Wonderful news from Villa Maria College…… a Certificate program in Historic Restoration and Preservation is now being offered, using Buffalo’s  rich, historic architectural environment as a backdrop and laboratory.  The curriculum will cover  the technical, practical, regulatory and cultural aspects confronting today’s preservationists, with opportunities to gain practical knowledge about the preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of historic structures and sites.   This is the first of its kind in the Western New York Area.

The certificate program consists of five courses which all earn college credit towards a degree in Interior Design.  This is both an academic as well as a hands-on program. Courses include a studio class taught at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, that will combine the ethical and  philosphical with a real-world  experience.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Buffalo, NY

Similarly students will study fused and leaded glass which will provide ample opportunity to work in glass as well as study the history of glass.  Buffalo is blessed to be the home of many historically significant examples of glass windows including designs by Louis Comfort Tiffany and Frank Lloyd Wright.

 Student Harrison Walsh with professor Sister Ann Therese Kelly in the Glass Atelier

Through the strength of Villa’s CIDA accredited Interior Design program, students will gain valuable knowledge and practical experience, and have the use of Villa’s specialized facilities, including the Art Shop, a state of the art wood working facility.

Students Marcus Carroll, Jason Cole and Hillary Hudson with Professor Jesse Walp working on furniture design.

A special note to alumni,- with the Villa courses you took for your degree, you might be able to earn this certificate in one semester!  This is worth checking out.