By following the unassuming role of a preservationist, Ryden Architects has shifted the paradigm of traditional architectural practice and transcended the usual local boundaries of an architect’s role. Ryden Architects has undoubtedly had more infl uence on the government, community, profession and institute through our role as the collaborativehistoric preservationist and advocate than as a mainstream architect designing individual new buildings. This is the one course we set and have faithfully followed for over 25 years.

WE EXPLORE...
...and evaluate architecture, construction, community planning and development in the context of history. Thorough investigation and documentation is the foundation of our work for cultural resource management. Our meticulous research reports and detailed as found conditions drawings are often cited in scholarly works and used by design professionals in subsequent projects.

WE ENLIGHTEN...
...regulatory agencies, universities, design professionals and the public about all aspects of heritage conservation. One of our most important contributions in promoting the cause of architecture and historic preservation is our ceaseless work toward public awareness and education. We work for environmental justice for cultural groups and ethnic communities whose properties and lifeways are affected by public works projects.

WE ENVISION...
...architectural designs, master plans and design guidelines that affect not only individual buildings but also community development. Our work in architecture and planning spans a broad range of scale and scope, urban and rural, historic and new. Because our designs complement the architectural integrity of existing streetscapes or rural settings, we strengthen the authentic sense of place in communities where we work. We improve the quality and sustainability of our new building projects by applying the design process and conservation standards we follow for historic  preservation projects.

WE ENHANCE...
...existing buildings with new designs that respect the work of the creator architect.  Because our preservation designs comply with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, we assure the Institute, our professional colleagues, and the community that the signifi cant work of past design professionals is conserved, recognized and up-lifted.

WE ENABLE...
...our architectural colleagues and governmental agencies to incorporate contextual sensitivity into their work on or about historic buildings. We demystify the historic preservation compliance process for other design professionals by guiding their design approach and by mediating with regulatory agencies. We assist in resolving confl icts between building codes and preservation standards.