Alice has been honored posthumously by several Architectural Preservation Organizations. Awards she has received include:
San Francisco Beautiful: Lifetime Achievement Award. August 21
California Preservation Foundation: Lifetime Achievement Award. September 27.
She has also been nominated for the Governor of California's Historic Preservation Award, to be give in November.
San Francisco Beautiful: Lifetime Achievement Award. August 21
California Preservation Foundation: Lifetime Achievement Award. September 27.
She has also been nominated for the Governor of California's Historic Preservation Award, to be give in November.
Design/Preservation Philosophy and Thoughts on Architecture
Alice Ross Carey, March 2003
The professional transition from architect to historical architect is a humbling experience. As an architect one is trained as a creator of space, a definer of style, a trend setter, and a form maker. Very heady stuff. Requires a large ego!
A historical architect is the antithesis. One must bury one’s ego and let the existing historic resource become the center of attention. One also must view the profession of historical architect as a small part of a greater goal -- that is to maintain and enhance the quality of life of the society we serve through the existing physical fabric.
At the same time, as architects, we often play match maker – responsible for a courtship.
In predesign, we introduce the edifice to a new owner or user.
In schematics, we lead them through the courtship. The client learns the strengths and constraints of the building. The building learns to adjust to the needs of the client.
Construction documents ultimately lead to a successful union. Our goal is to facilitate a rich, healthy partnership through perpetuity.
I view myself, and Carey & Co., as a point on a continuum in the life of an historic building. We briefly intervene and become stewards during the design and construction process. We also prepare the client to assume stewardship.
Most importantly we must always remember that each resource’s raison d’etre is for the people it serves. A perfect restoration is worthless if the building cannot be used. Our vision is not only to meet, but exceed the expectations of the owner, the users, the viewer of our projects and the building. The compliments from them are a great reward, but the continued life of the architecture is why I am a preservation architect.
My Goals
To increase awareness of San Francisco’s cultural resources.
To raise the visibility of San Francisco’s historic past
To promote stewardship among historic building owners
To inspire insightful home buyers to purchase historic structures
To encourage the designation of historic properties
To enhance visitors travel experience
To identify historic resources for special protection
To link our past with our future
Alice Ross Carey, March 2003
The professional transition from architect to historical architect is a humbling experience. As an architect one is trained as a creator of space, a definer of style, a trend setter, and a form maker. Very heady stuff. Requires a large ego!
A historical architect is the antithesis. One must bury one’s ego and let the existing historic resource become the center of attention. One also must view the profession of historical architect as a small part of a greater goal -- that is to maintain and enhance the quality of life of the society we serve through the existing physical fabric.
At the same time, as architects, we often play match maker – responsible for a courtship.
In predesign, we introduce the edifice to a new owner or user.
In schematics, we lead them through the courtship. The client learns the strengths and constraints of the building. The building learns to adjust to the needs of the client.
Construction documents ultimately lead to a successful union. Our goal is to facilitate a rich, healthy partnership through perpetuity.
I view myself, and Carey & Co., as a point on a continuum in the life of an historic building. We briefly intervene and become stewards during the design and construction process. We also prepare the client to assume stewardship.
Most importantly we must always remember that each resource’s raison d’etre is for the people it serves. A perfect restoration is worthless if the building cannot be used. Our vision is not only to meet, but exceed the expectations of the owner, the users, the viewer of our projects and the building. The compliments from them are a great reward, but the continued life of the architecture is why I am a preservation architect.
My Goals
To increase awareness of San Francisco’s cultural resources.
To raise the visibility of San Francisco’s historic past
To promote stewardship among historic building owners
To inspire insightful home buyers to purchase historic structures
To encourage the designation of historic properties
To enhance visitors travel experience
To identify historic resources for special protection
To link our past with our future