Historic Home Services

Laura Davis is a registered architect and historic preservation specialist with over 25 years of experience researching, restoring, and reimagining historic homes. Her work brings together design expertise, architectural history, and a deep respect for craftsmanship.

Based in the Denver area, Laura helps Colorado homeowners protect and celebrate their home’s architectural story. Her projects range from modest bungalows to landmark properties, always guided by a thoughtful approach to design and preservation.

• Protect Your Investment – Historic homes require specialized knowledge to restore and maintain without losing their character.
• Uncover the Story – Genealogical research reveals who lived in your home, what changes were made, and how it fits into your community’s history.
• Navigate Standards & Regulations – Renovating a historic property comes with rules and requirements. Laura ensures your project aligns with preservation standards and historic district design guidelines.
• Experience That Matters – With extensive experience guiding preservation efforts for historic homes and cultural landmarks, Laura brings proven expertise to projects in Denver and the front range of Colorado.

1. The History of Your Home Package

• • Comprehensive archival and genealogical research on your home
  • Historic documentation and narrative report on architectural features
  • Resource list of authentic or reproduction material suppliers appropriate for maintaining your home

2. Buyer’s Historic Property Review

• • Walkthrough and evaluation of historic features and previous renovations
  • Guidance on potential renovation challenges
  • Assessment of eligibility for landmark designation or tax credits

3. Renovation & Restoration Architectural Services

• • Recommendations for historically appropriate renovations
  • Design of interior and exterior renovation plans and material choices
  • Guidance for city approvals, submittals for review by preservation boards, and required documents for acquiring a building permit

These packages are ideal for Colorado historic home renovation projects, whether you’re uncovering your home’s past or preparing for future updates. Pricing varies depending on the scope of the project. Please contact us to discuss how we can work together.

Laura speaks on preservation topics for homeowners, real estate offices, community organizations and professional conferences. Available topics include:

• The preservation of a state-designated historic landmark, built in 1904 to be sensitively used as an event venue by a non-profit, illustrating how preservation creates both cultural and economic value.
• A case study of a renovation and addition to a 1937 home in a historic conservation district, showing that investors can improve historic properties in desirable neighborhoods.
• Rebuilding a lost addition to a culturally significant farmhouse structure, built in 1880s, demonstrating the process of addressing modern needs and historic honesty.
• Navigating the due diligence requirements of a historic property to guide a homeowner and manage expectations – Learn how to research zoning restrictions, understand historic conservation district design guidelines, and submit the required materials, drawings, and documentation to get a building permit.

Laura welcomes the opportunity to speak in small groups, workshops, seminars, conferences, virtually, or in-person.

Laura Davis is a registered architect with a career shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for old buildings. She grew up traveling often—her father was an airline pilot and her mother a teacher—which meant early exposure to cities big and small, historic neighborhoods, and the layered stories behind how places evolve.

That fascination with architecture, history, and how people use space over time led Laura to pursue a Master of Architecture and a Certificate in Historic Preservation. In 2008, she co-founded hpd architecture + interiors in Dallas and now leads the firm’s Denver office, focusing on historic homes across northern and western Colorado.

Laura brings over 25 years of experience in residential design, renovations, and historic preservation. Her work blends archival research, sensitive design, and a collaborative process that helps homeowners protect the soul of their homes while preparing them for the future.

Known for her calm guidance and respectful approach to restoration, Laura believes every old house has a story worth discovering—and preserving.