Nikki is an established heritage professional with background in built heritage, senior leadership and management, heritage policy, strategy, advocacy, public engagement, and heritage project development in the non-government sector. Nikki's interest in heritage is motivated by a passion for helping to promote, preserve and enhance heritage in Northern Ireland and the UK.With a background in architecture, Nikki has over 15 years of experience in the heritage sector, working with various organisations at Senior Leadership level to promote and protect the architectural and cultural heritage of Northern Ireland and beyond.

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Nikki was the Chief Executive of Ulster Architectural Heritage from 2014 to 2021, where she led the strategic direction, fundraising, advocacy, key projects, and day to day management of the organisation. Nikki was a Manager and Senior National Consultant - Heritage & Climate with National Trust from 2021-24, working in collections and house management, and to develop approaches to climate adaption projects, and guidance, for heritage sites in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Nikki is an Expert Advisor to the Ministerial Advisory Group for Architecture & the Built Environment, a committee member of the National Lottery Heritage Fund Northern Ireland, and a Trustee of the Grand Opera House, Belfast. 

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Nikki's experience is underpinned by qualifications including a Masters in Architecture from the University of Edinburgh, (2020); Masters in Heritage Science from Queen's University Belfast, (2014); and an Advanced Diploma in Management Practice from Ulster University, (2013). Alongside her role of Director of The Heritage Circle, Nikki is a PhD Researcher on the topic of Heritage at Risk at Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment at Ulster University.