Since graduating, Marco has pursued both an institutional and an academic career, combining periods of professional practice with doctoral research. From managing heritage ensembles in Brazil to representing his country at UNESCO events, Marco credits the international outlook gained at ECA for being key in enabling these experiences, giving him the confidence and professional profile to engage with global audiences. After completing his PhD in Milan, he is now supporting conservation projects worldwide with the World Monuments Fund.

Why ECA?

I chose to study at the ECA because it offered the oldest and most highly regarded course in Architectural Conservation in the UK. Beyond its academic reputation, what attracted me most was the strong connection between the course and the city of Edinburgh. With its rich historical fabric and complex urban layers, Edinburgh struck me as the ideal place to learn and deepen my knowledge of built heritage.

Tell us about your time at ECA

My time at ECA was an intensive and formative experience that shaped both my academic thinking and professional outlook. The programme was highly hands-on, with Edinburgh, Scotland, and Northern England serving as key study areas through weekly site visits and fieldwork. Working directly with the historic buildings and ensembles we were studying - and often living around - made the learning experience especially meaningful. Coursework involved a wide range of practical and analytical tasks, including building surveys, structural modelling, and conservation assessments.

The international nature of the cohort was another defining aspect of my experience. Collaborating with colleagues from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds broadened my perspective and fostered the exchange of different approaches to heritage. Many projects also let us engage with case studies connected to our home countries, adding a valuable global dimension to the programme.

Overall, the course offered a well-balanced introduction to both academic research and professional practice, allowing me to pursue either path. In hindsight, if I could start again, I would have sought an internship with one of Edinburgh’s heritage institutions; however, this was not possible at the time due to the conditions of my scholarship.

Tell us about your experiences since graduating

Since graduating, I have pursued both an institutional and an academic career, combining periods of professional practice with doctoral research. After returning to Brazil, my first objective was to establish an institutional career path. In 2017, I joined the Federal Heritage Department (IPHAN), where I managed two of the country’s largest heritage ensembles. During this period, I also represented Brazil at several UNESCO events, including the World Heritage Young Professionals Forum in Bahrain in 2018 and the Youth Forum in China in 2019.

The international character of the ECA program played a key role in enabling these experiences, giving me the confidence and professional profile to engage with global audiences. This same international outlook led to my receiving a scholarship to pursue a PhD in Conservation of the Built Heritage at the Politecnico di Milano, where I graduated cum laude in 2023 with a thesis on the heritage of Pomeranian immigrants in Southern Brazil. For three years, I worked as a researcher in urban heritage at both the Politecnico di Milano and IUAV University of Venice. In 2024, I gave a masterclass at the University of Edinburgh at the Architectural Conservation programme.  More recently, I joined World Monuments Fund as a Coordinator at the newly established Suzanne Deal Booth Institute, where I support conservation projects worldwide.

Alumni wisdom

To those entering first year: make the most of the hands‑on nature of the programme and fully engage with the city and its historic environment - your surroundings are one of the most valuable learning tools at ECA. Embrace collaboration and learn from your peers' diverse perspectives.

To those graduating: allow your path to develop over time. The skills, critical thinking, and international outlook you gain at ECA will support you in many directions - trust that foundation and remain open to opportunities beyond a single, predefined route.