As part of a wider review of our property and fabric strategy and resources, and to align with the FAC end of quinquennium, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Emma Mullen RIBA SCA BSc (Hons) MArch AABC as the new St Albans Cathedral Architect, effective 1 February 2026.

Emma is an AABC-accredited and RIBA Specialist Conservation chartered architect with a strong passion for historic buildings. Her expertise lies in responding to the complex demands of heritage sites, developing creative and carefully considered solutions to conserve, repair, and adapt them for modern use. She is committed to understanding each building’s history and character, using that insight to inform sensitive interventions and to robustly support proposals through the statutory approvals process.

Emma’s current roles include serving as Cathedral Architect for St Woolos’ Cathedral, Newport (Grade I), and the Cathedral Church of St John the Evangelist, Portsmouth (Grade II*).

The St Albans Cathedral Architect reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and works closely with the Head of Property and Fabric (HP&F). The role also involves working in partnership with the Chair and Secretary of the Fabric Advisory Committee (FAC), the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England (CFCE), relevant officers of Historic England, local authority planning and conservation officers, and the Cathedral’s Archaeological Consultant.

We are thrilled to have Emma on the team, and know our community will make her feel very welcomed.