Designing for Context: Contemporary Infill in Historic Places

One of the most common questions in preservation and design is: "What does compatible really mean?" Too often, compatibility is misunderstood as replication, leading to debates over whether new buildings should mimic historic architecture or stand apart as contemporary design. The reality is far more nuanced. Successful infill design requires understanding the character-defining features of a historic district, interpreting preservation guidelines, the community's preservation goals, and thoughtfully creating architecture that respects its surroundings while reflecting the time in which it is built. This presentation explores how architects, developers, planners, preservationists, and review boards can navigate the intersection of historic context and contemporary design. Through real-world case studies, participants will examine how scale, massing, rhythm, materials, and site relationships can create compatibility without resorting to imitation. The session will also focus on the importance of communicating design intent. Many projects encounter opposition not because of poor design, but because the thought process behind the design has not been effectively conveyed. Attendees will learn techniques for documenting and presenting design decisions, illustrating how a project responds to its historic context, and building public understanding through clear visual and narrative storytelling.