Established in 1984, the Center for Historic Architecture and Design (CHAD) is an interdisciplinary center created to address issues related to historic preservation through an integrated program of teaching, research, and public service. CHAD provides graduate education in historic preservation and planning in which students learn both in the classroom and by participating in research projects. Our research and public service emphasize the following aspects of the field:

• Evolution of historic architecture, landscapes, and material culture and evaluation of significance
• Design and technological issues of the built environment and of material culture
• Historic preservation planning and policy at local, state, national, and international levels
• Documentation of historic properties with computer applications such as GIS and AutoCAD
• Research on the physical properties of cultural and historical materials
• Development of National Register nominations
• Development of design standards and preservation zoning overlays
• Advocacy for the preservation of historic resources