9 Tips for Finding an Architect for Your Historic Home Renovation

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Designated historic districts and landmarks necessitate a very specific set of requirements when it comes to renovations. Embarking on a historic home renovation project means calling upon experts to get the job done right. From contractors to architects, renovating a home in a historic district is a big undertaking and hiring the best team is crucial.

Since the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) in 1966, the motives behind preservation efforts have shifted significantly. While previously established to maintain individual structures, the focus has evolved into preserving neighborhoods and districts. The NHPA seeks to achieve the following with historic structures:

·         Improve economic value

·         Preserve both history and authenticity

·         Maintain building materials

·         Increase the ability to reuse infrastructure

We benefit greatly from preserving the history and heritage that makes our country unique. Plus, the environmental benefits of recycling on such a large scale cannot be overstated. Green and sustainable architecture therefore go hand-in-hand with historic renovation projects.

Finding the Best Historic Home Renovation Architect

The search for a skilled, experienced, and trusted architecture firm for your historic home renovation project is no easy feat. Failing to hire the right person or team means wasted time and money. From understanding the restrictions placed on your historic home to having an expert to guide you throughout the historic approval process, an architect plays a massively critical role in each phase of the project.

Selecting the best architect to spearhead your historic home renovation project means looking strategically. The following are essential tips for finding an architect for your renovation:

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  1. Talk to your neighbors. If you live in a historic district, it is likely that your neighbors have worked with an architect and can refer someone to you.

  2. Consider local resources like your State Historic Preservation Office or even a nearby chapter of the American Institute of Architects for referrals to a qualified architect.

  3. Once you have found a few suitable options, reach out to those firms for a meeting. Discuss your goals and look to their expertise for guidance on the historic approval process as well as for alternative design options for your project.

  4. Speak to your prospective architecture firm about their knowledge and capacity to achieve difference architectural styles.

  5. Ensure that they incorporate green and sustainable architecture practices. This means preserving as much as possible to retain the home’s historic nature.

  6. Discuss their use of local materials. A great historic home renovation architect will work with a contractor to source local materials for as much of the project as possible.

  7. Ensure that the architect utilizes passive solar design, such as incorporating landscaping techniques to offer heat in the winter and shade in the summer.

  8. Take a look at the firm’s portfolio, paying special attention to their work on kitchens and bathrooms.

  9. Ask to see their sketchbook. As younger architects gain prominence, the art of sketching has slowly declined. However, character comes through in sketches that is hard to replicate with a computer. The ability to see several different versions of design options quickly via sketches is vital, as it gives the client more options when making critical design decisions.

A historic home renovation means that the building process must be of the highest quality and conform to the details of specific blueprints. Having the on-site presence of a qualified, skilled architect is paramount to the overall success of the project.

At Paul Janicki Architects, we have over 25 years of experience, focusing on new residential work as well as maintaining a specialty in renovating and expanding historic homes and homes located in historic districts. We play an instrumental role in successfully navigating designs through the complicated approval process associated with historic communities. While based in Evanston, IL, we’ve worked in historic communities throughout northern Illinois, California, Arizona, and Washington. Contact our architecture firm today to learn more.