Revitalizing History: Architect Megan Elcrat on Adaptive Reuse and Creativity

Ready to explore? Tune in to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by host Rob Lee and accompanied by today's guest Megan Elcrat, a licensed architect and visionary founder of Present Company, is a distinguished professional with a bachelor's degree in architecture from Kansas State University. With a robust career since 2005, she is recognized for her expertise in adaptive reuse and historic renovation projects. Megan's passion lies in transforming old spaces to meet contemporary needs, and she established Present Company in 2010 to execute this vision. Her firm, a trailblazer in full-service architecture, specializes in historic preservation, renovations, and new construction, with an unwavering commitment to finding the best solutions for unique design challenges. Based in Baltimore, Megan's drive is exemplified by her mission to breathe new life into existing structures, harmonizing history with present-day requirements.

In this episode, we delve into:

• Megan Elcrat's architectural odyssey, unraveling the tapestry of her early love for designing spaces and the magnetic pull that led her to her vocation.
• The narrative behind Present Company's transformative vision, delving into the art of breathing new life into history through adaptive reuse and the intricate dance with historical buildings.
• The architect's realm as Megan guides us through the portal of client relationships, revealing her profound commitment to being a steadfast presence and guiding light for those venturing into the labyrinth of construction, particularly first-time project owners.
• The world of architectural restoration and repurposing with Megan, as we unpack the riveting interplay of challenges and limitless creative possibilities that lie within the heart of revitalizing old structures.
• The architect's journey of self-discovery as Megan empowers aspirants, inviting them to harness their unique perspectives, and draw from the wellspring of personal experiences and intuition to shape the architectural landscapes of tomorrow.

Megan shares her background and how she discovered her passion for architecture at a young age. She also discusses the mission and values of Present Company, which focuses on adaptive reuse and working with historical buildings. Megan highlights the importance of being present for clients and guiding them through the building process, especially for those who are embarking on their first project. She also talks about the challenges and rewards of restoring and repurposing old buildings. Throughout the conversation, Megan emphasizes the value of creativity and intuition in the design process.

Mentioned in the episode
Present Company

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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