Virtual Panel Discussion and Networking
Key Words: Virtual,Panel,Discussion,Networking
Introduction.
Listening to others, sharing lessons learned and addressing gaps are critical to a successful project and impactful career. John believes APT offers these opportunities through its many programs, committees and activities and he continues to enjoy learning about my particular discipline but enjoy the ability to explore the many different facets of preservation.
Virtual Panel Discussion and Networking
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Are you a student, recent graduate, or new to the preservation field? Join us for an interactive session exploring effective approaches to networking within APT and the broader preservation community. The program will feature a panel discussion followed by breakout sessions designed for small-group conversation and meaningful connections.
This is a non-CEU event.
There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.
Presented by the Academics & Research Committee.
Panelists:
John Dumsick, Office of Cultural Heritage, U.S. Department of State
Ken Follett, Owner, Ken & David Follett
Ken is a veteran leader in the historic preservation sector with over four decades of experience driving community development. As a founding member and inaugural president of the Preservation Trades Network, and a long-term contributor to the Association for Preservation Technology International, he operates at the nexus of architectural design, structural engineering, and hands-on work with traditional materials, modern technology, and the social structures that sustain them.
Nicole Melnik, Architectural Designer, Lord Aeck Sargent
Nicole is an Atlanta-based Architectural Designer in the Historic Preservation Studio at Lord Aeck Sargent, graduating with her M.Arch from Georgia Tech in 2024 and her B.S.Arch from Georgia Tech in 2022. Her work focuses on thoughtful, sensitive preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration - spanning from research and documentation of historic significance continuing through all phases of design and development, from SD to CA.
Paul Rosenstrauch, Senior Consulting Engineer, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.
As a structural engineer in Boston, Massachusetts with over 13 years of experience, Paul has gotten to work on pretty much anything that can be characterized as a “structure”; new and existing buildings, adaptive reuse, preservation, bridges, monumental stairs, sculptures. But it’s not just the analysis that makes for a successful career. Who you meet, how you communicate, who you’re able to help out, and how you think in the field are all important questions for getting established in your career and being successful, no matter what kind of structure you’re designing!
Tiffani Simple, Principal, Simple Design Studio-Architects, P.C.
Tiffani is the Principal of Simple Design Studio-Architects, P.C., a minority woman–owned practice dedicated to values-based preservation and design. With expertise spanning historic preservation, preservation planning, adaptive reuse, and community engagement, she brings a comprehensive perspective tailored to projects that bridge technical proficiency with cultural significance. Her approach emphasizes integrating community voices into preservation and planning processes, ensuring outcomes that reflect both professional standards and lived experiences. An active member of APT, NOMA, and ICOMOS, she also serves as co-chair of APT’s Inclusion Advocacy Committee. Tiffani is committed to advancing representation in preservation and making underrepresented histories visible through the built environment.
Urmila Srinivasan, Historic Preservation Architect, Treanor
Urmila is an Architect in the Historic Preservation Studio at Treanor. She is based in Houston and has around 12 years of experience working with existing and historic buildings in the United States. Her journey into historic preservation was inspired by her love for old buildings, hands-on work, and a fascination for history. She is the Secretary of the APTI Academic & Research Committee and has been involved with APTI in various ways since she was a Student Scholar in 2013.