Business Details
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Corning, NY
Johnson-Schmidt Elise Architect has dedicated its practice to creating architecture that reflects the cultural and aesthetic needs of vibrant communities. Our firm combines deep expertise in historic preservation with modern design principles to deliver tailored solutions for commercial, institutional, municipal, and residential clients. With decades of collective experience, we specialize in adaptive reuse, downtown revitalization, and tax credit applications while maintaining a commitment to contextual zoning and material systems.Our team's extensive background in landmark rehabilitations and community-based architecture ensures projects honor historical integrity while meeting contemporary functional requirements. We approach every project with meticulous attention to detail, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders to achieve spaces that balance legacy with innovation. Our work has been recognized through numerous state and national preservation awards, underscoring our ability to transform historic structures into thriving modern spaces.
Services
Architectural Design
Historic Preservation
Tax Credit Applications
Downtown Revitalization
Code Compliance
Adaptive Reuse
Restoration Services
Preservation Planning
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects
- Our team holds specialized expertise in National Register nominations and tax credit applications
- We maintain a proven track record of award-winning preservation projects across New York State
- Our architects combine technical mastery with deep community engagement practices
- We provide comprehensive services from code review to historic paint color analysis
What people say
Award-winning preservation work
Expert tax credit applications
Community-focused revitalization
Historical accuracy maintained
Proven grant acquisition success
Services
Historic Preservation
Our historic preservation services focus on maintaining architectural integrity while enabling modern functionality. We specialize in National Register nominations, tax credit applications, and material analysis for structures across New York State. Our approach combines historical research with practical adaptation strategies to ensure long-term viability of heritage buildings.
Downtown Revitalization
Downtown revitalization services include comprehensive planning for commercial districts and historic neighborhoods. We develop preservation-based strategies that promote economic growth while maintaining community character through faade improvements, zoning compliance, and grant acquisition support.
Adaptive Reuse
Adaptive reuse solutions transform historic structures into functional modern spaces while preserving architectural heritage. Our services cover code compliance, structural assessment, and design implementation for residential and commercial conversions across various building types.
Tax Credit Applications
We prepare comprehensive historic tax credit applications including documentation, compliance reviews, and coordination with state historic preservation offices. Our expertise ensures maximum financial benefits while maintaining historical accuracy in preservation projects.
Code Compliance
Code compliance services address modern building requirements while respecting historic structures. We navigate zoning regulations, accessibility standards, and safety codes to create solutions that satisfy both preservation goals and contemporary usage needs.
People
Elise Johnson-Schmidt
Principal Architect & Owner
Nationally recognized preservation leader with 30+ years experience in adaptive reuse. Directed Corning's Market Street restoration and developed Southside Historic District. Holds multiple state preservation awards for her work on Grand Central Terminal and Chautauqua Institution projects.
Erik Lundberg
Senior Project Manager
18-year preservation specialist with expertise in landmark rehabilitations. Holds master's degree in Historic Preservation from Pratt Institute. Manages projects from concept through completion, focusing on contextual design solutions that balance old and new architectural elements.
Alex Whydell
Historic Preservationist
Specializes in historical research and tax credit applications. Holds MS in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University. Leads National Register nominations and applies archaeological methods to building analysis for comprehensive preservation strategies.
Sarah Childs
Architectural Designer I
Focuses on adaptive reuse solutions with Masters in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell. Combines architectural integrity with community needs in residential and commercial projects. Currently pursuing architectural licensure through AXP program.
K.M. Hollingsworth
Draftsperson
UNC Charlotte graduate with interdisciplinary background in architecture, English, and history. Specializes in Victorian architectural details and documentation. Provides technical support for preservation projects with focus on historical accuracy in drawings.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, downtown revitalization, tax credit applications, and code compliance for both commercial and residential properties across New York State.
How do you handle historic tax credit applications?
Our team prepares comprehensive documentation, coordinates with state historic preservation offices, and ensures compliance with all requirements to maximize financial benefits while maintaining historical integrity.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Corning, NY, we serve clients throughout New York State including Elmira, Ithaca, Bath, and surrounding regions with preservation and revitalization projects.
Can you work with different building types?
Yes, our experience spans residential homes, commercial districts, institutional buildings, and entire historic districts requiring comprehensive preservation planning and implementation.
How do you approach adaptive reuse projects?
We balance historical preservation with modern functionality through code-compliant solutions that maintain architectural integrity while meeting contemporary usage requirements for residential and commercial spaces.
What preservation recognitions have you received?
Our firm has earned multiple NYS Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards, Historic Ithaca Awards, and the NYS Senate Woman of Distinction recognition for preservation leadership.
Videos