Saranya Dharshini

Background

About Saranya Dharshini

Saranya is a conservation architect, specialising in architectural and cultural projects with a focus on people-centred conservation and the integration of traditional practices. With an extensive global background, she has worked across various facets of heritage, showcasing her versatility and deep expertise in the field. She is particularly known for delivering innovative design solutions for historic buildings of all ages, leading multidisciplinary teams to ensure the successful completion of complex projects. Her distinguished career has been recognised with two UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Conservation Awards for her contributions to conservation projects in India. Saranya’s international experience includes working on UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Amer Fort, the Bombay High Court, and Santiniketan. In the UK, she has made significant contributions to landmark projects, including the Conservation Management Plan for Hull City Hall and the York Station Gateway project, blending architectural design with heritage conservation. Saranya has also taken on some of the most challenging conservation projects in the UK, including work on the Grade I listed Blackpool Tower, advising on the conversion of a Grade II listed former Wesleyan Methodist Church, and leading the dismantling and re-erection of the Grade I listed Huddersfield Station Tearooms. Her role in conserving three Grade II listed lighthouses further underscores her expertise in guiding multidisciplinary teams through complex and highly detailed conservation challenges. Beyond conservation practice, Saranya is deeply committed to education, research, and heritage advocacy. She actively contributes to the field through teaching, voluntary work, and international heritage conservation efforts. As the leader of the Heritage and Gender task team for ICOMOS International, she collaborates with the UN Agenda Sustainable Development Goals Working Group and the Rights-Based Approaches Working Group. Saranya also serves as a Board Trustee of ICOMOS-UK and as Vice-President for the Europe Region of the International Scientific Committee on Water and Heritage. She has published widely on heritage topics, including contributions to UN Water 2023, Routledge, and ICOMOS.