Meet Our Scholars
Christina Christodoulou
Scholar year 2024
Degrees:
• BA in Architecture from Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom
• MA in Architecture from IUAV University of Venice, Italy
After completing my journey in Venice, where I discovered my passion for conservation, I was honored to receive the GeM scholarship. This opportunity provided me with invaluable site visits to landmarks such as the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, the London Museum, the Manchester Town Hall, and many more.
Through this experience, I deepened my understanding of restoration, gaining hands-on knowledge of brickwork, timber, limestone, stained glass, and, notably, slate—an area I explored further during my visit to a slate quarry. Additionally, my time at GeM allowed me to join the SPAB scholars in Cumbria, where I had the privilege of exchanging ideas and building connections with like-minded professionals. Together, we explored various historic sites, uncovering hidden architectural gems that I would not have had the chance to see without GeM’s support.
Throughout this journey, I have had the privilege of meeting inspiring architects and conservation specialists who have further enriched my passion for heritage preservation and architecture.
—Christina Christodoulou
Francesca Bertoncello
Scholar year 2023
Degrees:
• Master’s Degree in Architecture IUAV University of Venice (A.A. 2020-2023) – Conservation Thesis about the Molini di Sotto in Mirano, Venice
• professional qualification
• registered with the Professional Order of Architects of Vicenza
Francesca returned to Italy following her GeM Scholarship and now works as a qualified Architect in Vicenza, Italy, at BenettiGrigolo Architetti and BeArchitettura Offices.
She also concluded a research grant with IUAV University of Venice, with professors Mauro Marzo and Emanuela Sorbo, with whom she is still collaborating.
The GeM Award has been one of the most enriching experiences for me, not only professionally but also personally speaking.
I have had the honour of meeting some of the greatest architects and conservation specialists, such as Peregrine Bryant, Julian Harrap, Clive Dawson, Richard Griffiths, James Howley and many more.
In addition, the months spent travelling around all the UK and Ireland have been an incredible opportunity to visit special places and learn traditional conservation techniques, opportunity that I would not have had without the GeM scholarship.
The contribution of specialists working with the SPAB England and SPAB Ireland has also been significant for my professional development during the scholarship, but I even had the privilege to meet some great craftspeople, such as Tony Minter, Elizabeth Hippisley-Cox and many more, which showed and taught me some of their techniques about brickworks, stained glass, timber, limestone and slate.
The GeM scholarship, therefore, is a unique opportunity for professional growth, but what I hold in my heart more is the people I met and with whom I have the pleasure to still be in contact with.
—Francesca Bertoncello
CHIARA BORTOLI
Scholar year 2022
Degree: 2022 Master’s Degree in Architecture IUAV University of Venice
Chiara returned to Italy following her GeM Scholarship and now works in Vicenza, Italy at AZA ARCHITETTI’s Office.
PETER COVELL
Scholar year 2022
Degree: MA Architecture, IUAV, BA (hons) Architecture and Planning, Univ. of Bristol
Qualified Architectural Assistant at Garnett Architects in London, UK interested in the maintenance of, and engagement with, historic and culturally significant spaces.
MARTA GALMARINI
Scholar year 2022
Degrees:
• BSc of Science in Architecture
Academy of Architecture of Mendrisio
University of Italian Switzerland (USI), Switzerland
• MSc of Science in Architecture
Academy of Architecture of Mendrisio
University of Italian Switzerland (USI), Switzerland
• Postgraduate Diploma
Specialisation School in Architectural and Landscape Heritage (SSIBAP)
IUAV University, Venice, Italy
Marta worked with Barbara Weiss Architects, in London, UK after her GeM scholarship and also with Purcell Architects, London, UK.
While completing my specialisation in Venice, I was already living and working in London. The Gem Award gave me the opportunity to engage more deeply with the extensive knowledge, culture, and research surrounding conservation in the United Kingdom.
As part of the program, we had the privilege of visiting iconic sites such as Durham Cathedral, Smithfield Market, Hampton Court, and Westminster Abbey. These visits were enriched by meetings with architects, engineers, and craftspeople working on some of the UK’s most significant conservation projects.
We also visited sites and the offices of Historic England, where we gained insight into the complex processes involved in building listing and heritage protection.
Additionally, we took part in the SPAB workshop in Kent, where we received hands-on training in traditional building techniques, including brickwork, lime mortar production and use, and timber window conservation.
In conclusion, the GeM Award has been an invaluable experience, contributing significantly to both my professional development and personal growth.
—Marta Galmarini
FEDERICA MARTINELLI
Scholar year 2019
Degree: 2018 Graduate IUAV University in Venice in the Conservation Master’s programme.
The second recipient of the Gloria e Marco Award is Federica Martinelli, a 25 year-old student who graduated with honours at IUAV University in Venice in the Conservation Master’s programme in 2018.
Federica graduated with honours from IUAV and was chosen from a shortlist of excellent candidates from IUAV.
The GeM interviewing panel were impressed by her thesis work based in the city of Palmanova, located in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, with the aim of enhancing the attractions of this city and giving a new example of urban regeneration to a military site.
READ Federica’s scholar diaries.
GIULIA PANNOCCHIA
Scholar year 2018
Degree: 2018 Graduate IUAV University in Venice in the Conservation Master’s programme
The first GeM scholar was IUAV graduate Giulia Pannocchia. She visited the UK from September to December 2018, following a varied programme of courses, site visits, work experience and time spent with the SPAB Scholars on their travels. After the programme, she completed a working placement with Peregrine Bryant LLP in London. Says Giulia:
As this experience draws to an end, I realise how lucky I am to have been part of it.
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to start my GeM scholarship as a guest at Villa Saraceno, a Palladian villa of the mid-16th century in the Veneto, and I am currently spending a week at Forde Abbey, a grade I listed country house built in the same period on a 12th century monastic building site. Savouring and comparing these magnificent historic buildings in relation to their landscapes is one of the great moments of this award.
During these intensive days I had the chance to learn more about materials, repairs, maintenance of old buildings and to understand, thanks to the site visits, their application into real projects.
I have had the chance to meet inspiring professionals that have greatly increased my knowledge of conservation. Moreover, this adventure has highlighted the differences and similarities between the approaches to conservation both within the UK and between the UK and Italy.
I feel more confident and aware, and am very grateful to all those who have allowed me to see buildings and places with new eyes.
—Giulia Pannocchia