This summer I had the opportunity to learn from and work with the wonderful team at Bero Architecture and The Landmark Society of Western New York, which provided me with exposure to many different aspects of preservation practice and helped me find further direction in the field. Bero Architecture handles a diverse array of projects, ranging from adaptive reuse and condition reports to rehabilitation and assisting with historic building nomination reports aimed at tax credits. The Landmark Society of Western New York focuses on historic preservation advocacy and educational programs in the community. Throughout the ten-week internship, I learned from experienced architects and architectural historians and was inspired by their passion for preservation.
One of the main projects during my summer was a condition assessment of Temple Sinai, designed by local architect James Johnson. The condition report addressed all aspects of the site, including the landscape, masonry, carpentry, windows and doors, and overall MEP systems. To create the report, I drew directly on my academic coursework from Penn. During site observation, I applied knowledge gained from HSPV 5510 Building Pathology and HSPV 5550 Conservation Science, particularly in understanding the deterioration of different materials and their causes. The observation process was divided into interior, exterior, and roof areas, the latter accessed with the help of a lift. With two people working together, one recorded note by hand while the other took photographs. I not only learned by working alongside the experienced project architect but also identified some critical issues on site by applying my academic training. After the site visit, I categorized 350 subjects and items from the field notes into a worklist with preservation priorities and budget estimates.
Another major project took place during the four weeks I spent with the Landmark Society, where I assisted with the building descriptions for a neighborhood called Corb’s Hill, which features Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and American Foursquare architecture. By repeatedly writing descriptions for each building, I came to understand the importance of precision and the professional standards of building documentation, skills I first encountered in HSPV 6000 Documentation: Research, Recording, and Interpretation I. I also joined the field survey, taking photographs of the neighborhood and learning how to complete a systematic survey of a large area in Perry Town using pre-arranged routes.
In addition to these projects, I worked at several other sites, performing site measurements and drafting plans for both the kitchen and bathroom of a residence as well as a fire-damaged house museum, Morgan Maning. These tasks built on the skills I learned in HSPV 6010 Documentation, Research, and Recording II, which focuses on measurement, drawing, and survey methods. The work at the house museum was especially meaningful, as the building had not been fully documented before the fire. Our drawings therefore became vital for both preserving the record of the structure and supporting reconstruction plans. I was fortunate to work under the guidance of Chris from Bero Architecture and Megan from the Landmark Society, who gave me responsibilities that both tested and expanded the skills I had developed in my first year at Penn.
During the internship, I also had the chance to take a deep tour of Rochester’s history with a retired historian, Cynthia, whose passion for preservation was truly inspiring. She generously drove me around the city for two mornings, sharing her knowledge and stories. Her perspective revealed how a city can hold layers of history that not only overwhelm but also enrich its citizens.
In summary, my internship with Bero Architecture and the Landmark Society of Western New York gave me an invaluable opportunity to apply and expand the knowledge and skills I had gained in my first year at the University of Pennsylvania. The experience both complemented my coursework and solidified my decision to specialize in architectural conservation.
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