How to Be Historic Preservation Architect - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 27, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of a Historic Preservation Architect is to protect and preserve important historic buildings or sites. This is done by studying the original architecture, researching the history of the building, and developing plans for its preservation. The preservation plan must ensure that any changes do not compromise the integrity of the original structure or its environment.

Historic Preservation Architects also work with local, state, and federal agencies to obtain permits and approvals for their projects. This process is critical in order to ensure that the building is preserved in a manner that is respectful of its history and significance. the work of Historic Preservation Architects helps to maintain the unique character of our nations historic sites and buildings, and helps to ensure that they remain an integral part of our cultural heritage for many generations to come.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a historic preservation architect is to earn a bachelor's degree in architecture. A college or university program should include coursework in history, art history, and the basics of architectural design.
Complete an Internship. You should complete an internship with an architecture firm or in a museum or historical society that specializes in preservation. This will provide you with valuable experience and insight into the profession.
Obtain a Professional License. To become a licensed architect, you must pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). This exam is administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and is required in order to practice architecture in the United States.
Become Certified as a Historic Preservation Architect. Once you have obtained your professional license, you can apply to become certified as a historic preservation architect. This certification is offered through the National Council for Preservation Education and requires applicants to have a certain number of years of experience in the field.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Architects or the National Trust for Historic Preservation, can help you stay connected with the historic preservation community and provide opportunities to network with other professionals.
Pursue Continuing Education. Continuing education is important to stay current with trends and developments in the field of historic preservation architecture. Consider taking classes, attending conferences, and reading publications related to your profession.

The importance of staying up-to-date and efficient as a Historic Preservation Architect is vital. In order to remain competitive in the field, one must have the most current knowledge and skills. This can be accomplished by attending educational seminars, taking continuing education classes, reading industry publications, and networking with peers.

staying organized is essential for success in the field. By utilizing project management systems and keeping detailed records, historic preservation architects can ensure that deadlines are met and projects are completed in a timely manner. having an up-to-date understanding of the field and staying organized will allow historic preservation architects to achieve their goals and create successful projects.

You may want to check Heritage Preservation Specialist, History Conservator, and Historical Preservation Lawyer for alternative.

Job Description

Research Architect: Conducts extensive research into historic buildings, sites and neighborhoods to determine their historic significance and develop preservation plans.
Project Manager: Oversees the planning, design, and implementation of historic preservation projects.
Preservation Planner: Develops and implements plans to protect, preserve, and rehabilitate historic structures and sites.
Property Manager: Manages the operations and maintenance of historic properties.
Restoration Architect: Designs and implements restoration projects for historic properties.
Materials Conservation Specialist: Assesses and conserves historic building materials to extend the life of structures.
Historic Landscape Architect: Designs and maintains landscapes, gardens, and parks that reflect the character of a historic period or place.
Historic Preservation Consultant: Advises property owners on the most appropriate preservation methods to protect and enhance their property.
Preservation Educator: Educates the public about the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
Grants Administrator: Administers grants for organizations wishing to preserve or restore historic structures and sites.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of historic preservation principles, practices, and regulations
Understanding of architecture, design, and construction
Ability to analyze existing structures and identify historic elements
Familiarity with current building codes and standards
Ability to research and evaluate historic properties
Advanced knowledge of materials, detailing, and construction techniques
Understanding of conservation principles, including sustainability and energy efficiency
Capacity to develop design solutions that balance historic preservation and modern needs
Skilled in using computer-aided drafting (CAD) software
Experience with grant writing and fundraising
Excellent communication skills for client interactions and project management
Knowledge of local, state, and federal preservation regulations

The importance of a Historic Preservation Architect is not to be underestimated. A successful Historic Preservation Architect must possess a range of highly specialized skills, including an understanding of historic preservation principles, a knowledge of building codes, and the ability to effectively communicate with clients and stakeholders. Furthermore, they must have an appreciation for the history and culture of the area in which they work, as well as a keen eye for detail.

Without these skills, an Historic Preservation Architect would be unable to make informed decisions or identify problems that could affect the overall project. As a result, their work could potentially cause irreversible damage to a historic structure and its surrounding environment. This is why it is so important for a Historic Preservation Architect to possess the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure a successful outcome.

Cultural Resources Manager, Exhibit Developer, and Archival Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with historic preservation projects?
What challenges have you come across in your historic preservation projects?
How do you approach incorporating modern elements into a historic building?
What techniques do you use to preserve the historical integrity of a building while still meeting the needs of its inhabitants?
How do you research and evaluate a buildings historical significance?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and guidelines for historic preservation?
Describe a project youve worked on where you had to balance the interests of multiple stakeholders.
What strategies do you use to ensure that your projects are completed in a timely manner?
How do you work with local communities to ensure that their cultural and historical values are respected in your projects?
What do you think is the most important aspect of a successful historic preservation project?

Common Tools in Industry

SketchUp. 3D modeling software for creating virtual architectural renderings (eg: creating a 3D model of a historic building).
Adobe Photoshop. Image editing software for creating and manipulating images (eg: restoring a faded photograph of a historic site).
Terragen. Landscape modeling and rendering software for creating realistic outdoor environments (eg: creating a digital landscape around an historic building).
ArchiCAD. Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for creating 3D models of buildings (eg: creating a 3D model of an historic building).
Revit. Building Information Modeling (BIM) software for creating detailed designs and documentations of buildings (eg: designing exterior modifications to an historic building).
Autodesk 3ds Max. 3D modeling software for creating realistic 3D renderings and animations (eg: creating a 3D fly-through of an historic site).
Adobe InDesign. Desktop publishing software for creating professional-quality documents and publications (eg: creating a brochure highlighting the preservation of an historic building).
ArcGIS. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software for creating interactive maps and geographic data analysis (eg: mapping the location of an historic site).
Microsoft Excel. Spreadsheet software for organizing data (eg: tracking the costs associated with restoring an historic building).
Access. Database software for managing large amounts of information (eg: tracking materials used in the restoration of an historic building).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)
American Planning Association (APA)
National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE)
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
Association for Preservation Technology International (APT)
Society of Architectural Historians (SAH)
International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)
U. S. National Park Service (NPS)
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)

We also have Historical Archaeologist, Historiographer, and Historic Real Estate Appraiser jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Adaptive Reuse. The process of converting an existing, often historical, building for a new use while preserving its original character.
Historic District. An area with a concentration of buildings or sites that have historical, architectural, or cultural significance.
National Register of Historic Places. A list maintained by the U. S. National Park Service identifying buildings, sites, and structures deemed to have historical and architectural importance.
Preservation Easements. Agreements made between a property owner and a preservation organization that allows the organization to protect the property from destruction by prohibiting certain activities on the property.
Preservation Planning. A process of preparing a plan that identifies goals and strategies for preserving historic sites and structures.
Rehabilitation. The process of restoring an historic structure or site to a condition that is suitable for current use while preserving its historic character.
Restoration. The process of returning an historic structure or site to its original condition as closely as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Historic Preservation Architecture?

Historic Preservation Architecture is the practice of preserving and restoring buildings, structures, and other objects that are of historical or cultural importance.

What type of education is necessary to become a Historic Preservation Architect?

To become a Historic Preservation Architect, a professional degree in architecture or a related field is typically necessary, such as a Master of Architecture or a Master of Science in Historic Preservation.

What kind of responsibilities do Historic Preservation Architects have?

Historic Preservation Architects have the responsibility to identify, document, and evaluate historic buildings and sites, analyze their significance and condition, and develop strategies for their conservation and preservation.

What are the key organizations in Historic Preservation Architecture?

The National Park Service and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are two of the key organizations in Historic Preservation Architecture.

What are some examples of Historic Preservation Architectural projects?

Examples of Historic Preservation Architectural projects include the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, the preservation of Ellis Island, and the rehabilitation of the Washington Monument.