APTNE Panel Discussion with GSAPP Alumni & Guests

Join us for a Historic Preservation Career Panel Talk led by board members of the Association for Preservation Technology Northeast Chapter (APTNE) The panel will explore various career paths in the field, including architecture, conservation, engineering, and construction, as well as the speakers’ involvement in nonprofit organizations. With decades of combined experience, the panelists offer a valuable opportunity for students to learn about the field and connect with professionals.

Brigitte Cook, 07 M.Arch and MSHP is a Senior Associate at PBDW Architects and serves as Secretary of the Association for Preservation Technology, Northeast Chapter. She has led complex cultural and educational projects that blend contemporary design and technology with historic architecture. As an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Historic Preservation Program, she taught digital tools for representing and interpreting historic buildings. Brigitte holds a Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Clemson University.

Helena (Lena) Currie specializes in evaluating, rehabilitating, and renewing existing buildings. She was a structural bridge engineer for five years before learning about building enclosure engineering at an SGH open house. She felt it was important at that stage of her professional career to pause and reevaluate—was she really doing the work she was passionate about? She emphasizes to students and emerging professionals that one’s career path does not need to be linear—it can be a series of side steps, reevaluations, and adjustments to find what drives and motivates you. The relationships and skills built throughout your career are empowering and transferable.

Kevin Daly, ‘95 MSHP is an architectural conservator with 30 years of experience in the field (Columbia MSHP – 1995). His expertise is more focused on condition assessments and field inspections with an emphasis on masonry conservation; treatment design and specifications; field and laboratory testing; and construction monitoring. Before working at JBC, Kevin was a Technical Director at Walter B. Melvin Architects, LLC, an architecture firm specializing in historic preservation, and an Associate at Building Conservation Associates, Inc., a conservation consulting firm. He lives in New York. He’s active in the Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI) as well as its Northeast Chapter (APTNE) where he’s currently Treasurer, and in the Architecture Specialty Group of AIC.

Jennifer Kearney '05 MSHP is a Senior Associate and Senior Conservator at Jablonski Building Conservation. Jennifer has worked extensively with architectural finishes including tile restoration, finishes investigations, and plaster restoration. As a conservator, she is also involved in design development and construction quality control for a wide range of restoration projects including transportation hubs, Broadway theaters, public works projects, and historic ruins. She graduated with an MS in Historic Preservation from Columbia University’s GSAPP in 2005. She is a Professional Member of the American Institute for Conservation and a Registered Professional with the Association of Preservation Technology International.

Sarah Migliore, hailing from southern Louisiana with a passion for historic structures, Sarah earned her Master’s in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and an undergraduate degree in Art History and Architectural Studies from Boston University. Sarah began working with Pullman NYC in July 2017. Prior to joining Pullman, she performed forensic investigations using Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of existing structures throughout the US, England, and Canada. Currently, Sarah is managing the comprehensive restoration of the building envelope at the Alexander Hamilton Customs House. Sarah currently serves on the Associate for Preservation Technology International (APT) Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy.

Corey Spitzer, '15 MSHP RA, APT RP has an MS in Historic Preservation from Columbia University and has spent time in the field doing investigation, hands-on construction, conservation, and management of historic preservation projects. She has experience working in/on New York City and National Landmarks and Sites and with cast iron and masonry façade restoration, incorporating mechanical systems into historic spaces (HVAC, lighting, fire alarm/suppression), roofing replacement, and FISP inspections. She is a Board Member for APT International, the Immediate Past President of the APT Northeast Chapter, and an Advisory Board Member for the Historic Districts Council in New York City.

Where: Virtual

When: June 18th, 2025, 11:00 am

Register in advance for this meeting

Presented by Karen Cover, Associate Director of Career Services for Architecture and Urban Design.