Stephen Hartley is craftsman and academic who currently serves as an Associate Professor of the Practice.
He has over twenty years of experience working in the traditional trades, and has participated in projects throughout the world including for clients such as the Smithsonian Institute, the National Park Service, the Church’s Conservation Trust, and several World Heritage sites. Prior to arriving at the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Hartley was the founding Department Head for the Historic Preservation Department and Center for Traditional Craft at Savannah Technical College in Savannah, Georgia as well as Department Head for the Building Arts program at Bryn Athyn College. His most recent position was as Director of Construction Management at Williamson College of the Trades in Media, Pennsylvania. He has authored several articles on this subject and has won numerous awards for his dedication to teaching and practicing traditional crafts. Awards include the artisan award from the American Institute of Architects Savannah Chapter, as well as several awards of distinction from the Historic Savannah Foundation.
Hartley’s research focuses on the generational transfer of knowledge of intangible craft skills as well as models to integrate traditional building practices in both historic preservation and new construction. He has authored the state standards for preservation education for the Technical College System of Georgia and serves as a consultant for projects globally which seek to develop heritage craft skills training programs.
Dr. Hartley received his Bachelor’s in History from Coastal Carolina University, his MFA in Historic Preservation from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and his PhD in Conservation Studies from the University of York.
Areas of Expertise
- American Domestic Architecture
- Architectural History and Theory
- Architectural Technology/Building Technology
- Historic Preservation
- Sacred Architecture