From 1840s log cabins to mid-century modern homes, Todd Scott has a deep appreciation and passion for historic buildings. Scott spent his career saving historic homes, buildings, and entire historic neighborhoods, uplifting the stories they hold and the roles they play in shaping our communities.
A historic preservation architect for King County for 17 years, Scott was recently recognized for his long tenure in historic preservation, specifically his specialty in revitalizing small historic downtowns. In June, he was inducted into the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows, a prestigious honor that highlights his commitment to public service.
Scott previously worked with Oklahoma Main Street Center, part of Main Street America network. He touts preservation and honoring history as powerful economic development tools that can save historic downtowns across America while supporting new small businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists.
“It really is my commitment to try to get communities to understand what is important to them, what is real to them, and to revitalize their communities for everybody in the community,” said Scott, who has advised historic preservation strategies in places including Maine, Vermont, California, Texas, Oregon, Washington, and Dublin, Ireland.
Left Photo Caption: Todd leading a tour for a regional Society of Architectural Historians conference in Astoria, Oregon.
Middle Photo Caption: Todd doing community outreach with the locals for a project in Newport, Vermont.
Right Photo Caption: Todd and team trying to solve some issues about location for a new library in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
Scott is a member of King County’s Historic Preservation Program, within the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. Historic Preservation Officer Jennifer Meisner said Scott’s expertise in historic architecture and planning principles, along with his generous and responsive approach, makes him an invaluable member of the team. Scott provides technical assistance to county agencies, architects, building owners, homeowners, and stewards of historic properties, including how to rehabilitate historic properties and ensure they maintain their integrity while adapting to modern needs.
“His thoughtfulness and efficiency in reviewing complex county-initiated and private development projects for potential impacts on historic resources keeps projects moving forward, while protecting our region’s historic buildings, structures, and landscapes, and safeguarding the stories these places tell,” Meisner said.
Scott draws upon his previous experience attending medical school and working in a biomedical research lab when determining whether a property qualifies as historic. Scott does a scientific analysis of a building or property, considering elements such as its age, rarity, and significance to the community.
“Some historic preservationists are emotional about a property or structure,” Scott said. “I look at the condition and how much has to be replaced to determine whether it’s too far gone.”
Despite his successes, Scott acknowledges the challenges of preserving historic buildings in a rapidly growing region like King County. Scott works with property owners to encourage historic preservation, highlighting benefits including tax credits, though not all owners are convinced and proceed with tearing down and building new.
“There are really special properties with no protection at all. I lose nine properties for every one that I win. That’s always a challenge,” he said.
Scott appreciates that King County communities are often vocal about saving historic properties. King County as a government agency continues to be progressive in providing protection for designated landmarks and advocating for the stewardship of historic properties, in part to meet the County’s climate goals. Historic preservation aligns with environmental sustainability by reusing existing structures, reducing landfill waste, and leveraging the energy efficiency of older buildings.
Reflecting on his career, Scott said he is honored to be recognized by the national organization for licensed architects. Only 3% of all architects in the country get nominated to the College of Fellows.
As he nears retirement, Scott remains committed to helping communities understand and appreciate their heritage, ensuring historic properties are saved for future generations.
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