The Historic Preservation Institute (HPI) at the School of Architecture & Urban Planning is dedicated to the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings and places. HPI bridges traditional preservation practices with cutting-edge technology to document, analyze and revitalize the built environment.
Through academic research, national and international partnerships and real-world projects, HPI empowers the next generation of preservationists with a skillset that is increasingly essential in both design and conservation disciplines.
HPI Priorities
- Career Preparation & Placement: Our top priority is preparing students for successful careers in historic preservation, adaptive reuse and the broader architectural profession – locally, nationally and internationally.
- Mastery of Advanced Technologies: We train students in the latest tools and methods used in preservation and documentation.
- Professional Collaboration & Exchange: We foster partnerships with preservation professionals, institutions and organizations seeking documentation, analysis or design for historic buildings.
- Readiness for Contemporary Practice: HPI students graduate with forward-looking understanding of building reuse, sustainable design, historic materials, building codes and preservation documentation.
Learning by Doing
At HPI, students integrate time-honored preservation methods with advanced digital tools (including laser scanning, photogrammetry, and virtual reality) to assess and reimagine historic structures. This applied learning not only enhances their academic journey but also contributes meaningfully to clients, collaborators and preservation stakeholders across sectors.
The Institute connects graduate students and researchers with real-world projects led by public and private partners focused on adaptive reuse and conservation. These collaborations generate thorough documentation of historic buildings, including their architectural history, existing conditions and future reuse potential. Each project provides practical training in preservation technology and methods and aligns with the academic goals of the Preservation Studies Concentration of the Master of Architecture (MArch I).
Technology at Work
Students at HPI gain experience with the following tools and techniques:
- LiDAR scanning
- Photogrammetry
- Drone documentation
- 3D Modeling (Revit / BIM)
- Digital and physical replication
- VR/AR integration
Studios and Fieldwork
Preservation studios at SARUP are dynamic and responsive to real-world preservation challenges across local, national and international contexts. While each studio differs in subject and output, all are designed to ensure students graduate with advanced, marketable skills centered around documenting, restoring and designing within historic contexts. Here are some highlights.
HPI Donors
The Historic Preservation Institute is deeply grateful to the individuals and organizations whose generous support helps preserve and celebrate our architectural heritage.
Their contributions sustain student research, community partnerships and hands-on preservation work.
- David & Julia Uihlein
- Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation
- The Wisconsin Preservation Fund
- Bader Philanthropies
- Gladding McBean
- TechRENDER
HPI Faculty & Staff
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- Affiliated Faculty, Historic Preservation Institute
- bustosl2@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 327
- Director, Historic Preservation Institute
- mjarosz@uwm.edu
- 414-229-5686
- Arch & Urban Planning 299
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Architecture
- Affiliated Faculty, Historic Preservation Institute
- aswagner@uwm.edu
- Arch & Urban Planning 272A
Partner with HPI
HPI offers expertise and support to individuals and organizations seeking help with historic preservation challenges. Our services include:
Interested in collaborating? Contact Director Matt Jarosz: mjarosz@uwm.edu
In the Media
Empowering Future Architects: 3D Reality Capture at UWM
FARO Technologies visited the Historic Preservation Institute to showcase their commitment to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for success in the AECO workforce. Since 2007, UWM students have had the privilege of working with FARO laser scanners, alongside drones and other cutting-edge photogrammetry devices.
Historic Documentation of Milwaukee Tour with the UWM Historic Preservation Institute
TechRENDER is a proud supporter of the the Historic Preservation Institute at SARUP, which has proven dedication to the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings and environments. UWM SARUP’s Historic Preservation Institute gives students the chance to gain hands on experience in the field of preservation.
