Architectural historian


An architectural historian is a person who studies and writes about the history of architecture, and is regarded as an authority on it.

Professional requirements

As many architectural historians are employed at universities and other facilities for post-secondary education, in addition to bachelor's degree, it is normal for colleges and universities to require the PhD degree for new full-time hires and a master's degree for part-timers.

United States

According to Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines the minimum professional qualifications in architectural history are a graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history, or a bachelor's degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or closely related field plus one of the following:
  • At least two years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or
  • Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of American architectural history.

Profession

Professional architectural historians typically work in colleges and universities, archival centers, government agencies, museums, and as freelance writers and consultants. In broad terms, they can be grouped into following two categories:

Academic titles

Common titles and job descriptions within Universities and research organizations might be as follows:

Non-academic titles

Most non-academic positions in architectural history can be grouped into one of the following five categories...Preservation Planning and AdministrationHistorical Research and EvaluationHistoric Site Management and CuratorshipHistoric Foundation Management and Administration
  • '''Main Street Management'''

Professional organizations

Salaries

Following are averages of salary ranges as listed in position announcements, excluding additional benefits. The upper salary level listed in such announcements may represent qualifications exceeding the minimum requirements specified for the position.

United States

According to a survey conducted by the architectural history department, Savannah College of Art and Design, on professional career opportunities in architectural history, was compiled in January 2010 from positions listed January–December 2009, averages of salary ranges in United States are below.
Positions requiring:
  • a B.A. in architectural history or a related field and minimal experience: $30,000-$38,500
  • an M.A. or a B.A. plus two years of relevant experience, M.A. frequently preferred. Most positions specify an additional two to three years of experience: $40,500-$55,000.
  • or preferring an M.A. with a minimum of three to five years of experience: $48,500-$71,000.
  • an advanced degree and more than five years of experience: $61,500- $79,000.