Walter Kesaris earned his architectural studies degree from Philadelphia University and his MFA in historic preservation from Savannah College of Arts and Design. Walter recently became a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), one of twelve EverGreene team members to carry this prestigious title. Walter embraced the opportunity to share how his studies combined with hands-on experience prepared him for the job at EverGreene.
What inspired you to pursue a career in historic conservation?
Back in middle school, I visited Falling Water and Kentuck Knob by Frank Lloyd Wright. That was when I began to appreciate design, craft, and architecture. At the time, I didn’t know what preservation or conservation was, but I knew that the area of historic architecture and art fascinated me.
How has your graduate education and working on-site the advanced your knowledge of historic conservation?
I found that the best learning experience and technical improvements happen when you are in the middle of addressing a challenge on-site. I would advise the next generation to get involved in hands-on work and to experiment and test new ideas to advance conservation treatments.
What is your favorite project or experience working in historic restoration?
I am grateful to work on a variety of projects here at EverGreene, but the one that stands out the most is the Jefferson Memorial. Due to its location along the Tidal Basin, I was able to watch daily improvements of our team’s treatment while driving to work. Even a few years later, when driving along the Potomac River or going into D.C., I get to see the results—a clean bright white stone dome of the Jefferson Memorial!
Thank you Walter for sharing your experience!
