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In this conversation, Nakita Reed interviews Tiffani Simple, a preservation architect based in New York City. They discuss the complexities of preservation architecture, including the importance of facade maintenance, the role of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the challenges faced by building owners in historic districts. Tiffani emphasizes the need for community education, particularly for underrepresented groups, and shares insights on the Inclusion and Advocacy Committee within the Association for Preservation Technology. The conversation also touches on adaptive reuse projects and the importance of understanding regulations and constraints in preservation work. Links: Simple Design StudioAPT Inclusion Advocacy CommitteeTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music Bio: Tiffani Simple is the Principal and Owner of Simple Design Studio-Architects, P.C. Tiffani holds a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She is a Registered Architect in New York and New Jersey and a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector in New York City. With extensive experience in architectural preservation, she has worked on a range of projects involving various construction typologies, materials, and finishes. Her expertise includes preservation planning, adaptive reuse, and community engagement, notably contributing to historic civil rights sites and cultural heritage projects throughout North America, United Kingdom, and Caribbean. Tiffani is an active member in several professional organizations including the Association of Preservation Technology (APT), the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). As a minority female architect in preservation, she is dedicated to advocating towards a more inclusive industry. She is a co-chair of APT’s Inclusion Advocacy Committee and is part of several advocacy organizations within the design industry.   **Some of the links above maybe Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.**  Mentioned in this episode: Emerging Unstruct

This episode is a replay of CREW Conversations Episode 17: Preserving Baltimore’s History While Building a Sustainable Future. In this insightful episode, Nakita Reed of Quinn Evans and Carla Hinson of Cross Street Partners explore the intersection of historic preservation and sustainability in Baltimore’s built environment. From navigating complex regulations to finding creative solutions for adaptive reuse, Nakita and Carla dive into the challenges and opportunities of preserving the city’s architectural legacy while embracing environmentally responsible practices. Links: CREW Conversations podcastCross Street PartnersQuinn EvansSignup for the Tangible Remnants newsletter Tangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music **Some of the links above maybe Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.**  Mentioned in this episode: Emerging Unstruct

Today's episode is all about the Packing House in Cambridge, MD.  From the owner's side I'm joined by Bill Strever, CEO of Cross Street Partners and Margaret Northfleet-Neff, development partner at Cross Street Partners. From the Quinn Evans design team I'm joined by Ethan Marchant, a principal who served as the lead architect on the project. They share their experiences and insights on this remarkable project. The Packing House was once part of a cannery empire, and now it's a hub for innovation and sustainability.  If you've been curious how a building can be programmed to be a catalyst for change, fostering new opportunities and revitalizing the local economy, this episode is for you. Links: Packing House website MERGE website Before and after photos Quinn Evans Historic Tax Credit Guide Packing House project page - Quinn EvansTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music Bio: Ethan Marchant, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal, Quinn Evans Ethan is skilled in the creation and development of clever, contemporary and powerful designs that engage people. He is adept in repurposing architectural artifacts to create memorable spaces, and promoting the brand identity of tenants and building owners through artful design. He has designed many notable educational, cultural, and commercial projects, including modernizations and new structures that reflect a strong appreciation for local heritage and community context. Ethan’s projects are characterized by a simple and minimalist elegance in design, incorporating fresh ideas and inventive solutions. Bill Struever, Principal / Partner / CEO - Cross Street Partners Bill Struever is a visionary real estate pioneer who has spent his entire career finding creative ways to re-imagine urban properties. He has extensive experience in developing and evaluating real estate transactions and ROI economics, preparing and evaluating financial proforma, public-private partnerships, and funding and investment strategies. At Cross Street Partners, Mr. Struever is responsible for the company’s new business pipeline for real estate development and tax credit consulting services, sustainable construction practices, and strengthening public/private relationships. In 1974, Mr. Struever founded a company that would become Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse (SBER). The nationally-acclaimed development, construction and property management company’s...

Episode 3 of the Building Reuse is Climate Action, a Tangible Remnants limited series sponsored by Quinn Evans, is all about the LOVE Building in Detroit. From the owner's side Nakita is joined by Kwaku Osei - current Executive Director of the LOVE Building, and Jeannette Lee - Founder and former director of the LOVE Building. From the Quinn Evans design team Nakita is joined by Saundra Little, Principal and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion who served as the lead architect of the project. Through intentional design and community engagement, the LOVE Building has become a model for accessibility and collaboration.  In this conversation, we explore the power of adaptive reuse, the importance of community benefits agreements, and the role of radical philanthropy in making transformative projects possible. If you've ever wondered how a building can become a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment, then this episode is for you. Links: LOVE Building website LOVE Building Before and after photos Quinn Evans Historic Tax Credit Guide Project one pager How Collaboration Shapes Adaptive Reuse Projects Tangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music Bio: Saundra Little, FAIA, LEED AP Saundra is an award-winning architect and advocate for the revitalization of the urban realm, particularly in the city of Detroit. Her acclaimed portfolio includes complex renovations and the adaptive use of aging properties; she is known for developing creative and transformative solutions that optimize the long-term economic value of properties while respecting the unique architectural heritage of local neighborhoods and for incorporating community feedback into her designs. Kwaku Osei Kwaku Osei is the Executive Director of The LOVE Building, a hub for social justice & creative community in Detroit. He was most recently the Co-Founder & CEO of Farmacy Food, a preventative healthcare startup focused on making health and wellness radically accessible and affordable. He is also the Chairman of Cooperative Capital, a community-based private equity fund that enables residents to pool their money together to make promising investments within their community. He was previously an Executive Associate at Rock Ventures where he worked on special projects with Dan Gilbert and served as CEO to Project X LLC (Now, Sift), a $1MM+ tech spinout of...

Episode 2 of the Building Reuse is Climate Action, a Tangible Remnants limited series sponsored by Quinn Evans, is all about the transformation of the Walter French Academy in Lansing, MI.  From the owner's side Nakita is joined by the current Executive Director of Capital Area Housing Partnership, Emma Henry, as well as the former Executive Director of Capital Area Housing Partnership, Rawley Van Fossen, who is now the Director of Economic Development and Planning for the City of Lansing. From the Quinn Evans design team Nakita is joined by Ann Dilcher, Principal and lead architect of the project, and Jaclyn Peterson Melfi, project architect who have been instrumental in transforming this once vacant historic building. From navigating financial hurdles to engaging with the community, if you've ever wondered what it takes to breathe new life into a long-abandoned building this episode is for you. Our guests share their experiences and discuss how a shared vision with a dedicated team can transform not just a building, but an entire community. Links: Walter French Before and after photos Capital Area Housing Partnership The Residences at Walter French Walter French and Capital Area Housing Partnership | Michigan Business Quinn Evans Guide: Navigating Historic Tax CreditsTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music Bios: Ann Dilcher, AIA, LEED AP Ann focuses on community-building projects such as libraries, museums, and art centers. Her work often centers around adaptive reuse or renovation of existing buildings, usually historic buildings valued by the community. She is known for her ability to communicate with large groups of diverse stakeholders and create inclusive design solutions. Ann’s attention to detail and coordination of expertise provided by specialty consultants exercise her mature understanding of technically demanding projects. Jaclyn Peterson Melfi, AIA, LEED AP Jaclyn breathes new life into old buildings, particularly for residential uses. She believes that all spaces matter and works with clients to create modern, functional, and comfortable spaces within existing structures. Jaclyn brings a problem-solving mindset and is willing to iterate design solutions until the right one is found. Her holistic approach to design encompasses both the big picture and the details that...

Episode 1 of the Building Reuse is Climate Action, a Tangible Remnants limited series sponsored by Quinn Evans, is all about the Marie Reed Community Learning Center in Washington DC. This was a 150,0000 square foot renovation of a 1978 building.  During this episode Nakita is joined by her Quinn Evans colleague, Tracy Hucul, who served as one of the project architects on the job and Katie Lungren who was the principal of the school during the renovation and through the end of the 2025 school year. There are many gems throughout this episode - particularly around community engagement, designing for security between mixed uses, and ways to commemorate a site's legacy. Links: Quinn Evans websiteMarie Reed Community Learning Center - Washington, DC - Learning DesignMarie Reed website Before and after photos Preserving Communities Through Building Reuse Join Tangible Remnants NewsletterTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music Bios: Tracy Hucul brings experience on a broad range of institutional projects. In the past several years, she has focused on educational projects for both K-12 and institutions of higher learning. Tracy’s organizational skills and experience in the design and construction processes enable her ability to multi-task and transition between projects effectively. While providing construction administration services, she has been instrumental in ensuring design intent and quality are achieved during the building process. Katie Lundgren served as the principal of Marie Reed Elementary School from 2014-2025. Marie Reed Elementary is a Title 1 Public School in Washington, DC serving ~ 470 students in both Dual Language (Spanish/English) and English Language Programs. Katie began her career as a third grade teacher in New Orleans, LA, before relocating to Washington, DC in 2004. She then led year-round after-school enrichment programs for public school middle school students at the Higher Achievement Program, first as a Center Director and later as the Regional Director of Operations. She obtained her Masters of School Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2009 and joined DC Public Schools that year as an Assistant Principal. In 2013, she was selected by DCPS senior leaders as 1 of...

Have you ever wondered how reusing buildings can make a real difference for our climate? In this limited series, Building Reuse is Climate Action, sponsored by Quinn Evans, we’ll break down the strategies, stories, and real-world examples of how reimagining old buildings helps us build a more sustainable future.  The four projects that will be featured include: The Marie Reed Community Learning Center in Washington DCWalter French  in Lansing, MIThe LOVE Building in Detroit, MIThe Packing House in Cambridge, MD Links: Quinn Evans websiteTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteTangible Remnants NewsletterLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music **Some of the links above maybe Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.** 

This week I’m joined by Carol Quillen, President & CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Carol became the 10th president in 2024 and brings a fresh perspective from her career in academia, including over a decade as president of Davidson College. Together we explore how preservation is not about saying “no” to change, but about creating opportunities, building community connections, and shaping a more sustainable future. Carol shares her journey, clears up common misconceptions, and highlights how preservation can spark economic growth, civic engagement, and even climate resilience. We also talk about the power of adaptive reuse, storytelling, and local partnerships—from rural towns to urban neighborhoods—that make preservation a catalyst for inclusion and resilience. ✨ If you’re curious about how the past can fuel stronger communities and a brighter future, this episode is for you! Links: 11 Most endangered list: America's Most Endangered Historic Places | National Trust for Historic PreservationPreserving Black Churches: https://savingplaces.org/black-churches Action Fund: African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund | National Trust for Historic PreservationHOPE Crew: HOPE Crew | National Trust for Historic PreservationNTHP Main Street program: Main Street America :: HomeRepurpose Capital: RePurpose CapitalNTCIC: NTCIC | National Trust Community Investment CorporationWoodlawn Mansion: Woodlawn Historic Overview — Woodlawn & Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey HouseTED Talk the dangers of a single story : Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED TalkNTHP Grants Programs webpage: https://savingplaces.org/grantsNTHP Action Center: a...

In this conversation, Nakita Reed and Nina Jean-Louis discuss the intricacies of adaptive reuse projects, focusing on the role of structural engineers and the importance of community engagement. The discussion emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the evolving nature of engineering practices in relation to community needs. In this conversation, Nina Jean-Louis discusses her research on quantifying resilience in cultural landscapes, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and transdisciplinary methods. She highlights the challenges of working with marginalized communities, particularly in the context of the American Beach and the historical significance of the saltwater underground railroad. Nina shares her experiences and insights on the emotional aspects of community work and encourages engineers and architects to embrace this approach. Links: https://coastalheritageatrisk.com/https://news.miami.edu/stories/2024/04/shining-a-light-on-untold-stories-from-floridas-past.htmlAssociation for Preservation Technology's Inclusion Advocacy CommitteeNina Jean-Louis' websiteTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music Bio: Nina is a structural engineer passionate about bridging engineering, cultural heritage, and climate science to equip communities with the tools to safeguard their heritage and associated landscapes. During her ten-year career in the engineering and cultural resource industries, Nina has supported various communities, private sector partners, non-profits, and municipal agencies in solving some of the most challenging preservation and engineering issues that range from retrofit repair guidance, resiliency & cultural resource education, community engagement and relationship building with industry professionals, academia and community stakeholders. She is finalizing her doctoral degree at the University of Miami, which focuses on developing community driven climate-resilient solutions for protecting cultural landscapes. **Some of the links above maybe Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.** 

In May 2025, Nakita was the emcee for a livestream celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation's HOPE Crew program. HOPE Crew, which stands for Hands-On Preservation Experience, was one of the first and largest efforts to expand the preservation industry in the country. Since 2014, it has trained more than 802 young people and veterans, engaged over 3,000 volunteers in historic preservation trades, and completed nearly 200 projects in cities, parks, and communities across America.  These projects include sites such as Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana to Nina Simone's Childhood Home in Tryon, N.C., and Estate Little Princess in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.  The livestream back in May  featured a moderated conversation between Monica Rhodes, founding Director of HOPE Crew and the President & Founder of Rhodes Heritage Group, and Milan Jordan, current Director of HOPE Crew; a reflection discussion with Molly Baker, one of the most senior tenured employees with the program, and ended with three panels - one panel featuring Foundation and Organizational Partners, one panel featuring past participants, and another featuring Trade professionals who've spent time providing the training.  This episode is a condensed, audio only version of the livestream and features snippets from each panel. The panelists that are included in the podcast episode include: Marie Walker, COO of the Corps Network Mike Muckle, Exec. Director of NJYC of PhillipsburgShonto Greyeyes Program Director at the Conservation LegacyAlicia Spence, Founder of Spence Timber works Links: HOPE Crew | National Trust for Historic PreservationPreservation Trades Network - AboutRhodes Heritage GroupTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music Bios: Milan Jordan - With a background in architecture and a passion for nonprofit management, Milan’s career is the intersection of mission-driven work for built and cultural environments. Milan is currently the Director of the HOPE Crew at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. HOPE Crew is bringing Hands-On Preservation Experience to the next wave of preservation tradespeople. Under Milan’s leadership, the program has developed partnerships with all seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with colleges of architecture. Expanding from traditional trades...

This episode provides an overview of the Design-Bid-Build design process, emphasizing the importance of following structured phases. Nakita explains the sequential nature of design phases, the significance of working with qualified professionals, and the potential costs associated with changes made during the design process. The discussion also covers the roles of architects and contractors, the bidding process, and the necessity of construction administration to ensure project integrity. Links: Tangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteSubscribe to the Tangible Remnants NewsletterLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastAmerican Institute of Architect's Defining the architect's basic servicesGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music **Some of the links above maybe Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.**  Mentioned in this episode: Emerging Unstruct

In this conversation, Nakita Reed and Christian Joosse discuss the journey of writing and publishing 'Letters to Miss 1000', a book aimed at mentoring and inspiring future Black women architects. Christian shares her personal history with writing, her motivations for the book, and the challenges of including diverse voices in the project. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, hope, and representation in the field of architecture. In this conversation, Christian Joosse discusses the artistic vision behind his book, which highlights the stories of women in architecture. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and representation in the field, sharing personal anecdotes that illustrate the impact of these themes. Joosse also delves into her self-publishing journey, explaining the barriers she faced and the significance of physical publications in architecture. The discussion underscores the need for storytelling in architecture and the role of community in supporting diverse voices. Links: Buy the book: HOME | Letters To Ms. 1000Letters to Ms. 1000 on IGMoody NolanNOMA Project Pipeline Sign up for the Tangible Remnants newsletter Tangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music Bio: Christian Joosse is the editor, co-author, and curator behind Letters to Ms. 1000 | Words of Wisdom from African American Women Architects, Vol. 1. She is an architect, academic, aspiring poet, mother, and mentor. Her first published poem at age eight ignited her love for the written word and her family construction business put the first hammer in her hand, both powerful tools to build a lasting foundation. As an architect at Moody Nolan Inc., the largest African American owned and operated firm in the nation, nationally recognized design work requires captivating storytelling to imbue the culture of the communities in which she works. The world of architecture enriches her writing through research papers, national award submissions, articles, and her debut book. As an academic, she has exhibited research internationally, co-curated gallery exhibitions, fabricated pop-up installations, moderated panel discussions focused on under resourced populations and often taken on unconventional projects aiming to redefine the profession. Her work across multiple disciplines demonstrates she is a passionate advocate for creating inclusive environments. Her decade of academic and professional engagement with students and emerging professionals propels her vision for a tangible written mentorship piece that she believes...

This week's episode features a delightful conversation with Belinda Stewart and will resonate with you if you have ever wondered if it's possible to do the type of work you want to do in your hometown. Or what it would take to be able to use buildings to tell the often difficult histories of a place.  In this episode we chat about the importance of adaptive reuse, historic tax credits, and the impact of vernacular architecture. Belinda also highlights her work in memorializing Emmett Till's story and the significance of community involvement in these projects. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding the history behind buildings and the stories they tell, as well as the importance of funding and grants in making projects a reality. Links: The Citizen Architect | Belinda Stewart ArchitectsPeople | Belinda Stewart ArchitectsTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music Bio: Belinda J. Stewart, FAIA, APTRP, is the founding Principal of Belinda Stewart Architects, a woman-owned and led firm in the small town of Eupora, Mississippi. Belinda has always been a Citizen Architect, persistently searching for ways to assist communities and lead her own. She is the seventh-term Mayor of the Village of Walthall. She believes a small town can inspire, family roots can build an ethic that weaves through a profession, and that architecture shows the beauty of history and hope for our future. Over the last 35 years, her firm has provided architectural services for over 650 historic structures, which have received over 120 design and preservation awards. Two years ago she founded The South Way Foundation, a non-profit organization focusing on project incubation, story-telling and preservation construction in the rural South. Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct Emerging

In this episode, Nakita addresses the top five questions often posed by building owners interested in adaptive reuse projects. She discusses the criteria for determining if a building is historic, the implications of preservation protections, how to estimate costs, the timeline for projects, and when construction can realistically begin. Reed emphasizes the importance of understanding the process and the various factors that influence each stage of an adaptive reuse project. Links: Medusa, Maryland's Cultural Resource Information System State Historic Preservation Offices - National Register of Historic Places (U.S. National Park Service)The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation - Historic Preservation Tax Incentives (U.S. National Park Service)Funding & Preservation Protection matrixTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music **Some of the links above maybe Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.**  Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct Emerging

This episode features a conversation with Melissa Jest from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We discuss her extensive experience in preservation and advocacy for underrepresented communities. Links: African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund National Trust for Historic PreservationTangible Remnants on InstagramTangible Remnants WebsiteLinkedTr.ee for resourcesEarn CEUs for listening to this podcastSignup for Ask Me Anything w/ Nakita ReedGabl Media NetworkSarah Gilberg's Music Melissa Jest is Senior Manager of Preservation Projects for the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF). Miss Jest brings more than 20 years of preservation project and education experience, having worked in Savannah, GA, Philadelphia, PA and on staff at the Georgia Historic Preservation office headquartered in Atlanta GA. In her work, Miss Jest has assisted individuals and communities in identifying and preserving historic tangible and intangible resources significant to our shared heritage. Also, she has served on civic and private foundation boards over her career of advocating for underrepresented communities, and for historic preservation as both a tool and a movements Miss Jest is a native of Savannah, GA and holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in Urban Studies from Savannah State University.   **Some of the links above maybe Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you.**  Mentioned in this episode: Unstruct Emerging