Our team focuses on building enclosure condition assessments, feasibility studies for deep retrofits, design consulting, and construction management tailored to the specific needs of historic buildings. The importance of this work is in preserving the architectural, cultural, and material integrity of these structures—often built with traditional materials such as stone, brick, slate, and timber—while addressing issues such as deterioration and energy performance. Our work helps clients understand and maintain the long-term value of their historic assets, contributing to the resilience of both communities and the built environment.
Our Differentiators
Our specialists are trained in both building science and preservation, allowing us to solve complex enclosure challenges without compromising historic character. We bring fluency in historic construction methods and terminology, enabling precise coordination with architects, trades, and conservation authorities. Our team goes beyond surface-level observations to diagnose root causes of deterioration, using both visual inspection and advanced analysis. We understand how heat, air, and moisture interact with traditional materials—and how modern interventions, when not thoughtfully adapted, can lead to new forms of damage.
Values and Priorities
Rather than assuming preservation is the only goal, we work closely with clients to understand their priorities—whether they are focused on long-term use, critical repairs, or evaluating broader options for adaptation. Our team is versed in the regulatory frameworks, material behaviors, and communication challenges that often come with these projects.
How We Work
Our historic and heritage team combines traditional knowledge with technology to deliver detailed and accurate assessments and repair strategies. We use advanced tools such as BIM, laser scanning, and drone technology to document and analyze older buildings, particularly where physical access is limited. We also draw on RDH’s lab testing and analytical capabilities to study moisture flow, material properties, and environmental performance. Our collaboration is grounded in a shared vocabulary around historic materials and architectural features.
Project Spotlight: White Stadium Rehabilitation | Boston, MA
The stadium was constructed circa ~1950 and is undergoing renovations to convert it into the home of the new Boston women’s soccer team. We performed a condition assessment, carbonation testing, a cover survey, and directed the selection of cores for petrography analysis to assess the material properties of the concrete and evaluate the possibility of accelerated deterioration. During demolition of the seating bowl, we assisted with the installation of vibration monitoring equipment and selected appropriate vibration limits to protect the bas relief sculpture above the main entrance. We are currently assisting with the development of repair details for the historic concrete that are consistent with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
