Window Preservation Alliance - Conf Speakers & Workshops

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Don't Replace...Repair

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Session Descriptions

We welcome attendees to move between tracks based on the topic of greatest interest. Speakers who provide permission to share presentations will be uploaded to the WPA member portal.

Keynote:

Astoria's Revival: How a small town escaped a slumping economy to become a vibrant town that embraces historic preservation

John Goodenberger

Track One

Track Two

The Case for Historic Windows: The Truth About Energy Efficiency and Old Windows

Stacy Grinsfelder & Scott Sidler

As window restorers, we need facts and figures to compete against the replacement window industry. In this session, Scott and Stacy will share the details they’ve uncovered while researching for their new book about the truth of the energy efficiency and lifespan of historic windows compared to replacement windows. Energy efficiency dominates conversations about building performance, historic windows are often unfairly blamed for energy loss and inefficiency. Window replacement companies, backed by massive marketing budgets, have shaped public perception, making it challenging for preservation professionals to compete with their promises of quick savings and modern convenience. Get ready to learn the specific arguments you can use in your fight against replacement windows that our industry has been lacking for decades.

Old Formulas, New Questions: The Efficacy of Linseed Oil Paints in Preservation

Jenny Wilder

Once a traditional staple, linseed oil paints are experiencing a commercial resurgence and are increasingly specified as a historically appropriate coating for historic buildings and structures. This session explores efforts to assess contemporary formulas for performance and application suitability, drawing from ongoing material science research and field-based observations. By examining controlled weathering studies and insights from practitioners, we will assess common assumptions, emerging findings, and the lingering questions surrounding this traditional finish. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between research and real-world application, helping inform best practices for preserving historic structures with linseed oil-based coatings.

The Business of Tune-ups - When all work happens within your Client's home

Patty Spencer

Preparing your crew and clients for successful in-home window restoration requires preparation, professionalism and strict adherence to scope and safety. Learn the tried-and-true methods Fresh Air has developed over the years.

Topics will include:

Keeping your calendar stable
Earning the trust of your clients - your client is your partner
Ensuring your crew hits the ground running every time
Setting up a lead-safe work area within a client’s home
Documentation and communication

Lead Paint Safety: Occupational Health Consultant Oregon OSHA

Averie Foster

Taking the Leap: Going from Solo Shop to Employees Panel Discussion

Caitlyn Barhorst, Adam Butler, Vance Lump & Gus Vides

Apprenticeship Program: PreserveMaryland

Natalie Henshaw

Finding H.O.P.E in the Next Generation: Preserving the Windows at the Odd Fellows Building in Downtown Astoria

Ariana Makau

In summer 2021, as part of the National Trust for Preservation outreach, a group of people gathered at the Odd Fellows Building in Astoria, Oregon, as part of the first majority-women HOPE Crew project. Ariana Makau, who is the second person in the world—and the first woman—to receive a master’s degree in Stained Glass Conservation from the Royal College of Art in London, was one of an all-female-led team that focused on training this crew on the restoration of the Odd Fellows windows over a two-week period in July. Makau will share the challenges of project management from afar during 2020 when travel was challenging during Covid, to how the team first assessed the building, learned about safety, then went into training mode before finally working hands on to preserve the damaged window. This experience in part motivated Ariana to start her newly launched nonprofit - The Fillet Foundation - which advocates for underserved people and overlooked places and puts them at the forefront of preservation.

Linseed Oil Paint in Practice: An Application Workshop

Jenny Wilder

As linseed oil paints experience renewed interest in historic preservation, understanding proper application methods is critical to ensuring their durability and performance. This hands-on workshop will explore best practices for tool selection, surface preparation, and application techniques. Participants will examine how variables such as substrate condition, environmental factors, and drying times influence adhesion and longevity. Drawing on both field experience and material science research, this session will provide preservation professionals with practical knowledge to optimize linseed oil paint application.

Changing Perceptions on Window Restoration

Natalie Henshaw

In 2024, the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation identified the "limitations on energy-efficient window and insulation installations" as an issue that increases owner energy costs, contributes to environmental and health hazards, and limits the efficiency of the historic tax credit program. These sentiments can be seen in other preservation organizations that justify window replacement due to timelines, available workforce, cost, efficiency and more. These recommendations rarely provide data to support replacement. When there is data justification, there is rarely an attempt to provide counter-data to support window restoration.

This session will delve into the efforts of The Campaign for Historic Trades to develop marketing, outreach, and educational materials to combat these misperceptions of historic window rehabilitation. Attendees will learn about how they can use these materials to advocate for the industry and why marketing matters.

Casement Window Repair & Weatherization

Steve Quillian

Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of the unique challenges and restoration techniques specific to historic casement windows. Unlike double-hung sash windows, casements are side-hinged and often suffer from warping, shifting, and mechanical failures due to time, gravity, and structural movement in historic buildings. This session will break down the root causes of these issues and provide practical solutions based on traditional craftsmanship.

Participants will learn how to diagnose common problems such as out-of-square frames, warped sash, and failing hardware. They’ll also explore how historic casement windows were originally designed to function and how changes over time impact their operation. The session will cover best practices for restoring casement frames and sash, including joinery repairs, reglazing, and finishing techniques that align with historic preservation standards.

Additionally, students will gain insight into hardware considerations, including different types of hinges, stays, and latches used in historic casements, as well as how to address misalignment without compromising the integrity of the window.

By the end of the presentation, attendees will have a deeper appreciation for the complexities of casement window restoration and a clear roadmap for tackling these projects with confidence. Whether you’re a restoration professional, a contractor, or a homeowner looking to preserve historic windows, this session will equip you with practical knowledge to ensure the longevity and functionality of casement windows for generations to come

Creative Hiring

Valerie Vides

Going beyond the traditional help wanted ad to find the right person to add to your time from those looking to make their first hire to growing a team. Making connections in the local community, non-profits, small business support networks and different education programs to assist in finding those who thrive doing hands on work.

TBA

Keynote & Session Speaker Bios

John Goodenberger

Goodenberger has advocated for the appreciation and preservation of Astoria’s historic architecture and its context for more than 30 years. He has done this through the inventorying of properties and the nomination of National Register Historic Districts. He has provided design and technical assistance as Senior Designer in Ecola Architects, PC., and through his role as City Historian. Goodenberger helped form the Lower Columbia Preservation Society to advocate for the protection, promotion and preservation of historic buildings and sites in the Lower Columbia Region.

Stacy Grinsfelder

Since 2014, Stacy Grinsfelder has been sharing her passion for old houses through the Blake Hill House blog, documenting the restoration and rehabilitation of her 19th-century home. She is the creator and co-host of True Tales From Old Houses, a lighthearted and informative podcast for people who love old homes, their history, and the art of preservation. An experienced educator, Stacy also teaches hands-on window restoration workshops, equipping DIYers with the skills to restore their historic windows and share their knowledge with the community.

Christopher Gustafson

Born and raised in Astoria, Christopher graduated with an Associates of Applied Sciences in Historic Preservation and Restoration Trades in 2009 from Clatsop Community College. Shortly after graduation, he and his young family moved to Corvallis Oregon starting a small business named Vintage Window Restoration LLC. One job led to another and the business grew in size with the service offerings starting from basic window repairs, glazing, re-roping to the manufacture of historically accurate window units, entry ways, district assessments and consultation. Most recently the focus has been in Rustic Architectural styled conservation in backcountry settings. Christopher is here to meet folks, share coastal knowledge, and what ever subjects pertaining to old window stuff as well business practices. Pilgrims, welcome to my home town.

Natalie Henshaw

Natalie directs The Campaign for Historic Trades, a national workforce development program. She leads the team’s operations and strategic goals to fulfill its mission to expand and strengthen careers in the historic trades. She served as a Board Member and Secretary for the Preservation Trades Network and is currently a board member of the National Preservation Institute.

Natalie earned her AAS from Savannah Technical College’s Historic Preservation and Restoration Program in 2013. During and after this program, she’s worked in hands-on preservation with various non-profits, construction companies, and federal agencies. From 2014 through 2019, Natalie worked on seasonal, cross-country projects with HistoriCorps. In 2016, she founded Henshaw Preservation LLC in Savannah, Georgia, starting as a preservation generalist. The company now specializes in window restoration.

Natalie has also worked extensively in educational fields. She has taught after-school art classes, English in China, TEFL as an online tutor, United States and world history with Savannah Technical College (STC), and historic preservation with STC and Lamar Community College (LCC). She managed LCC’s Historic Building Trades Program. Natalie enjoys traveling and hiking, and typically follows lawful good alignment.

Ariana Makau

Ariana Makau is Founder and Principal Conservator of Nzilani Glass Conservation, based in Oakland, California. She holds an MA in Stained Glass Conservation from the V&A/RCA, in London, England and was Second Vice President and Health & Safety Chair of the Stained Glass Association of America; and is a current Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation and Board Member of WCAPT (Western Chapter of Association of Preservation Technology). Nzilani’s mission, “Be Safe. Have Fun. Do Excellent Work.” empowers collaborators by sharing processes, health and safety procedures and the importance of preserving cultural landscapes and the environment. Ariana’s work is most fulfilling when at the intersection of equity, preservation and art. In 2024 Makau founded a non-profit, The Fillet Foundation, which brings underserved people and overlooked places to the forefront of preservation.

Steve Quillian

Steve Quillian is the founder and owner of Wood Window Makeover, a company dedicated to preserving and restoring historic wood windows. With a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, Steve has been at the forefront of the window restoration movement for nearly two decades, combining time-honored techniques with modern efficiency to breathe new life into historic homes.

Since 2009, Steve has been hosting window restoration workshops and trainings, sharing his expertise with artisans, tradespeople, and homeowners alike. His hands-on approach and commitment to teaching have helped shape a new generation of window restorers, empowering them with the skills needed to preserve architectural heritage. Beyond window restoration, Steve is the leading force behind the Window Craft trade in America, redefining the discipline by integrating joinery, carpentry, and finishing into a cohesive system of mastery. While restoration is a key component, Window Craft represents a broader, more comprehensive approach—one that Steve has pioneered in a way no one else in the country has. Through his company, training programs, and the Five Pillars of Window Craft, Steve is equipping artisans with the knowledge and tools they need to elevate their skills, sustain a meaningful career, and carry on this vital trade for generations to come.

Scott Sidler

Scott is owner of several companies. Austin Historical, a 45+ person window restoration company that restores both wood and steel windows for residential and commercial buildings across the southeastern US. Austin Enterprises Group that provides e-commerce and content creation solutions for websites in the DIY & Home Improvement niche and Preservan Orlando, a home rot repair franchise. He has served on the Orlando Historic Preservation Board and Window Preservation Alliance Board. He is a bestselling author of several restoration books and the creative force behind The Craftsman Blog.

Patricia (Patty) Spencer

Patty Spencer received her Bachelors of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Madison and practiced as a consulting engineer for 6 years.

Patty restored her first double-hung windows in 1992 and in 1999, she launched Fresh Air Sash Cord Repair in Portland, OR (www.freshairsash.com). Fresh Air restores the operating function of original, double-hung wooden windows in pre-1950’s homes. The majority of Fresh Air’s clients are homeowners, and all work (aside from glass replacement and occasional rot repair) is done within the client’s home. After 18 years of field work AND running the business, she passed the field torch on to a fantastic crew of two.

Patty is the proud Mom of two grown sons. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, Nordic skiing and especially picking Bluegrass music on the 5-string banjo. She lives in NE Portland, OR with her husband, Jim, dog Sancho and cats Boogie and Roger.

Valerie Vides

Valerie is the Window Preservation Alliance board President, focused on education and amplifying the voices of the window restoration trade. She is a sought-after speaker and works with the Vieux Carre Commission Foundation and Preservation Resource Center in New Orleans to present workshops focused on care and demystifying windows and a Tulane University School of Architecture adjunct professor and prior guest speaker. Valerie owns NOLA Wood Windows with her husband Gus, and they are demonstrators at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in the Architectural Trades tent and are honored to spark curiosity about the historic building trades with hands-on activities for kids to glaze and deconstruct a traditional window. Outside of work and teaching, she is a charter member and float lieutenant in the Krewe of Themis focused on social justice causes, a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program Alumni & Program Ambassador and a graduate of the Building for Growth program by ICIC.

Jenny Wilder

Jenny Wilder holds an MS in Historic Preservation from the University of Oregon and currently serves as a Historic Architecture Project Manager for Oregon State Parks. She brings specialized expertise in linseed oil paints developed through her research with the National Park Service's Historic Preservation Training Center. She continues to study the application techniques and weathering patterns of linseed oil paint in varying climatic conditions through the Pacific West region. Jenny also serves as the Vice President of the Pacific Northwest chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians, championing the study and stewardship of the region's built environment.

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