Existing and historic buildings are often perceived as limiting, constrained by code restrictions, structural uncertainty, and regulatory complexity. In practice, however, these buildings present unique opportunities to deliver high-performing, code-compliant, and economically viable projects when approached with the appropriate process, coordination, and technical understanding.

This presentation will explore practical strategies for executing adaptive reuse and historic rehabilitation projects, grounded in real-world experience across a variety of building types. Using case studies from the City of Buffalo, including Silo City, the rehabilitation of the Hotel Lafayette, and ongoing work at the Buffalo Central Terminal among others, the session will examine how design teams can effectively valuate existing conditions, navigate regulatory requirements, and integrate modern building systems within historic fabric.

Particular emphasis will be placed on addressing health, safety, and welfare considerations inherent in working with existing structures. These include life-safety upgrades such as egress and fire protection, structural stabilization, accessibility improvements, environmental and material considerations, and long-term building performance. The presentation will highlight how thoughtful design and coordination decisions directly impact occupant safety, durability, and code compliance.

The session will also address the inherent risks associated with adaptive reuse projects, including unknown existing conditions, material degradation, and coordination challenges between disciplines. Attendees will gain insight into practical methods for mitigating these risks through early evaluation, clear communication, and informed decision making processes.

Central to the discussion is a structured approach referred to as “Layered Conservation,” which balances preservation goals with constructability, cost, and performance. Through this framework, participants will better understand how to approach historic buildings not as constraints, but as layered opportunities for design innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

By the conclusion of the session, participants will be equipped with practical strategies and a clearer framework for approaching adaptive reuse projects in a manner that supports safe, resilient, and high-performing built environments.

After attending this session, participants should be able to:

• Identify key health, safety, and welfare considerations when evaluating and designing within existing and historic structures, including egress, fire protection, and accessibility.
• Evaluate strategies for integrating modern building systems into existing buildings while maintaining structural integrity, environmental performance, and code compliance.
• Analyze risks and unknown conditions commonly encountered in adaptive reuse projects and apply methods to mitigate impacts on safety, cost, and constructability.
• Apply a structured decision-making approach to balance preservation intent with project feasibility, long-term performance, and occupant well-being.

SPEAKER INFO

Paul R. Lang, AIA LEED AP BD+C
Managing Principal
Carmina Wood Design
Buffalo, NY
716.704.0362
plang@carminawooddesign.com

Paul R. Lang, AIA LEED AP BD+C, is a multi-state licensed architect and Managing Principal at Carmina Wood Design, an architecture and engineering firm based in Buffalo, New York. He holds both a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master’s of Architecture degree from Pennsylvania State University with a concentration in community design, master planning and preservation. His professional work focuses on adaptive reuse and rehabilitation, with an emphasis on transforming underutilized buildings into viable, high-performing assets.

Paul has led the design and execution of complex preservation and adaptive reuse projects across the region and state, including industrial conversions, landmark restorations, and mixed-use developments. His experience spans all phases of project delivery, with particular expertise in navigating existing conditions, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and integrating modern systems within historic fabric.

His approach, referred to as “Layered Conservation”, seeks to balance preservation and progress through practical, buildable solutions that respect the identity of place while meeting contemporary performance and code requirements. This perspective is informed by early professional experience in Buffalo and further shaped by academic study abroad in Rome, Italy

Through both his professional work writing and volunteerism, Paul continues to advocate for a more pragmatic and forward-looking approach to working with existing buildings, bridging theory and real-world application.