Kate Whitney-Schubb

Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Education Background: Bachelor of Arts in Photography, with minors in Architectural History, Art History, and Urban Design & Planning from the University of Washington, Seattle.

How did you get interested in your field?
I think my undergraduate experience really solidified my interest in pursuing historic preservation professionally. Early on, I knew I was interested in studying architectural photography, art history, and the built environment, but I didn’t see their larger theme until my senior year. I then took graduate level historic preservation courses and finally felt everything come together – my photography had often presented as case studies on the vernacular, and my favorite art history courses involved the built landscape. I discovered I had a strong passion for documentation, both artistically and historically, and knew that my research and photography skills could merge well in this field.

What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
Prior to Penn, I worked as a Conservation Technician for an art and architectural conservation firm in Los Angeles. My work there involved a wide array of conservation practice; maintenance of both private and public art, along with private homes and architectural monuments all over LA county.

Prior to this, during my undergrad, I worked as a dark room lab technician, an architectural photography teaching assistant, an artist’s research assistant, and as a photographer for the design studios. I’ve also worked as an archival consultant, preparing a prominent LA preservation architect’s collection for donation to the Getty Research Institute, and as a research and photo assistant for a book on historic preservation in Los Angeles, written by the city’s Head of Historic Resources.

Why did you choose Penn?
I wanted a strong, foundational education that would prepare me for any role in the preservation field. Penn has a globally renowned presence, along with exceptional faculty and endless resources. Beginning my preservation career at Penn felt like an assurance that I would be equipped for any task and that I would have a network I could always rely on.

What has been your favorite class so far?
I can’t pick! I love all my classes and how they relate to one another. My background gave me a surface-level understanding of preservation, but now, my classes are equipping me with vocabulary and a deeper understanding for things I’ve always noticed but never understood.

What do you like best about Philadelphia?
Everything but the humidity in the summer! I really enjoy living in an urban environment that still has beautiful rivers and greenery within walking distance. Coming from Los Angeles, I cannot express enough how great it is to be in such a walkable city with great public transportation too. I also really love how much history there is here – every day I notice something applicable to my classes! Studying historic preservation in Philadelphia truly feels like living in the classroom.

What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?
I’m currently working as a research assistant for Randall Mason and am a member of Young Friends of the Preservation Alliance.

What are your career ambitions?
My goals will inevitably evolve as I learn more about myself through this program, but I currently hope to work on architectural monuments, both within the US and internationally, as an architectural conservator. Additionally, I would love to gain experience in both the private and public sector. I hope to find a role that merges my hands-on skills with my passion for photography, archival research, and public engagement.