The 25 - Joshua Freedland
Photo by Bulley & Andrews.
A nationally recognized expert on facade restoration and interior decorative finishes, Joshua Freedland has worked on over 2,000 buildings, including many that are National Historic Landmarks.
As director of historic preservation at Bulley & Andrews (B&A), Freedland serves as an architectural conservator to the project team, providing technical expertise on historic materials.
“I have the honor of working with some of the finest craftspeople working on the preservation of buildings that are not only important from an architectural standpoint but also have a deeper meaning within the local community,” he says.
During his two-decade-long career, he has made significant contributions to a variety of projects. At B&A, he served as the conservator for the Missouri State Capitol’s extensive restoration, the historic renovation of The Belden-Stratford, and the upgrades and restoration of the historic Robert McCormick Mansion at Cantigny Park.
A professional associate for the American Institute for Conservation, associate editor of the Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, and past chair of the Architectural Specialty Group, he also is on the emeritus board at Landmarks Illinois.
Freedland, who worked as cabinetmaker building custom furniture while studying history, centered his graduate work on architectural conservation, which seamlessly dovetailed these two interests.
Throughout his career, Freedland has made it a point to teach, train, and mentor emerging professionals.
“I hope that my passion for historic spaces has led to the increased interest and appreciation of these sites for applied professionals and the public,” he says.
Although he says it’s “always special to work on the preservation of internationally known structures, often I find it just as impactful to work on local community landmarks that provide a lasting multi-generational connection to places,” he says. “While international structures capture global attention, it is the local ones that truly resonate on a personal level, fostering a sense of community and continuity.”
