Business Details
48 Years
experience
Expert Historic Preservation Services in San Diego
Founded in 1978, Heritage Architecture has dedicated over four decades to preserving and revitalizing historic buildings across the Southwest. Our team of architects, planners, historians, and conservators combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to safeguard cultural heritage. We specialize in adaptive reuse, restoration, and conservation projects that meet rigorous Secretary of the Interior standards while addressing contemporary needs. With more than 150 industry awards, our firm demonstrates unparalleled expertise in historic preservation. Our experience spans iconic landmarks like the Hotel del Coronado and Balboa Theatre, showcasing our ability to transform neglected structures into functional, celebrated spaces.We maintain active licenses in California, Arizona, and Nevada, serving both public and private clients. Our commitment to excellence is evidenced by our Certified Small Business Enterprise status and adherence to the highest preservation standards. Through meticulous research, design, and execution, we ensure historic buildings continue contributing to community identity and sustainability. Our collaborative approach integrates engineers and consultants to deliver tailored solutions for each project's unique challenges. This unwavering dedication to preserving architectural legacy while embracing innovation has established us as regional leaders in historic preservation.
Services
Historic Preservation
Architectural Design
Planning Research
Conservation
Rehabilitation
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of specialized experience in historic preservation architecture
- Our team includes architects meeting Secretary of the Interior qualification standards
- We hold multiple National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Awards
- Our firm maintains active licenses in California, Arizona, and Nevada
- We implement proven adaptive reuse strategies that extend building lifecycles
Associations and certifications
- Certified Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
What people say
Exceptional restoration
Technical expertise
Award-winning results
Historical accuracy
Code compliance
Services
Historic Preservation
Our historic preservation services focus on maintaining architectural integrity while implementing modern functionality. We specialize in Secretary of the Interior standards-compliant restoration, adaptive reuse, and rehabilitation projects. Our approach prioritizes material conservation and code compliance to extend building lifespans while preserving cultural significance.
Architectural Design
Full-service architectural design for historic buildings includes space planning, construction documents, and permit processing. We coordinate with specialized engineers to create solutions that respect original design intent while meeting contemporary requirements. Our work spans concept development through construction observation.
Planning Research
We conduct comprehensive historic resource surveys, feasibility studies, and master planning. Our team prepares National Register nominations, CEQA/NEPA documentation, and design guidelines. This research forms the foundation for informed preservation decisions and long-term stewardship strategies.
Conservation
Specialized conservation services focus on material preservation and technical problem-solving. We develop treatment plans that prioritize restoration over replacement, employing traditional methods alongside modern technology to maintain historic authenticity while ensuring structural longevity and compliance.
Rehabilitation
Our rehabilitation expertise transforms historic structures for modern use while maintaining character-defining features. We implement seismic upgrades, accessibility improvements, and systems integration that balance preservation requirements with functional needs for 21st-century applications.
People
Brian Ricking
Principal, Architect
Licensed architect with extensive experience in historic preservation projects. Specializes in adaptive reuse solutions that maintain architectural integrity while meeting modern requirements. Active participant in heritage conservation efforts.
Stuart Sawasaki
Principal, Architect
Experienced preservation architect focused on technical solutions for historic buildings. Expert in integrating modern systems with traditional construction methods while maintaining regulatory compliance and historic accuracy.
David Marshall
Principal, Architect
Licensed architect with deep expertise in historic building codes and preservation standards. Leads complex restoration projects requiring specialized technical knowledge and regulatory navigation.
Carmen Pauli
Principal, Architect
NCARB-certified architect specializing in historic resource evaluations and preservation planning. Brings technical expertise to complex rehabilitation projects requiring code compliance and historic accuracy.
Eileen Magno
Principal, Architectural Historian
Architectural historian with specialized knowledge in historic context statements and cultural resource assessments. Provides critical research support for preservation projects requiring detailed historical documentation.
Questions
What historic preservation services do you offer?
We provide full-service historic preservation including restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, and conservation. Our services cover architectural design, planning research, and technical consultation for historic buildings.
How many years have you specialized in historic architecture?
We have 45 years of continuous experience in historic preservation architecture since our founding in 1978.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout California, Arizona, and Nevada, with completed projects across the Southwest region.
Are your architects certified for preservation work?
All our project managers meet Secretary of the Interior qualification standards, and we maintain Certified Small Business Enterprise status.
What types of historic buildings do you work with?
We work on diverse structures including hotels, theaters, government buildings, educational institutions, and cultural landmarks of architectural significance.
How do you approach historic building restoration?
We combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, prioritizing material conservation while implementing necessary upgrades for safety and functionality.
Videos
