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Part 3 From the Ground Up
Historic Preservationist
Can you imagine yourself as an historic preservationist? If you share some of the
following talents, interests, and skills, you may consider exploring a career as an
architect or interior designer who specializes in historic preservation.
Talents/Skills: Do you have a love of studying architectural styles in history? Are
drawing and sketching a major part of your hobbies? Do you share the value of
historical buildings with others and believe that older buildings should be given new
life through adaptive reuse? Do you believe it is important for future generations
to understand the evolution of such buildings? Skills necessary for this important
career include excellent computer knowledge and ability. Exceptional research and
organizational skills along with strong presentation and communication skills are
necessary to work with others.
Career Snapshot: Historic preservationists usually have an architecture or interior
design background. They choose to specialize in the adaptive reuse of old buildings and
commonly work in an architectural or design preservation firm. Historic preservationists fi
also work with local governments and community groups. They help identify buildings
with historic significance and are often consulted on the true historic value of a structure. fi
Historic preservationists need to be salespeople, too. It can be difficult to educate and
convince others of a structure’s importance to the community. The history and style of
a building are most important, but the use of materials and applications must also have f
proven value. For example, paint colors must be authentic to the time period a building
was constructed.
Education/Training: A fi ve-year
bachelor’s degree is most often required.
A master’s degree or postgraduate studies
are preferred. Courses of study include
the history of architecture, history, art, art
history, specific courses in the techniques
and research for historic preservation,
architecture, and computer programs.
Examination/License: All states require
architects to be licensed. Architects must
pass all divisions of the Architect Registration
Examination. Many states require interior
designers to be licensed or registered. Interior
designers must pass the National Council of
Interior Design Qualifi cation (NCIDQ) exam
to receive licensure.
Professional Associations: Membership
in the National Trust for Historic Preservation
(www.PreservationNation.org), the
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) (www.asid.org), and the International
Interior Design Association (IIDA) (www.iida.org) is ideal.
Job Outlook: Current trends for green and sustainable architecture are positive for
historic preservationists. Skills in adaptive reuse design methods and techniques to
repair and maintain buildings that already exist are valuable.
CAREER FOCUS
Rhonda Hull Interiors;
Rhonda Hull, Allied
ASID; ASID Historical
Renovation Merit Award
2007; Harper House
Hickory History Center.
Photography by Bob
Huffman, Hickory, North
Carolina.