Benjamin Roberts

Experience

Ben Roberts has experience with a wide range of projects, with a primary emphasis on historic preservation and architectural conservation. He conducts detailed investigations, condition assessments, and construction‑period services involving materials such as stone, masonry, plaster, and decorative finishes. His background in the architectural arts also includes finishes analysis and gilding application and restoration.

Before joining WJE, Mr. Roberts worked as a consultant specializing in building envelope projects and as a project manager overseeing architectural arts restoration projects. He also spent eight years with the Architect of the Capitol in Washington, D.C., where he advised on historic preservation efforts to support repair and restoration efforts within the U.S. Capitol Building.

REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS

Historic Preservation

• New York Life Building - NY: Limestone and brick masonry repair
• Little Red Lighthouse - New York, NY: Condition assessment
• New York Public Library - NY: Marble masonry facade investigation
• Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian - New York, NY: Wisteria vine support repair and facade assessment

 

Plaster

• Carnegie Hall - New York, NY: Interior plaster ceiling assessment and repair
• August Wilson Theatre - New York, NY: Plaster condition assessment and repair
• Majestic Theater - San Antonio, TX: Interior plaster survey and condition assessment
• Kings Theatre - Brooklyn, NY: Interior plaster survey and condition assessment
• Saenger Theatre - New Orleans, LA: Interior plaster survey and condition assessment
• St. James Theatre - New York, NY: Plaster survey and condition assessment
• Richard Rodgers Theatre - New York, NY: Plaster ceiling study and repair
   

Facade Inspections

• Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York, NY: Condition survey and Fifth Avenue facades condition assessment
• Columbia University, Lenfest Building - New York, NY: FISP inspection
• 29 Broadway - New York, NY: FISP inspection
• Macy’s Herald Square - New York, NY: FISP inspection
• Museum of Art and Design - New York, NY: FISP inspection
• New York University, Langone Hospital - NY: FISP inspection

 

Gilding

• New York Life Building - NY: Gold leaf roof repairs
• University of Connecticut, Wilbur Cross Cupola Restoration - Storrs, CT: Gold leaf restoration
• University of Texas at Austin, Main Building Renovation: Gold leaf restoration

Professional Affiliations

Association for Preservation Technology Northeast
American Institute for Conservation, member

Registrations

Infraspection Institute, Certified Infrared Thermographer, Level I, 2025

Education

School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Master of Science, Historic Preservation, 2008

University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Art, 2003