Over 2,400 architects; builders; renovators; tradesmen; craftsmen; building owners; developers; facilities managers; preservationists; new urbanists and historic house enthusiasts gathered for four days of seminars; workshops, architectural tours; live demonstrations and to visit 145 exhibits. This regional event was the largest Fall Conference and Exhibition in Traditional Building Show history.

First Lady Laura Bush Sends Greetings to Conference Participants

The National Civic Art Society collaborated with the Traditional Building Conference to present a one day Symposium: “Architecture of the Whole; Additions to Existing Buildings and Neighborhoods.” First Lady Laura Bush conveyed her support for historic preservation via a letter read aloud to participants by White House liaison Tim Goeglein. At the heart of this forum was a discussion and debate about the Secretary of Interior’s Standards and local design review for additions to historic structures: Can they become more inclusive of traditional design? 

Click to view letter

Architectural Tours Gave Attendees Access to Americas Most Important Historic Buildings

The US State Department; Lincoln’s Cottage; George Washington’s Mount Vernon, The US Treasury, the Kennedy-Warren Apartments, the Folger Library and many more buildings gave attendees insight and inspiration about historic restoration, rehabilitation, additions, construction management, and building craft practice.

Advanced-Intermediate, Specialized Content and Continuing Education Credits Attracted Architects

A four-day pass to the Traditional Building Conference allowed architects to earn as many as 24 AIA continuing education credits; 35 percent of the total attendance at the Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference comprised architects that specialize in historic restoration, rehabilitation or historically-inspired new construction- commercial, institutional, and residential.

Sold Out Exhibit Hall Featured Live Demos

Over 145 exhibiting companies filled the Exhibit Hall at the Washington Hilton. On display were building materials and services represented, in most cases by the owner/inventor/artisan of the exhibiting company. This gave exhibit hall visitors the best possible information about materials ranging from slate and copper roofing, fine paint, antique wood flooring; terra cotta, ceramic tile, lime mortar, windows, doors, cabinets and plumbing fixtures as well as services ranging from paint removal to architectural salvage consulting.  Live Demonstrations allowed visitors to get up close and personal with today’s traditional building techniques, including window and sash repair, historic paint removal, and plaster repair.

Affinity Groups Use Conference for Learning and Team Building

Case Design and Remodeling, one of the largest residential renovation firms in the country held their quarterly sales management meeting in conjunction with the Traditional Building Show in Washington DC, Thursday, October 5. At the meeting's conclusion 100 Case Design managers hit the exhibit hall to talk to suppliers they do not normally see. Other affinity groups use the Traditional Building venue as a meeting place, including the ICA & CA Mid-Atlantic Chapter, and the National Civic Art Society.