Young Architect of the Year honour for Turville church restoration

An architect behind the restoration of one of Buckinghamshire’s most recognisable churches has been named Young Architect of the Year for 2025.

Libby Watts, director of Liberty Rose Architects, received the accolade at the Church Architecture Awards for her work on St Mary’s Church in Turville — a Grade II* listed building in the Chilterns dating back to the 12th century.

The picturesque church is widely known as the exterior filming location for Dibley Parish Church in the BBC sitcom The Vicar of Dibley, and has long attracted visitors and film productions because of its historic character and setting.

The Young Architect of the Year award, presented by the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association and the National Churches Trust, recognises outstanding work by architects or surveyors under the age of 40 whose projects demonstrate excellence in church conservation and design.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ms Watts said she was “delighted” to have been recognised.

“I am delighted to have won the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association and National Churches Trust Young Architect of the Year at the Church Architecture Awards,” she said. “It is a privilege to work on such incredible buildings with such amazing craftspeople and to have been recognised for my work is brilliant — I am thrilled. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me. I look forward to continuing my work.”

St Mary’s required significant repair and upgrading following an inspection in 2022 which identified a number of issues affecting the historic structure. The restoration programme included replacing lead on the tower roof, timber repairs, new lighting, electrics and heating, plaster and decoration works, stone and glass repairs, and the installation of a new accessible toilet.

One of the most significant elements of the project was the restoration of the church’s north porch. Cement render was carefully removed to reveal historic timber framing and brick infill panels beneath, which were then repaired using traditional materials and conservation techniques.

Emily Jackson, Church Buildings Officer at the Diocese of Oxford, praised the project and its impact on the building’s future.

“Massive congratulations to Libby,” she said. “She worked closely with both the parish and the Church Buildings Team to identify the needs of St Mary’s while making sure that all works followed best building conservation practice and used traditional materials. This project has helped to make sure that this beautiful building is in good condition and equipped to serve the community into the future. This award is very well deserved.”

The restoration ensures the historic church remains both a place of worship and a community space, while preserving its architectural heritage for future generations. Organisers say the project demonstrates how sensitive conservation can enhance historic buildings while allowing them to continue serving modern communities.