What does a restoration architect do?

What is a Restoration Architect?

Restoration architects specialize in the conservation and restoration of buildings, structures, monuments, and other architectural works. Their primary goal is to preserve the historical and cultural significance of our built environment while also addressing any structural or functional issues.

These architects typically work on historic buildings and landmarks that require repair or restoration due to age, damage, or neglect. Applying their knowledge about architectural history, building materials, and construction techniques used during the period when the building was constructed, restoration architects play a vital role in preserving our heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from the past.

What does a Restoration Architect do?

Restoration architects play an important role in preserving and revitalizing historical and culturally significant buildings and structures. Their expertise in architectural history, materials science, and conservation techniques allows them to assess the condition of historic buildings and develop plans to restore them to their original grandeur while also ensuring their longevity.

Duties and Responsibilities
Common tasks performed by restoration architects include:

• Conducting research: Restoration architects conduct research to gather information about the history and context of the building or structure they are restoring. This involves reviewing historical documents, photographs, and other records to understand the building's original design, construction techniques, and materials used.
• Conducting inspections and assessments: Restoration architects visit the building or structure to assess its current condition. They take detailed measurements, identify areas of damage or deterioration, and determine the scope of work required for restoration. This includes assessing the building's structural integrity, determining the extent of damage or decay, and evaluating any alterations or modifications that may have been made to the building over time.
• Developing restoration plans: Based on their research and assessments, restoration architects develop a restoration plan that addresses the building's structural integrity, aesthetics, and historical significance. This involves creating detailed drawings and specifications, selecting appropriate materials, techniques, and methods for restoring the building to its original aesthetic and structural integrity, and developing a timeline for the restoration work.
• Obtaining necessary approvals: Restoration architects work with local authorities and historic preservation organizations to obtain the necessary approvals for the restoration work. This includes obtaining permits, complying with building codes, and ensuring that the restoration work meets local zoning regulations.
• Supervising the restoration work: Restoration architects oversee the restoration work to ensure that it is being performed according to the plan, on budget, and on schedule. They work closely with contractors, engineers, and other professionals to ensure that the work complies with modern building code requirements concerning safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection, and energy and water efficiency. They also address any unexpected issues or challenges that arise during the restoration process.
• Conducting post-restoration evaluations: Once the restoration is complete, restoration architects evaluate the quality of the work to verify that the building has been successfully restored. This includes inspecting the building to ensure that it meets the project goals, is safe and functional, and is visually and aesthetically pleasing. They also address any issues that may arise during the post-restoration period, such as maintenance and upkeep needs.

Types of Restoration Architects
Now that we have a snapshot of the general responsibilities of a restoration architect, let’s take a look at the different types of restoration architects, each with their own focus and areas of expertise:

• Building Restoration Architects specialize in the restoration of historic buildings, including both exterior and interior elements.
• Monument Restoration Architects specialize in the restoration of monuments, statues, and other historic structures.
• Landscape Restoration Architects specialize in the restoration of historic landscapes, parks, and gardens.
• Urban Restoration Architects specialize in the restoration and renewal of urban areas, including historic neighborhoods, streetscapes, buildings, and public spaces.
• Cultural Heritage Restoration Architects specialize in the restoration of cultural heritage sites, including archaeological sites, some historic buildings, and cultural landscapes.
• Sustainable Restoration Architects focus on incorporating sustainable design principles into the restoration process, including the use of environmentally-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems.

What is the workplace of a Restoration Architect like?

Restoration architects work for a variety of organizations and institutions that are involved in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and structures. The following are among their most common employers:

• Government agencies responsible for historic preservation, such as state or federal agencies or local historical commissions
• Non-profit historic preservation organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the World Monuments Fund
• Architecture firms specializing in restoration and preservation work
• Construction and engineering firms specializing in restoration and preservation work
• Museums and cultural institutions that need to restore and preserve historic buildings and artifacts
• Universities and research institutions which need researchers or educators in the field of historic preservation and restoration

The work environments of restoration architects can vary depending on their employer and specific role:

• Offices – Restoration architects often work in traditional office settings, usually in architecture or engineering firms, where they collaborate with colleagues on design plans and restoration projects and meet with clients and other stakeholders. In these settings, they may use computer-aided design (CAD) software and other digital tools to create plans and models.
• Historic buildings / Construction sites – Restoration architects may work directly on-site in historic buildings or structures that are undergoing restoration or preservation work. This may involve working with delicate materials and in old, sometimes cramped or difficult-to-access spaces.