When constructing geometry or approximation spaces for mechanical analyses, IGA-enthusiast designers and FEM practitioners are confronted with challenges arising from applications involving complex shapes and topologies. Geometrically, the strategies to address these challenges are typically twofold: using multiple patches or trimming the boundary of an individual patch. In most practical cases, a combination of these two approaches is employed. Ideally, it would be beneficial to combine the advantages of conformal boundaries and interfaces with the flexibility of trimming. In this regard, the recently proposed Immersed Boundary Conformal Method (IBCM) offers a promising solution. This method introduces a boundary layer in the proximity of each edge in the parametric domain of the spline. The boundary layer is then composed with the map of the surface, resulting in a geometric construction that allows for conformal layers in the physical space. The advantages of the IBCM are numerous: i) Strong imposition of Dirichlet boundary conditions becomes possible. ii) Targeted mesh refinement is straightforward at boundaries, where localized gradients often occur. iii) Stabilizing terms in symmetric Nitsche coupling remain bounded. iv) Auxiliary layers for conformal coupling can be constructed at interfaces between patches. v) Cross-talk phenomena are mitigated. vi) Localized phenomena, described by more accurate equations, can be effectively modelled within the boundary layer. This contribution aims to demonstrate these advantages in the context of linear static analysis of shell structures. Shells are widely used in structural components across the transport industry. Thanks to curvature effects and the potential combination with advanced laminated composite materials, shell structures can be optimized for efficient stress distribution. This design approach significantly enhances the stiffness-to-weight ratio, which is critical for reducing costs and achieving high performance. The proposed approach has been tested on various benchmarks involving shells, with each benchmark highlighting specific benefits of the IBCM.