View our HP Group
Our Historic Preservation Group is one of the largest dedicated preservation teams in the country. Our experts bring decades of experience working on some of the nation’s most significant landmarks — from state capitols and courthouses to cultural institutions and historic universities.
At Christman, our team is here to share lessons learned, best practices, and proven strategies for planning and delivering successful preservation projects. Whether you’re interested in innovative restoration methods, complex materials like Guastavino tile and terracotta, or the logistics of managing occupied historic facilities, you’ll find someone on our team who has been there before.
VP of Historic Preservation Group
Historic Preservation Mid-Atlantic
Historic Preservation Midwest
Historic Preservation Southeast
Historic Preservation Southwest
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For more than 40 years, we’ve been restoring, protecting, and revitalizing America’s landmarks, bringing unmatched expertise and lasting value to every project. From nationally significant sites to treasured local landmarks, our team has led preservation efforts that honor history while ensuring these places can be experienced for generations to come.
Meet Tom Whitmore – Vice President, Historic Preservation
With over 20 years at Christman, Tom Whitmore leads major historic preservation projects nationwide. A trained architect and preservation professional, he has directed restorations at Mount Vernon, the Michigan State Capitol, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Since joining Christman in 2000, Tom has advanced to vice president, known for guiding clients through complex projects with creativity, early planning expertise, and trusted leadership.
Education and Training
Meet Lyles McBratney – Senior Project Manager, Historic Preservation
With over 20 years of experience, Lyles McBratney leads complex preservation projects across the nation, including the Second Bank of the United States, Nemours Mansion and Gardens, and the Clarendon County Courthouse. She is known for anticipating challenges, guiding teams with confidence, and advancing the profession as a candidate for Vice President of the Association for Preservation Technology (APT). Outside of work, Lyles enjoys spending time with her dog, Gus, and exploring historic places in her community.
Education and Credentials
Awards and Fellowships
Meet Austin Giesey – Senior Project Manager, Historic Preservation
As Senior Project Manager in Christman’s Detroit region, Austin Giesey brings a big-picture focus to every project, uniting superintendents, engineers, trade contractors, and clients to deliver smooth execution, quality results, and a rewarding experience. He has contributed to major preservation and construction efforts including Michigan Central Station, the Fisher Building Entryways Restoration, the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit, and the Herbert-Herman Cancer Center and Parking Structure. Known for his leadership and collaborative approach, Austin ensures that Christman teams uphold preservation excellence while building trusted client relationships.
Education
BS, Construction Management, Michigan State University
Certifications and Training
Industry Affiliations
Association for Preservation Technology – Eastern Great Lakes Chapter (APT-EGL)
Meet April Larkins – Project Executive, Historic Preservation
As Project Executive in Christman’s Greensboro office, April Larkins provides high-level oversight on complex projects, working closely with project managers to maintain communication, solve challenges, and deliver innovative solutions. She has guided major efforts such as the Sparger Tobacco Factory Historic Hotel Rehabilitation / The Balladeer Hotel and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, earning a reputation as a trusted leader for clients and teams alike.
BS, Civil Engineering, Building Construction Management, Michigan State University
Meet Mike Davis – Assistant Project Manager, Historic Preservation
As Assistant Project Manager, Mike Davis supports projects by managing the many details that ensure smooth execution and timely completion. He oversees critical project documents, including contracts, billing, change orders, and submittal logs, while also coordinating inspections, tracking schedules, and maintaining a positive safety climate onsite. Mike contributes to closeout efforts by establishing and managing punch lists, and he takes on additional project management responsibilities as part of his continued growth in the field.
Mike has gained experience on landmark projects such as the Michigan Central Station, the Cannon House Office Building Renewal, and the Smithsonian Castle Revitalize Historic Core. His attention to detail and hands-on approach help Christman teams deliver quality results on some of the nation’s most complex historic preservation projects.
Meet Shauna Houdek – Regional Business Development Manager, Historic Preservation
As Regional Business Development Manager for Christman’s Historic Preservation Group in the Southwest, Shauna Houdek builds client relationships and expands preservation opportunities across the region. She has been involved in projects such as the Old Red Courthouse of Dallas County History & Culture, bringing a passion for connecting communities with Christman’s expertise in revitalizing historic landmarks.
Meet Rob Yallop – Senior Project Manager, Historic Preservation
With more than 30 years of experience, Rob Yallop is an expert in managing large and complex projects. Known for anticipating challenges and guiding teams with confidence, he has led major efforts such as the Michigan Central Station restoration. Rob’s combination of technical expertise and collaborative leadership makes him a trusted partner for clients and project teams alike.
Meet Justin Peak – Regional Business Development Manager, Historic Preservation
As Christman’s Regional Business Development Manager for the DC Metro region, Justin leverages strong communication and relationship-building skills to open new markets and deepen client partnerships. Prior experience as a project superintendent gives him inside perspective into the construction process, allowing him to bridge strategy and execution seamlessly.
Meet Bernie O’Brien – Assistant Project Manager, Historic Preservation
As Assistant Project Manager in Christman’s DC Metro region, Bernie O’Brien supports project delivery by managing the many details that ensure work runs smoothly and finishes on time. He oversees project documents, contracts, billing, meeting minutes, and change orders, while also coordinating inspections, tracking schedules, and fostering a positive safety climate. Bernie contributes to project closeout efforts by establishing and completing punch lists and takes on additional project management responsibilities as part of her professional growth.
Bernie has played a key role on the Supreme Court Courtyard and Fountains Restoration and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) Baird Auditorium contributing both as Project Engineer and Assistant Project Manager. His strong preservation education and hands-on experience make her an integral member of Christman’s Historic Preservation team.
We’re excited to gather with our colleagues in preservation during APT! Come join our Historic Preservation Group for a Happy Hour. It’s a chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate preservation together. For details, reach out to any member of our HP team—we’d love to see you there!
Ruin to Revival: Restoring Michigan Central Station – The Builder’s Journey By Ronald D. Staley, Robert J. Yallop, and Austin M. Giesey Foreword by William J. Mayor
From a symbol of Detroit’s decline to a beacon of its rebirth, Ruin to Revival chronicles the extraordinary restoration of Michigan Central Station through the eyes of the builders who brought it back to life. This visually rich coffee table book takes readers behind the scenes of one of America’s most ambitious preservation projects. It explores the meticulous planning, the safeguarding of historic architectural elements, and the revival of the station’s elegant exterior and magnificent interior.
More than a restoration story, this is a tribute to the spirit of Detroit—a city that refused to let its landmarks fade into history. Through detailed narratives and stunning visuals, the book celebrates the craftsmanship, collaboration, and community that made this transformation possible.
Buy Ruin Revival
Our expertise spans a wide range of historic preservation projects – from national landmarks and cultural institutions to courthouses, churches, and treasured community icons. Explore our preservation portfolio to see how we bring commitment, craftsmanship, and expertise to protecting and revitalizing historic places.
We pride ourselves on the partnership approach we establish on every project. We know that working collaboratively and creating a “one team” environment throughout the project with every member of the team – owner, designer, trade contractors and other stakeholders – consistently leads to highly successful project outcomes. For us, a one-team approach is not unique, it is the only way we execute projects. Our priority is to enable success for all team members and consistently inspire high performance and shared success. Our team works to ensure that every team member understands the shared goals and their role in achieving them.