The recent chaos on the capitol building strikes a chord with one local man as he remembers years spent at architecture school and in architectural firms in Washington D.C.
The recent damage and destruction in our Nation’s Capital hits home for one local man. He studied architecture at The Catholic University of America in D.C. and is well studied on the Washington monuments, structures and historic preservation. He recalls chance meetings with Senators Jacob Javits and Ted Kennedy in the U.S. Capitol as a student, and many trips to the buildings since.
Shawn Pierson is with InVision Advisors (www.https://invisionadvisors.com). The firm provides Owner’s Representation and project management, serving as a liaison between owners and project participants like architects, subcontractors, bankers and more. He’s seen it all and guided many projects during 35 years in the building design and construction arena. Currently his focus is the Tampa Bay area and Sarasota with some attention to projects on the west coast of the U.S.
Pierson reflects on what’s next for the Architect of the Capitol – the office responsible for preservation at one of our nation’s most historic places. He considers what’s at stake in the attempts to repair the structures damaged by the chaos and the ongoing goal to protect the historic integrity of some of the nation’s most historic buildings. The repairs could include restoration, preservation, reconstruction and rehabilitation. Each of those carries significant importance.
Pierson states, “Some of the historic fabric that was destroyed by our neighbors was original and one-of-a-kind. That damage can’t be undone. The misguided attackers of the Capitol and on Congress seem to aspire to be considered patriots. But if we look at the damage they caused and the poor example they set, we know that isn’t true.”
As the fortress around the D.C. metro area is fine-tuned before Inauguration Day, he says, “I hope that if they ever come back to the Capitol it will be with a new appreciation, and to restore what they destroyed. That might offer some redemption and a path to true patriotism.”
As a kid, this local man traveled to D.C. with his father, a history teacher, to take in the sights of our Nation’s Capital. He vividly remembers his Dad waking him after the long road trip to see the beautiful white monuments lit at night. It’s a memory etched in his soul. It spawned his love of architecture and history and propelled him on his path that he remains on to this day now around Tampa Bay and Sarasota.
As the nation watches and waits for an Inauguration Day, he has one more reflection on the recent chaos and damage left behind.
“The damage and destruction to our historic fabric was done in one day. But I want us to remember that there is a historic preservation process and standards and professionals that we can count on. I hope we appreciate the dedicated people who remain there to work for us over the next days and weeks and months, to painstakingly pick up the pieces and professionally restore not only the physical symbol of our republic, but preserve a place where democracy can flourish. These are the true patriots, and they provide an example we can follow. “
InVision Advisors oversees, formulates, guides and makes it happen in the construction & building arena. They’ve worked on local projects like the St. Pete Pier, Tampa Theatre, JCC, Florida Polytechnic, Ford’s Garage and dozens of other projects. Their footprint stretches beyond Tampa Bay as well to Miami, Utah, Nashville & NYC.
About InVision Advisors: They pride themselves on helping organizations that don’t have the time, knowledge or ability to manage the design and construction process. Their motto is Dream, Plan, Execute. The team, led by President Jonathan Moore, can be contacted at 813-784-3146.