I am not sure that "staying local by joining a preservation group to gain experience by working free" is what is best for historic architecture.
Original Message------
I would stay local, join a preservation group, volunteer for the Historic District Commission, etc. You can gain experience and local fame helping houses and buildings on the side for free. You will pick up valued experience to help you in the firm, promote the firm or yourself, and work to open your own firm.
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Nelson B. Nave AIA
Owner
Nelson Breech Nave, AIA Architect
Kalamazoo MI
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-07-2015 10:09
From: Katherine Dowdell
Subject: The value of degree/certificate in Historic Preservation
Lots of good comments and advice here. I came to preservation totally through project experience, but at times wish I'd had some more formal training. However, missing from all of the comments is a frank discussion about the cost of a degree or certificate, versus the increase (or lack thereof) of earning potential. Having this experience may help you or your firm land a project, but there may not be much difference in the pay scale for an architect with or without a preservation degree or certificate. So do take a look at what you'd spend on this degree, versus what your earnings would be, and whether that matters to you. It may still be worth it for you to invest in the degree for a variety of other reasons - just don't expect a quick monetary payback.
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Katherine Dowdell AIA
Principal
Farragut Street Architects
Philadelphia PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-05-2015 18:26
From: Mike McGlone
Subject: The value of degree/certificate in Historic Preservation
Over the last 30 years our firm has done all manner of restoration, preservation, renovation and adaptive reuse projects on local and state landmark and national register properties. Each project and client has had it's own criteria for experience and expertise when it came to selection the design professional and the contractor. Additionally I have interviewed many a recent graduate or intern architect with "preservation certificates" or degrees with preservation emphasis. My summary view id that most of the certificates are rarely of the depth and quality that is professionally useful and that many schools are teaching to and for future bureaucrats rather than the technical skills, detailed study of historic building materials and assemblies that are required of the professional architect. I am not knocking the preservationist as administrator (my wife -BArch + MS Preservation - was a very good one for many years0 but this role as evolved into box checking or managing the political intrigue of upper pay grades by MA and BArch w Cert rather than the application of experience and know how. Like any profession the education is just a starting point for the real learning. I'd take a skilled, traditionally educated young BArch with an genuine appreciation of history and technical insight over most others.
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Mike McGlone AIA
Alamo Architects
San Antonio TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-03-2015 10:02
From: Constance Lai
Subject: The value of degree/certificate in Historic Preservation
I do not have a preservation degree, but it definitely took awhile to learn about the field on the job. Here's an interview that I did with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation where I confirm much of the advice already given: http://www.achp.gov/inclusiveness-constance.html
Constance Lai, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, USACE CQM-C
Manager of Historic Preservation Services
Grunley Construction Company, Inc.
Original Message:
Sent: 09-28-2015 20:46
From: Marika Snider
Subject: The value of degree/certificate in Historic Preservation
How valuable is getting a degree or certificate in Historic Preservation (for an already licensed architect)? For those who hold a degree or certificate, does it help you gain credibility with clients or land additional jobs? How much does the program you enroll in matter?
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Marika Snider AIA
Architect
Snider Architecture
Beavercreek OH
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