As an architectural conservator with an undergraduate geology degree I consider myself a specialist in historic building materials and their repair. My greatest depth of knowledge and experience is with masonry, including natural stone and manufactured materials such as brick, cast stone, and concrete. However, because of the scientific and analytical approach I take to my work, ongoing exposure to a broad range of building types in varying states of deterioration has progressively expanded my materials knowledge.
My practical experience is twofold. As a preservation generalist I participate in a full range of preservation projects including preservation master planning, building envelope condition assessments, development of construction documents, and construction observation. But throughout my professional career I have also provided specialized materials analysis and testing services tailored to the widely varying goals of a diverse range of projects and a broad clientele. Mortar analysis, characterization of natural stone, testing of treatments for masonry cleaning and repair, coating removal testing, and various laboratory evaluations of manufactured masonry materials form a significant part of my analytical work.
As I progress professionally, I am looking for opportunities to research the effectiveness of some common masonry treatments and the suitability of modern repair materials for long-term masonry preservation. I am actively working towards educating the preservation community as to the benefits of petrographic methods (routinely used in the study and analysis of geologic materials) for analyzing historic mortars. Applications of modern coating systems, building sealants, and adhesives for repair and treatment of historic building materials is a particular interest, especially in terms of sustainability of preservation design.
Specialties: Condition assessment as part of historic structures reports and preservation master planning; materials testing and analysis of historic mortar, stone, brick, cast stone, concrete, and other manufactured masonry materials both in the laboratory and in the field; specification writing and detailing repairs; general consulting in masonry deterioration, preservation, and repair; general consulting in products for treatment and repair of historic materials.