Leading the Heritage Conversation
- James Lesh
- Dec 16, 2025
- 2 min read
Our heritage sector leadership is defined by contributions that strengthen places and communities through expert advice and strategic influence.
Some of our recent events and activities include:
Advancing Next-Generation Values: Dr James Lesh presented on "Values in Heritage" at the Australia ICOMOS National Conference 2025: the marquee heritage industry gathering. We argued that conservation requires pivoting to People-Centred Conservation, seeking to "Embrace Value As Much As Possible".
Shaping the Future of Practice through AI: Dr James Lesh chaired a critical panel at the Australia ICOMOS National Conference 2025 titled "Artificial Heritage? AI and the heritage industry". We defined AI as a deeply disruptive tool and stressed that the future belongs to the heritage professional who can use AI effectively, efficiently, and ethically. The session included necessary critique on data governance, sovereignty, and preventing AI from 'hallucinating' knowledge.
Supporting Emerging Heritage Professionals: Heritage Workshop has been a proud sponsor of the Australia ICOMOS 2025 National Conference, with a specific commitment to supporting Young and Emerging Heritage Professionals. This sponsorship is integral to our philosophy of next-generation conservation, dedicated to fostering the innovative mindset necessary to sustain heritage in a world experiencing rapid change.
Driving Strategic Policy Critique: We're collaborating on a white paper on the future of heritage and design, which was presented at the Australia ICOMOS conference by Sonia Sarangi of Andever. This work establishes the provocation that current urban heritage practices are often "broken" by excluding critical factors like design, sustainability, community needs, housing shortages, and the climate crisis.
Integrating Heritage, Planning, and Economics: We were invited by SGS Economics and Planning to present on the crucial intersection of heritage, planning, and economics at a lunchtime session. This presentation generated an engaging and thoughtful discussion among attendees.
