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A portfolio of heritage projects

A selection of conservation, restoration, museum and heritage-management projects delivered across Albania and the wider region.

Conservation & Cultural Heritage Management Training Complex Conservation Design Cultural Heritage Management & Business Plans Complete Reconceptualisation Interventions Conservation of Archaeological Ruins & Fortifications Conservation of Designed Architecture Emergency Restoration & Consolidation Conservation of Wall Paintings & Furniture Collection Care Disaster Risk Management Plans Historical Residential Dwellings Post-Conflict
Area 01

Conservation & Cultural Heritage Management Training

Training programmes that build conservation skills and pass traditional craft knowledge to new generations.

Regional Restoration Camps

With Cultural Heritage without Borders Albania

Largest regional training platform · 2,000 participants from 40 countries · EU/Europa Nostra Award

  • Strengthened skills in professional ethics, traditional building techniques, conservation, documentation, heritage management, interpretation, local practices and teamwork.
  • Fostered cross-cultural and cross-sector collaboration among participants, stakeholders, institutions and local communities.
  • Increased appreciation of cultural heritage as a tool for peacebuilding, sustainability and the preservation of traditional crafts and practices.
  • Encouraged greater shared responsibility for safeguarding and interpreting cultural heritage in both urban and rural contexts.
  • Built a strong sense of collective achievement, connection and community engagement.

Vocational Training for Historical Repair Techniques

With Cultural Heritage without Borders, for the Ministry of Economics, Energy, Transport and Regional Development; State of Hessen; the National Institute for Cultural Heritage; and the Ministry of Culture of Albania

300 apprentices and master craftspersons

  • Developed and piloted vocational training pathways in traditional repair, conservation and heritage crafts, combining theory with hands-on apprenticeship models for youth and emerging craftspeople.
  • Expanded the national TVET framework through new vocational modules and certification pathways focused on traditional construction materials, conservation techniques and heritage professions.
  • Strengthened institutional capacity by supporting the South East European Center for Conservation and Restoration and cooperating with the Chamber of Crafts to deliver accredited training and certification.
  • Promoted employment opportunities for youth, women and craftspeople from migration-affected areas through skills development linked directly to the labour market.
  • Advanced the recognition and long-term sustainability of traditional craftsmanship by supporting legislative and professional mechanisms requiring certified craftspeople in heritage and construction interventions.
Area 02

Complex Conservation Design

Integrated, multidisciplinary conservation and rehabilitation design for major heritage sites.

Emergency Consolidation of Gjirokastra Castle

UNESCO World Heritage site · With Cultural Heritage without Borders, for the Albanian Development Fund and the World Bank

  • Developed an integrated conservation and rehabilitation design combining structural, geological, hydrological, archaeological and architectural interventions.
  • Identified and prioritised critical safety, stabilisation and conservation interventions to safeguard heritage assets and improve long-term sustainability.
  • Produced comprehensive technical documentation: assessments, intervention methodologies, technical specifications, drawings, cost estimates and maintenance plans.
  • Established a conservation framework aligned with international standards, emphasising authenticity, minimal intervention, sustainability and documentation.
  • Improved site accessibility, interpretation, visitor experience and heritage management through new pathways, interpretation spaces, archaeological integration and public facilities.

National Historical Museum — Full Reconceptualisation & Partial Implementation

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU · Full building & mosaic facade

  • Oversaw development of a full reconceptualisation design including architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical drawing packages.
  • Oversaw development of full musealisation design including collection care, interior design and artefact display.
  • Conceptualised and guided the vision for the portions of design implemented within the EU4Culture project.
  • Facilitated restoration and construction permit approvals.
  • Supervised on-site artefact evacuation and packing, structural consolidation, and architectural conservation of the facade.
  • Mosaic facade: oversaw a full conservation design package, facilitated permits, and supervised on-site conservation of the mosaics.
Area 03

Cultural Heritage Management & Business Plans

Long-term strategies that make heritage sites sustainable, well-governed and self-financing.

Integrated Management & Business Plan for Butrint

UNESCO World Heritage site · With Cultural Heritage without Borders, for the Albanian-American Development Foundation

  • Established a unified 2020–2030 strategy for the sustainable management of Butrint’s cultural and natural heritage assets.
  • Identified major risks: tourism pressure, environmental degradation, weak governance and inadequate conservation capacity.
  • Proposed a new governance and management structure to strengthen protection, funding, staffing and sustainability.
  • Developed the first comprehensive conservation plan for all assets of Butrint, including risk prioritisation and costing.
  • Promoted sustainable tourism, improved visitor infrastructure and heritage interpretation while safeguarding authenticity and landscape.
  • Emphasised community engagement, education, research and sustainable local development as key drivers for the National Park.

Integrated Management & Business Plan — 12 Heritage Sites

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

Venetian Tower, Ethnographic Museum, Archaeological Museum & Hamam (Durrës); Castle of Ishëm; Ruins of St Mary; Ethnographic Museums of Kruja & Kavaja; National Puppet Theatre; National Historical Museum; Castles of Bashtova & Lezha

  • Integrated conservation and management through coordinated governance, maintenance, monitoring and sustainable preservation practices.
  • Revitalised heritage assets as drivers of cultural tourism, local economic growth and regional development.
  • Strengthened visitor experience through interpretation, education, accessibility, marketing and improved cultural services.
  • Promoted sustainable, self-financing management models through business planning, revenue generation and institutional capacity building.
  • Enhanced community engagement, partnerships and stakeholder collaboration for long-term stewardship and social value.
Area 04

Complete Reconceptualisation Interventions

End-to-end museum and monument transformations — from design to multimedia interpretation to on-site delivery.

Venetian Tower, Durrës

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw a full reconceptualisation design package: architectural, structural, electrical and mechanical drawings.
  • Oversaw development and implementation of full multimedia content — dome projection, VR goggles, interactive floor and ceiling, audio guides, tablet content and periscope viewing.
  • Supervised on-site implementation of masonry conservation, mechanical and electrical upgrades, backup systems (water deposits, generator), surveillance and fire protection.

Ethnographic Museum of Kruja

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw a full reconceptualisation design package and full musealisation design (collection care, interior design, artefact display).
  • Guided multimedia content: VR, video projection, virtual dressing room, a documentary on intangible heritage, ASMR, tablet videos and reading, interactive wall and audio guides.
  • Supervised all on-site works: artefact evacuation and packing, structural consolidation, architectural conservation, system upgrades and museum backup systems, surveillance and fire protection.
  • Directly oversaw the reconceptualised museum design — display furniture, artefact distribution, labelling, and the placement and content of multimedia devices.
  • Coordinated with the Institute for Conservation of the University of Fine Arts in Vienna during artefact cleaning and installation.

Ethnographic Museum of Kavaja

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw a full reconceptualisation design package and full musealisation design.
  • Guided multimedia content: VR, video and movie projection, virtual dressing room, tablet videos and reading, and audio guides.
  • Supervised all on-site works including artefact handling, structural consolidation, architectural conservation, system upgrades, backup systems, surveillance and fire protection.
  • Responsible for HSSE, risk strategies, and contract follow-up (daily logs, IPCs, volumes, quality assurance).
  • Directly oversaw display furniture, artefact distribution, labelling and multimedia placement.
  • Coordinated with Vienna’s University of Fine Arts and led a craftsperson exchange teaching local contractors traditional materials and techniques (timber, adobe, mud plasters).

Archaeological Museum, Durrës

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw a full reconceptualisation design package and full musealisation design.
  • Supervised all on-site works including artefact handling, structural consolidation, architectural conservation, system upgrades, backup systems, surveillance and fire protection.
  • Responsible for HSSE, risk strategies and contract follow-up (daily logs, IPCs, volumes, quality assurance).
  • Directly oversaw display furniture, artefact distribution and labelling.

Castle of Bashtova — Conservation, Accessibility & Interpretation

Tentative World Heritage candidate · With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw a full conservation design package (architectural and structural) and construction drawings for a new visitors’ centre.
  • Supervised on-site works: masonry conservation, material testing, training workshops, and construction of the visitor centre with its systems and backups.
  • Responsible for HSSE, risk strategies and contract follow-up.
  • Directly oversaw full interpretation via panels and the implementation of a virtual-reality app with reference markers.

Hamam, Durrës

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw the full reconceptualisation design package, integrating conservation requirements with modern operational, safety and visitor-experience standards.
  • Directed comprehensive multimedia and interpretative content — audio installations, immersive “hamam voices,” digital storytelling and tablet-based video.
  • Supervised on-site masonry conservation, mechanical and electrical upgrades, backup infrastructure, surveillance, security and fire protection.
  • Coordinated multidisciplinary teams, contractors, conservators and technical experts, ensuring quality, compliance and long-term sustainability.
Area 05

Conservation of Archaeological Ruins & Fortifications

Stabilisation, accessibility and interpretation of fragile archaeological remains.

Ruins of St Mary (Mamurras) & Castle of Ishëm

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw a full conservation design package (architectural and structural) and construction drawings for a new roof cover over the apse at the Ruins of St Mary.
  • Supervised on-site masonry conservation, material testing, training workshops, roof-cover construction, and new landscaping and walking paths at both sites.
  • Responsible for HSSE, risk strategies and contract follow-up.
  • Directly oversaw on-site interpretation via panels.
Area 06

Conservation of Designed Architecture

Restoration of significant designed buildings, including sites of national memory.

Building of the Formerly Persecuted & National Puppet Theatre (First Albanian Parliament), Tirana

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw a full reconceptualisation design package (architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical).
  • Supervised conservation and restoration of historical fabric, material testing and training workshops.
  • Supervised structural consolidation, architectural conservation and system upgrades, including theatre functioning (stage, auditorium, backups) and improvements for the Institute of the Formerly Persecuted.

Former Archbishopric Building, Delbnisht

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw a full reconceptualisation design package (architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical).
  • Supervised conservation and restoration of historical fabric, material testing and training workshops.
  • Supervised structural consolidation, architectural conservation, system upgrades and backup systems, surveillance and fire protection.

Restoration of Kurçaj Bridge

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw the full conservation design package, ensuring compliance with international standards, authenticity and national heritage requirements.
  • Supervised preservation of the historic fabric, structural consolidation, material testing and specialised conservation interventions.
  • Coordinated structural stabilisation, landscape integration, drainage improvements and surrounding site enhancement.
  • Facilitated and supervised training workshops and knowledge-sharing with conservators, craftsmen, engineers and local stakeholders.
Area 07

Emergency Restoration & Consolidation

Rapid, expert response to safeguard monuments after earthquakes and other disasters.

Post-Earthquake Restoration — St Anthony Church (Rodon) & Monastery Church (Rubik)

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw comprehensive conservation design packages balancing emergency stabilisation, conservation requirements and modern operational standards.
  • Supervised preservation of historic fabric, structural assessments, material testing and specialised conservation treatments.
  • Directed structural consolidation, architectural conservation and infrastructural upgrades, including surveillance and fire protection.
  • Coordinated multidisciplinary teams and facilitated training and technical knowledge transfer to strengthen local conservation capacity.

Post-Earthquake Stabilisation — Clock Tower (Kruja) & Tower C (Durrës)

With Cultural Heritage without Borders, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the US State Department

  • Designed and implemented a two-pronged approach: (1) cleaning and sorting debris, and (2) stabilisation and conservation measures.
  • Oversaw both phases for Tower C in Durrës and the Clock Tower in Kruja.
  • Achieved full restoration of Tower C through re-integration of fallen pieces.
  • Led stakeholder coordination, facilitation of restoration permits and fundraising.
Area 08

Conservation of Wall Paintings & Furniture

Specialist conservation of murals, decorative finishes and historic interiors.

Wall Paintings, Furniture & Ceilings — Kruja, St Mary, Rodon & Rubik

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw preparation and refinement of conservation designs and methodologies, ensuring compliance with international standards, national regulations and minimal intervention.
  • Coordinated and facilitated restoration permit approvals with cultural heritage institutions and authorities.
  • Identified and engaged specialised conservators, coordinating and supervising their work for high-quality outcomes.
  • Provided technical oversight and multidisciplinary coordination, safeguarding historic materials, artistic values and long-term preservation.
Area 09

Collection Care

Care of mural paintings, decorative finishes, historic interiors and liturgical heritage assets.

Collection Care — Kruja, St Mary, Rodon & Rubik

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

  • Oversaw development and review of conservation methodologies and technical designs aligned with international principles, national legislation and site-specific conditions.
  • Facilitated restoration permit approval processes, ensuring timely clearances and regulatory compliance.
  • Mobilised and supervised multidisciplinary teams of conservators, restorers, artisans and technical experts.
  • Coordinated implementation, quality assurance, technical oversight and stakeholder communication throughout the works.
Area 10

Disaster Risk Management Plans

Preparedness and resilience planning to protect heritage from natural and human-induced hazards.

DRM Plans for 10 Cultural Heritage Assets

With UNOPS/EU4Culture, for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the EU

Venetian Tower, Ethnographic Museum, Archaeological Museum & Hamam (Durrës); Ethnographic Museums of Kruja & Kavaja; National Puppet Theatre; National Historical Museum; Castle of Bashtova; National Library Archive

  • Developed and implemented integrated DRM plans through coordinated governance, risk assessment, preparedness, response, recovery, maintenance and monitoring.
  • Strengthened resilience against natural and human-induced hazards through preventive conservation, structural stabilisation and emergency preparedness.
  • Enhanced institutional and technical capacity for disaster preparedness through training, operational protocols and risk-informed management.
  • Promoted adaptive management integrating disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, financial planning and long-term safeguarding.
  • Reinforced community engagement and interinstitutional partnerships for awareness, emergency coordination and recovery.
Area 11

Historical Residential Dwellings

Conservation of vernacular houses in Albania’s historic cities.

Conservation of Historical Houses — Gjirokastra & Berat

With Cultural Heritage without Borders

Over 40 interventions in historical dwellings

  • Oversaw preparation and refinement of conservation designs and methodologies, ensuring compliance with international standards, national regulations and minimal intervention.
  • Coordinated and facilitated restoration permit approvals with cultural heritage authorities.
  • Identified and engaged specialised conservators, supervising their work for high-quality outcomes.
  • Provided technical oversight and multidisciplinary coordination throughout implementation.
Area 12

Post-Conflict

Restoring monuments of national importance in the aftermath of conflict.

Post-War Restoration of 19 Nationally Important Monuments

With Cultural Heritage without Borders

  • Oversaw preparation and refinement of conservation designs and methodologies, ensuring compliance with international standards, national regulations and minimal intervention.
  • Coordinated and facilitated restoration permit approvals with cultural heritage authorities.
  • Identified and engaged specialised conservators, supervising their work for high-quality outcomes.
  • Provided technical oversight and multidisciplinary coordination, safeguarding historic materials and artistic values.
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