarity of identity, design quality and growing influence: “They convincingly demonstrate that heritage-led architecture is not a niche discipline… it’s an essential part of how the profession has to respond to the climate emergency,” and noted that DIA is “leading the profession” as this approach becomes increasingly mainstream."
Founded in 1958, Donald Insall Associates has spent more than 65 years redefining conservation as a dynamic process of managing change, balancing tradition and transformation to ensure historic places remain relevant, resilient and enduring.
The recognition reflects a significant period of transformation within the practice. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Dorian Proudfoot, DIA has introduced a new business strategy, strengthened its senior leadership team, and invested in people, systems and sustainability—driving strong growth and reinforcing its position at the forefront of the sector.
Central to this evolution is our commitment to heritage innovation—its core idea that heritage can act as a catalyst for progress. By bringing together unrivalled expertise and a pioneering spirit, the practice seeks to unlock opportunity within historic environments, setting the standard for what heritage can be today.
“This award is a testament to the collective effort of our colleagues past and present, across the practice. It reflects not only the quality of our work, but the way we have always thought about heritage, as alive, adaptable and vital to the future. We believe the historic environment has a critical role to play in addressing the challenges of our time, from climate to community, and we are proud to be recognised for helping to lead that conversation.
DIA is uniquely well placed within the industry as heritage becomes increasingly mainstream. Having specialised in adapting historic buildings for nearly seven decades, we bring the depth of skills and experience that positions us as the go-to consultants to help clients unlock both the challenges and opportunities of working with historic assets.”
The AJ100 recognition also highlights DIA’s continued focus on collaboration, technical mastery and unlocking opportunity—working closely with clients, custodians and communities to navigate complexity and deliver meaningful, lasting change in some of the UK’s most significant historic places.
With studios across the UK and a growing team of architects and heritage consultants, the practice is entering a new chapter—one shaped by innovation, professionalism and a commitment to creating a thriving workplace, while continuing to deliver best-in-class outcomes for clients.
As the role of heritage becomes increasingly central to sustainable development and cultural identity, Donald Insall Associates’ AJ100 Practice of the Year win marks a defining moment—both for the practice and for the wider recognition of heritage as a vital, forward-looking discipline.