Preserving Heritage:
Historic Restoration & Planning
We believe that historic structures are living legacies. Kimmel Studio provides expert preservation and design services for both public and private historic sites, bridging the gap between past and present. Our process is rooted in rigorous archival research and meticulous documentation, ensuring that every intervention is historically sensitive and architecturally sound. We are honored to serve as the preservation architects for the restoration of a landmark eighteenth-century Maryland mansion, safeguarding its story for generations to come.
Restoring One of Maryland’s First Mansions
Kimmel Studio Architects is the architect for the most substantial preservation project underway in the state of Maryland: the restoration of a mansion built in 1705.
The large brick home, called “Cloverfields,” will be restored to the year 1784, when it was enlarged to its greatest size. The firm is developing the master plan, the design, and the working drawings necessary to restore the house.
Besides providing their expertise in planning and architecture, the team at Kimmel Studio Architects produce illustrative drawings and 3D renderings of the historical house. These can prove invaluable for educational and fundraising purposes.
To find out more about this historic Maryland residence, please visit the website of the Cloverfields Preservation Foundation: www.cloverfieldspreservationfoundation.org
In the video below, Devin Kimmel discusses the process of restoring Cloverfields. He opens the presentation by highlighting how teamwork enables learning, and how in his particular case, this learning can inform the architecture of the new houses he designs.
Preservation Process Steps
The first step in any preservation project is to analyze the building and grounds with the help of historians, archaeologists, and dendrochronologists. Once we thoroughly investigate the site, we use our expertise with colonial and early American architecture to design historically appropriate features for the buildings and the gardens. We then work as a team with specialized artisans and craftsmen. Many times, the final step is to open the site to the public. Future generations can then experience history in person, by walking through its buildings and gardens.
Restoring a historic house and garden is a team effort. The architects, landscape architects, 3D visualization experts, and illustrators of Kimmel Studio Architects pride themselves in being team players who value the expertise of architectural historians, archaeologists, builders, and other specialists. Kimmel Studio Architects can plan sites, draft construction documents, and also create stunning images to represent historic houses and gardens at different stages of their development.
Our team invests long hours on-site documenting the precise dimensions of every room, the thickness of each wall, and the shape of every detail. In the photo, we are in a colonial Maryland residence built in 1705.
Historic Preservation
We preserve the character, craftsmanship, and cultural value of historic properties through sensitive, detail-driven design. Our team balances preservation standards with modern functionality, helping homeowners, institutions, and estate owners protect architectural heritage while preparing historic spaces for continued use.
Historic Garden Restoration
We restore historic gardens, landscapes, and estate grounds with respect for original design intent, period materials, and long-term stewardship. From formal gardens and heritage plantings to pathways, terraces, and site features, our approach helps revive historically significant outdoor spaces with authenticity and care.
Historic Homes Renovation
We renovate historic homes with a careful understanding of original architecture, traditional materials, and preservation-sensitive construction. Whether restoring a landmark residence, updating an older home, or adapting a historic property for modern living, we help clients preserve timeless character while improving comfort, durability, and value.
Historic House Museums
We help historic house museums preserve architectural integrity while creating meaningful experiences for visitors, donors, and future generations. From restoration planning and preservation-sensitive renovations to interpretive improvements and long-term stewardship, our work supports institutions in protecting historic properties while keeping them active, accessible, and relevant.
Historic Churches
We restore and adapt historic churches with respect for sacred architecture, traditional craftsmanship, and the communities they continue to serve. Our preservation approach balances historic character with modern needs, helping congregations care for aging buildings, improve functionality, and protect the spiritual and architectural legacy of their worship spaces.
Inside a Landmark Historic Home Restoration
Explore the preservation of Cloverfields, an eighteenth-century Maryland estate restored with deep respect for its original architecture, materials, and history. In this video, Devin Kimmel shares how thoughtful research, collaboration, and preservation-sensitive design help bring historic homes back to life for future generations.
This is your opportunity to preserve a historic property with care, clarity, and lasting purpose—honoring its architectural character while preparing it for generations of continued use.
