Kevin is currently pursuing an MS in Historic Preservation degree after earning his fve-year Bachelor of Architecture degree at Jefferson.
Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Pennsylvania and moved around a whole bunch before settling in central New Jersey, which is usually where I say I’m from. I still live in New Jersey, now just outside of Philadelphia, with my husband and our dog.
Why did you choose Jefferson?
Because I studied here as an undergrad, I knew firsthand the quality of the programs, the talent and dedication of the faculty, and the opportunity for hands-on experience that Jefferson – and specifically the College of Architecture & the Built Environment – provides. In choosing the MS in Historic Preservation program specifically, I was extremely interested in the program’s focus on modernism. As modernist buildings come to the end of their useful life – and we as designers and advocates are grappling with our role in the climate crisis – this program is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of the next frontier in preservation.
What is the best part of your studies?
Honestly, I’m just jumping back in, but I’m excited to have a ‘living laboratory’ on campus in Richard Neutra’s Hassrick House! I was lucky enough to take a course focused specifically on the house in my undergraduate degree, and I’m looking forward to getting to study it more intimately through my graduate coursework.
Tell us about a project you’ve working on:
In between my undergraduate degree and coming back to school I worked as an architectural designer and project manager for about 7 and 1/2 years. In my most recent role at Voith & Mactavish Architects, I was able to work on a number of preservation-focused projects, one of my favorites being the restoration and adaptive reuse of the Sedgwick Theater in the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia. A local theatre company, Quintessence Theatre Group, has been in residence at the 1927 William H. Lee ‘movie palace’ for more than 15 years and was recently able to purchase the building. They’re embarking on an exciting, multiphase renovation campaign, which will start this year with a new marquee and blade sign heavily inspired by the originals, which have been lost to time, and preservation and restoration of the front façade. I was honored and proud to serve as the project manager, helping to design and document the beginning phases of the restoration of this beautiful building and I can’t wait to see what happens in future phases. And as an aside, Quintessence produces excellent theatrical performances there; my husband and I are frequent patrons.
What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you?
In addition to English, I can speak Danish (from my time studying abroad at DIS Copenhagen during my undergraduate degree) and I’m learning Greek (my husband is Greek)! I’m still in touch with my Danish host family; they even flew over to attend my wedding.