Architectural historian
Encyclopedia
A architectural historian is a person who studies and writes about the history of architecture
, and is regarded as an authority
on it Similar profession are known widely such as Historian
, Art historian and Archaeologist. Architectural historians survey areas that are often threatened by extinction. They identify historic structures using high-quality photographs and standard forms to document architectural features, style, history, and significance to the community. They also study habitats—the neighborhoods and districts surrounding buildings. They research the history of an area and each building in it. After completing their research, they decide which buildings are important enough to be designated state or national historic properties. The architectural historians then complete detailed reports about these buildings
As many architectural historians are employed at universities and other facilities for post-secondary education, in addition to bachelor degree, it is normal for colleges and universities to require the PhD degree for new full-time hires and a Masters degree for part-timers. Publication is increasingly required by smaller schools, so graduate papers become journal articles and PhD dissertations become published monographs.
's Guidelines the minimum professional qualifications in architectural history are a graduate degree in architectural history
, art history
, historic preservation
, or closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history, or a bachelor's degree
in architectural history
, art history
, historic preservation
or closely related field plus one of the following:
, on professional career opportunities in architectural history
, was compiled in January 2010 from positions listed January-December 2009, averages of salary ranges in United States
are below.
Positions requiring:
History of architecture
The history of architecture traces the changes in architecture through various traditions, regions, overarching stylistic trends, and dates.-Neolithic architecture:Neolithic architecture is the architecture of the Neolithic period...
, and is regarded as an authority
Authority
The word Authority is derived mainly from the Latin word auctoritas, meaning invention, advice, opinion, influence, or command. In English, the word 'authority' can be used to mean power given by the state or by academic knowledge of an area .-Authority in Philosophy:In...
on it Similar profession are known widely such as Historian
Historian
A historian is a person who studies and writes about the past and is regarded as an authority on it. Historians are concerned with the continuous, methodical narrative and research of past events as relating to the human race; as well as the study of all history in time. If the individual is...
, Art historian and Archaeologist. Architectural historians survey areas that are often threatened by extinction. They identify historic structures using high-quality photographs and standard forms to document architectural features, style, history, and significance to the community. They also study habitats—the neighborhoods and districts surrounding buildings. They research the history of an area and each building in it. After completing their research, they decide which buildings are important enough to be designated state or national historic properties. The architectural historians then complete detailed reports about these buildings
Professional requirements
Most architectural historians have a bachelor's degree in history, architectural history, or art history. Others have backgrounds in city planning and architecture. Many jobs require a master's degree in architectural history. Architectural historians need to have excellent communication, computer, and research skills and must know a lot about history and architectural styles and features. With this expertise they provide a valuable service by recording and preserving historic structures—an important part of our heritage—for future generationsAs many architectural historians are employed at universities and other facilities for post-secondary education, in addition to bachelor degree, it is normal for colleges and universities to require the PhD degree for new full-time hires and a Masters degree for part-timers. Publication is increasingly required by smaller schools, so graduate papers become journal articles and PhD dissertations become published monographs.
United States
According to Secretary of the InteriorUnited States Secretary of the Interior
The United States Secretary of the Interior is the head of the United States Department of the Interior.The US Department of the Interior should not be confused with the concept of Ministries of the Interior as used in other countries...
's Guidelines the minimum professional qualifications in architectural history are a graduate degree in architectural history
Architectural History
Architectural History is the main journal of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain .The journal is published each autumn. The architecture of the British Isles is a major theme of the journal, although it includes more general papers on the history of architecture. Member of...
, art history
Art history
Art history has historically been understood as the academic study of objects of art in their historical development and stylistic contexts, i.e. genre, design, format, and style...
, historic preservation
Historic preservation
Historic preservation is an endeavor that seeks to preserve, conserve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historical significance...
, or closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history, or a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in architectural history
Architectural History
Architectural History is the main journal of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain .The journal is published each autumn. The architecture of the British Isles is a major theme of the journal, although it includes more general papers on the history of architecture. Member of...
, art history
Art history
Art history has historically been understood as the academic study of objects of art in their historical development and stylistic contexts, i.e. genre, design, format, and style...
, historic preservation
Historic preservation
Historic preservation is an endeavor that seeks to preserve, conserve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historical significance...
or closely related field plus one of the following:
- At least two years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museumMuseumA museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
, or other professional institution; or - Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of American architectural history.
Profession
Professional architectural historians typically work in colleges and universities, archival centers, government agencies, museums, and as freelance writers and consultants. In broad terms, they can be grouped into following two categories...Academic titles
Common titles and job descriptions within Universities and research organizations might be as follows:- Research Coordinator
- Professor in Architectural History
- Senior Lecturer in Architectural History
- Lecturer in Architectural History
- Researcher in Architectural History
- Research Associate in Architectural History
- Research Assistant in Architectural History
Non-academic titles
Most non-academic positions in architectural history can be grouped into one of the following five categories...- Preservation Planning and Administration
- This employment category is similar to Main Street management listed below and is interrelated with the following historical research and evaluation category. Professionals in the present field are primarily concerned with the planning and administration of preservation programs, providing technical support to the community and attending public meetings. Positions in this category are typically more office based and require more interpersonal skills than the following category.
- Principal employers are state and local government agencies, including historic preservation offices and nonprofit organizations.
- Historical Research and Evaluation
- This field is the counterpart to preservation planning and administration, above. It involves completing field surveys, conducting research and completing the reports reviewed by state and local government agencies. Compared to preservation planning and administration this field is less office oriented, requiring more on-site work and travel.
- Principal employers are architectural firms, cultural resource firms and government agencies.
- Historic Site Management and Curatorship
- This field is analogous with museum curatorship but often includes aspects of historical research and evaluation, above and/or historic foundation management and administration, below.
- Principal employers are local governments or private, nonprofit organizations.
- Historic Foundation Management and Administration
- Positions in this field are rarely entry level and generally require experience in nonprofit organization administration coupled with a background in architectural history. In many cases duties include those of historic site management as well.
- Principal employers are historic foundations.
- Main Street Management
- Professionals in this field implement and manage downtown revitalization and preservation programs known as Main Street programs. These programs are assisted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, National Main Street Center. In addition to sharing many of the activities in the preservation planning and administration category, Main Street managers are also involved with marketing and fundraising.
- Principal employers are nonprofit organizations.
Professional Organizations
- Society of Architectural HistoriansSociety of Architectural HistoriansThe Society of Architectural Historians is an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the study and preservation of the built environment worldwide....
- The Society of Architectural Historians of Great BritainSociety of Architectural Historians of Great BritainThe Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain is a leading society in Great Britain for people interested in the history of architecture.- Purpose :...
- The Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New ZealandSAHANZSAHANZ was founded in South Australia in 1984. It is a scholarly society for the advancement of research into the history of architecture, with a focus on New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific...
- Society of Architectural Historians of BengalSociety of Architectural Historians of BengalThe Society of Architectural Historians of Bengal is an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the study of the built environment of Bengal....
Salaries
Following are averages of salary ranges as listed in position announcements, excluding additional benefits. The upper salary level listed in such announcements may represent qualifications exceeding the minimum requirements specified for the position.United States
According to a survey conducted by the architectural history department, Savannah College of Art and DesignSavannah College of Art and Design
SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design, is a private, accredited and degree-granting university with locations in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, Hong Kong, and Lacoste, France.-History:...
, on professional career opportunities in architectural history
Architectural History
Architectural History is the main journal of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain .The journal is published each autumn. The architecture of the British Isles is a major theme of the journal, although it includes more general papers on the history of architecture. Member of...
, was compiled in January 2010 from positions listed January-December 2009, averages of salary ranges in United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
are below.
Positions requiring:
- a B.A.Bachelor of ArtsA Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in architectural historyArchitectural HistoryArchitectural History is the main journal of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain .The journal is published each autumn. The architecture of the British Isles is a major theme of the journal, although it includes more general papers on the history of architecture. Member of...
or a related field and minimal experience: $30,000-$38,500 - an M.A.Master of Arts (postgraduate)A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
or a B.A.Bachelor of ArtsA Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
plus two years of relevant experience, M.A.Master of Arts (postgraduate)A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
frequently preferred. Most positions specify an additional two to three years of experience: $40,500-$55,000. - or preferring an M.A.Master of Arts (postgraduate)A Master of Arts from the Latin Magister Artium, is a type of Master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The M.A. is usually contrasted with the M.S. or M.Sc. degrees...
with a minimum of three to five years of experience: $48,500-$71,000. - an advanced degree and more than five years of experience: $61,500- $79,000.
See also
- History of architectureHistory of architectureThe history of architecture traces the changes in architecture through various traditions, regions, overarching stylistic trends, and dates.-Neolithic architecture:Neolithic architecture is the architecture of the Neolithic period...
- List of architectural historians
- List of historians