Stories worth being retold
Lessons from History
By studying historical precedents, we gain insight into how people have lived, worked, and interacted with their environments for centuries. This understanding informs our design process, allowing us to create places that honor the past while embracing innovation. Our work is a dialogue between tradition and modernity, resulting in spaces that feel both timeless and contemporary. From restoring historic landmarks to designing new buildings that seamlessly integrate into their surroundings, our projects tell a story—one that connects people to the history of a place and inspires them for years to come.
The Past as Our Foundation: Crafting Enduring Places
In the realm of historic preservation, our designs are more than mere structures; they are a conversation with the past. As a collective of preservation specialists, architects, and urban designers, we believe that the essence of a place lies not just in its current form but in its rich history and tradition. Our place-based approach is rooted in a deep respect for local heritage, and it guides us in a quest to responsibly and artfully restore structures.
We harness that which is eternal: a building's original design, its historical context, and the enduring patterns of its landscape. Our work is a balance of the pragmatic and the poetic, complementing the diversity of our historic landscapes and enriching the richness of our daily lives by honoring the stories they tell.
A Foundation of Knowledge: Preserving Our Built Heritage
In historic preservation, our work extends beyond the restoration of buildings; we are stewards of a collective history. Addressing the complex needs of our built environment requires thoughtful investigation and the sharing of knowledge.
As leaders in the field, we believe in being a resource to the design and preservation communities. By fostering dialogue and sharing innovative strategies, we work together to solve the most pressing challenges of our time, ensuring that our architectural heritage endures for future generations.
Preserving with Purpose: People & Place
In the field of historic preservation, success is measured not only by the longevity of a restored building but by the enduring relationships we forge with our clients. We share a common goal: to breathe new life into historic structures and to honor their unique stories in unexpected ways. Our core belief is that by placing our clients—the building's current and future stewards—at the heart of the process, we can collectively achieve the most authentic and meaningful preservation possible.
Our designs are deeply informed by a building's surroundings, whether it's a centuries-old farmhouse nestled in a rural landscape or a historic commercial space in a bustling downtown. By carefully tailoring every aspect of our work—from materials to building systems—we ensure that our preservation efforts resonate with their locales. This approach enriches the lives of a building's inhabitants and fosters a deeper connection to both the built and natural environments.
Our Approach to Preservation
Our ethos is rooted in mutual respect and collaborative leadership. We believe that every member's unique perspective is invaluable, and the work we achieve together—whether it's restoring a landmark or adapting a heritage building for a new purpose—is stronger and more innovative than any individual effort. By valuing diverse insights, we ensure that our preservation projects honor the past while meeting the needs of the future.
Our Process
Our Historic Preservation Department is committed to safeguarding our community's architectural and landscape heritage. Our review process ensures that any proposed changes to historic properties are handled with care and respect for their character. We start with an initial review of your project proposal, followed by thorough research and on-site documentation of the property's significant features. We then analyze your plans against professional preservation standards to determine their compatibility. This leads to a formal recommendation and review by our commission, culminating in the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness to authorize the work. We conclude by monitoring the project's implementation to ensure it aligns with the approved plans, preserving our shared history for future generations.
