Historic Preservation is a passion that flows through us here at Christman. It's so much more than saving a building. It’s about preserving the stories, the energy and the history the building holds within its walls, as well as making a positive environmental impact by reusing and revitalizing existing structures.
Here’s our series, “Discovering My Passion for Preservation at Christman.” Today, hear from Tom Whitmore, our Vice President of the Historic Preservation Group.
“As someone with a background in architecture and timber framing, I've always been comfortable in both fields. When I got the opportunity to join the Preservation Group at Christman in DC, I never anticipated how naturally preservation would come to me. This role has truly highlighted my love for fixing things.
New construction is rational and mathematical, while preservation construction is a mental puzzle, requiring extensive research, investigation, and subjective decision-making. It demands exceptional teamwork, as misinterpreting or ignoring the real intent of a preservation project can be easy. I thrive on the challenge of diving into technical details and building teams unified towards a common goal. Seeing team members get inspired by the lessons of history and increasing their participation levels is incredibly rewarding.
One memorable moment was in 2007 when I was closing up the Lincoln Cottage site for the day. I noticed a board with nails sticking out of the ceiling, posing a safety hazard. Upon closer inspection, I discovered markings on the top-facing side of the board. After consulting with the project conservator, we carefully removed it and found it was hand-painted with the name of the building’s architect, John Skirving, in Victorian script. The board, originally part of a shipping crate, had been used as a “rat-board” during the building's initial construction. It felt like finding a postcard from the past.
Preservation has become more than just a career; it's a passion that drives me. The intricate blend of research, technical skill, and teamwork needed to breathe new life into old structures is both challenging and fulfilling. I am grateful for the chance to contribute to preserving our history and for the incredible journey so far.”
At Christman Historic Preservation Group, we actively seek out preservation work to continue our mission. #Preservation #Teamwork #Architecture #Christman #PassionForPreservation
