In an article entitled "Pragmatic Preservationist: Docomomo's Liz Waytkus on Modern Architecture, Advocacy, and Natalie DeBlois," Julia Gamolina profiles Docomomo US Executive Director Liz Waytkus for Madame Architect, a digital magazine and media start-up celebrating the extraordinary women that shape our world.
Liz Waytkus is the Executive Director of Docomomo US. In her decade at Docomomo US, Liz developed the National Symposium and the Modernism in America Awards. Liz manages Docomomo US’ advocacy and spear-headed efforts to Landmark the Ambassador Grill and the AT&T Building in New York City. She received her Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Pratt Institute and previously worked in the non-profit cultural and educational fields for more than a decade. In her interview, Liz talks about her work advocating for and saving Modern architecture, advising those just starting their careers to not second guess their passions.
JG: You studied historic preservation at Pratt — tell me how you came to this focus, and why Pratt.
LW: Pratt’s architecture and preservation program spoke to me because it felt welcoming of different opinions and viewpoints on architecture. I decided to go back to school for architecture after a number of years in the arts and education. Focusing on historic preservation was a better fit for me than straight architecture because of my diverse interests and all of the various paths you can take with that degree.
Pratt’s historic preservation program is also grounded in community outreach and participation, which really called to me. I’m a pragmatic preservationist. If we are going to save architecture of the 20th century, especially with sites that are misunderstood and often disliked by the public, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach. Having that experience at Pratt working with the public and public institutions was critical for me.
