Master of Science in Historic Preservation, 1984
Current Employer: Ratio Architects Inc., Indianapolis

David Kroll is director of preservation and a senior associate at Ratio Architects Inc. in downtown Indianapolis. He heads the firm's preservation discipline, which has developed a national presence.

David became interested in historic preservation while completing his undergraduate degree in architecture at Iowa State University.

"I was discovering that many of the architecture schools were putting out graduates who were generalists," he says. "I had an interest in history and old buildings. One of my professors talked to me about historic preservation and the niche in architecture that it could play."

He considered several schools for his preservation studies but chose Ball State University.

"I wanted to get an advanced degree in historic preservation where the program was within an architecture department and a design college. I was very impressed with the program at Ball State. Depending upon your interests and goals, you have the ability to tailor your studies to where you want to take your career."

As a student David benefited from the many guest professionals who visited campus and taught courses. "They brought us real-world and practical insight and were able to present the functional and technical aspects of the discipline," he says. "My educational experience benefited as a result of interaction with these nationally prominent individuals and organizations."

He began his career in the profession as a historical architect with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. He then worked briefly for the Indiana Department of Commerce's Indiana Main Street Program.

David moved from the government sector to a private firm so he could direct preservation projects, rather than just review and comment on them.

His education and his work with the state equipped him with the fundamental knowledge of preservation practices and procedures and the ability to apply them on his own projects.

"Preservation work is so varied. Each building is unique and different and poses its own set of issues. The appropriate preservation treatments are dependant upon the building's significance, condition, and proposed use," he says.

"In addition to understanding the physical condition of the building's systems, features, and materials, it's very important that you are also aware of its cultural, historical, and social significance," he explains. "This basis of knowledge will enable the building to assist you in developing the appropriate preservation approach."

David has worked on several projects that have converted old buildings into affordable housing. He enjoys the challenge of converting historic structures for new uses, taking a vacant building that might otherwise be demolished and "putting it back into an income-producing or contributing resource for a community. It can be a very satisfying and rewarding experience."

Learn more about Ball State's historic preservation degree program.