Elizabeth Milnarik

In Practice is a series sponsored by the Weitzman Department of Historic Preservation to showcase the breadth and depth of built heritage conservation through its professional practices. Speakers will discuss their projects and the trajectory of their careers. It will afford students the opportunity to hear directly from those who have put their knowledge to work as they help define the contemporary discipline and the professional practice of heritage conservation. 

About Elizabeth Milnarik:

Preservation needs smart, multitalented and enthusiastic professionals. I’m excited to discuss the field and its potential with you all. As a licensed architect with a Ph.D. in Architectural History, I’ve spent my career thus far trying to better integrate the fields of architecture and architectural history. Most frequently working as a preservation architect with a focus on the physical stories buildings have to tell, I’ve worked to demystify preservation for architects and the general public.  I’ve used my understanding of Architectural History to ensure rehabilitation projects feature and focus upon the most significant and inspiring aspects of their design. I studied at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Virginia. In addition to teaching, I’ve worked in private practice in California and Washington D.C., and for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. At the National Park Service (NPS), I previously reviewed Tax Credit applications for Technical Preservation Services, and currently serve as historical architect and project manager for the NPS parks in and around Washington D.C.. I learn new things everyday, and I’ve had the privilege of working on buildings as diverse and significant as San Francisco’s Ferry Building, the Edith Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois and Arlington Memorial Bridge in Washington DC.  

If you require any accessibility accommodation, such as live captioning, audio description, or a sign language interpreter, please email news@design.upenn.edu. Please note, we require at least five (5) business days’ notice.