Mill Architects’ Jo Parry-Geddes appointed as trustee of BEFS

Jo Parry-Geddes 

An RIAS Advanced Conservation Accredited Architect with more than 25 years’ experience working across Scotland’s built heritage, Ms Parry-Geddes brings to the BEFS Board a wealth of expertise in the conservation, repair and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, alongside a strong commitment to sustainability, collaboration and public engagement.

Throughout her career, Ms Parry-Geddes has led major conservation and repair projects across the country, from A-listed townhouses and landmark churches to community heritage initiatives and traditional tenements. Her portfolio includes significant work on the Kirk of St Nicholas in Aberdeen, The Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh, and John Knox House, as well as more than 95 church fabric repair projects.

Her work also extends to the climate-focused retrofit of traditional and listed buildings, supported by specialist training in energy efficiency and retrofit design. She is widely recognised for combining technical excellence with strategic insight and sector leadership.

Beyond her practice at Mill Architects, Ms Parry-Geddes is chair of the Tenement Action Group, serves on both the RIAS Conservation Committee and the National Churches Trust Steering Group, and has previously convened the Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum.

Speaking about her appointment, Jo Parry-Geddes said: “Joining the BEFS Board is an opportunity to contribute to the organisation’s important work in strengthening Scotland’s built environment sector. My career has been rooted in collaboration, sustainability and the belief that heritage plays a vital role in shaping our future places.

“I look forward to supporting BEFS’ focus on sustainability, funding and sector engagement, and to helping ensure heritage remains relevant, resilient and valued within Scotland’s evolving policy landscape.”

BEFS director Hazel Johnson welcomed the appointment, adding: “We are delighted to have Jo Parry-Geddes join the BEFS Board. Her deep practical experience, commitment to advocacy and leadership across Scotland’s conservation sector will be a tremendous asset to our work.

“Jo’s insight into both the technical and cultural dimensions of heritage will help strengthen our mission to promote a sustainable, collaborative and inclusive built environment.”

Ms Parry-Geddes’s appointment further strengthens BEFS’ representation across Scotland’s architecture, heritage and construction sectors, reinforcing the organisation’s role as a collective voice for those working to protect and enhance Scotland’s historic and built environment.

BEFS also welcomes Douglas Campbell, Méabh Weldon, Jess Burrows, Robert Rooney and Susan MacInnes to its Board of Trustees, who together bring a broad range of experience and perspectives to help advance the organisation’s strategic goals.