Business Details
Historic Preservation & Adaptive Reuse Architecture Services
Johnson-Schmidt Elise Architect approaches architecture as a human-centered discipline that connects people with their surroundings through thoughtful design. Our firm specializes in creating spaces that reflect the cultural and aesthetic values of the communities we serve, with a focus on commercial, institutional, municipal, and residential projects. We combine expertise in historic preservation and adaptive reuse with modern design principles to deliver solutions that honor heritage while meeting contemporary needs. Our team brings decades of experience in preservation planning, downtown revitalization, and tax credit applications, serving municipalities and nonprofit organizations across New York State.We prioritize attention to detail, respect for budgets, and collaborative relationships with stakeholders to achieve high standards of excellence in every project. Our work extends beyond buildings to include environmental context analysis, historic paint color selection, and landscape integration. With a portfolio spanning over 150 facade improvement projects and multiple historic districts, we remain committed to strengthening communities through architecture that bridges past and future.
Services
Historic Preservation
Adaptive Reuse
Downtown Revitalization
Tax Credit Applications
Architectural Assessment
Code Compliance Review
Historic Paint Analysis
Landscape Integration
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects
- Our team includes nationally recognized experts in architectural history and design
- We specialize in complex tax credit applications and preservation planning
- Our work has revitalized over 150 historic buildings in New York State
- We maintain active partnerships with preservation organizations and municipalities
Services
Historic Preservation
Our historic preservation services combine architectural expertise with historical research to maintain structural integrity while adapting buildings for modern use. We specialize in National Register nominations, tax credit applications, and material analysis for properties across New York State. Our approach ensures compliance with preservation standards while addressing contemporary functional requirements.
Adaptive Reuse
We transform historic structures into functional spaces that meet current needs without compromising architectural heritage. Our services include feasibility studies, code compliance assessments, and design solutions that balance preservation requirements with modernization goals for commercial and residential properties.
Downtown Revitalization
Our downtown revitalization expertise includes facade improvement programs, zoning analysis, and preservation planning that enhances community character. We work with municipalities to develop strategies that promote economic growth while maintaining historic district integrity through grant programs and tax incentive utilization.
Tax Credit Applications
We guide clients through complex historic tax credit processes, including documentation preparation and compliance reviews. Our team has successfully secured incentives for numerous projects by aligning rehabilitation plans with state and federal preservation requirements while maintaining budgetary constraints.
Architectural Assessment
Our comprehensive assessments evaluate structural condition, historical significance, and adaptive reuse potential. Services include material testing, code compliance reviews, and context analysis to develop preservation strategies that address both immediate needs and long-term sustainability for historic properties.
People
Elise Johnson-Schmidt
Principal Architect & Owner
A nationally recognized leader in historic preservation with over 30 years of experience, Elise specializes in adaptive reuse projects and downtown revitalization efforts. She previously directed Market Street Restoration Agency and has consulted on major projects including Grand Central Terminal restoration.
Erik Lundberg
Senior Project Manager
With 18 years in architectural design, Erik focuses on landmark rehabilitations and preservation-driven projects. He holds degrees from Wentworth Institute of Technology and Pratt Institute, and is progressing toward architectural licensure through the AXP program.
Alex Whydell
Historic Preservationist
Alex specializes in historic tax credit applications and National Register nominations. He earned his Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University and brings expertise in architectural history and historical research to our team.
Sarah Childs
Architectural Designer I
Sarah focuses on adaptive reuse projects with a community-centered approach. She holds degrees from Marywood University and Cornell University, and is currently pursuing architectural licensure through the Architectural Experience Program.
K.M. Hollingsworth
Draftsperson
K.M. provides technical support for preservation projects, leveraging her multidisciplinary background in architecture, English, and history from UNC Charlotte. Her expertise includes Victorian architectural details and historical documentation analysis.
Questions
What types of architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, downtown revitalization, tax credit applications, and architectural assessments for historic properties across New York State.
How do you approach preservation projects?
Our approach combines historical research with modern design principles, focusing on maintaining architectural integrity while implementing functional updates that meet current building codes and usage requirements.
Do you work with municipal organizations?
Yes, we collaborate extensively with municipalities on preservation planning, facade improvement programs, and downtown revitalization initiatives that balance heritage conservation with community development needs.
Can you assist with tax credit applications?
We provide comprehensive support for historic tax credit applications, including documentation preparation, compliance reviews, and coordination with state and federal preservation agencies.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Corning, NY, we serve clients across New York State including Albany, Ithaca, Bath, and Elmira, with experience in both urban and rural preservation projects.
How do you handle complex preservation challenges?
Our team combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving, utilizing specialized knowledge in historic materials, building codes, and preservation standards to develop practical solutions for complex projects.
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Reviews (2)
Christine Sharkey
Nov 20, 2019
Report
Elise and her team designed two kitchens for me which were fabulous! Careful planning and understanding of how Id use the space resulted in my not wanting to change a thing in either place. Beautiful space!
Penny Gregg
Jul 22, 2019
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Elise Johnson-Schmidt and her team are currently designing a unique workspace for me in South Carolina. I'm so excited to see the design come to life! Past projects with her firm include my office/ sewing room in New York that I have enjoyed for many years... 15 at least. She quickly came up with a solution for our lake cottage a few years back that brightened the living area inside and out keeping the cost low with high quality. She is professional, creative, pleasant to work with, so very talented and I highly recommend her for any project as she puts the customer first to ensure you have exactly