Ask the Experts

Ask questions, get solutions!

Ask the Experts provides free expert advice on key issues related to historic home and landscape care. The Conservancy organizes this free program, which is offered in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.

"Ask the Experts: Case Studies in Restoration and Loss Prevention"

Kate MacDougall and Shawn Swanson

Tuesday, October 29, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Virtual, via Zoom
Free, but registration is required
Registration is CLOSED

Join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy for Ask the Experts: Case Studies in Restoration and Loss Prevention with Senior Risk Consultant and Historic Home Specialist Kate MacDougall of Chubb Insurance and Shawn Swanson, Director of Project Management at Pinemar Construction.

Kate MacDougall, a Senior Risk Consultant and Historic Home Specialist with Chubb Insurance, has over 20 years of experience in inspecting and insuring high-value and historic homes across the East Coast. With a background in Historic Preservation and Anthropology, Kate has inspected approximately 6,000 homes, including many listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She brings her building conservation and fire protection knowledge to help homeowners protect and preserve their historic properties.

Shawn Swanson, Director of Project Management at Pinemar Construction, brings over 30 years of experience in construction and operations management. He leads his team in working with architects, design professionals, and trade partners to execute historic home renovation projects. Shawn’s creative problem-solving skills and client-focused approach ensure that each project is completed successfully while preserving the home’s historical integrity.

During this virtual lecture, Kate and Shawn will discuss real-life examples of historic home renovation projects and insurance claims. They will provide insights into loss prevention, maintenance best practices, and key considerations for insuring your historic home during and after renovations.

This free program is made possible by the Conservancy’s Lead Sponsor, Chubb, our General Sponsors and members, the Ask the Experts event sponsor, Harth Builders, and the supporting sponsor, Wallace Landscape Associates. It is done in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.

For advance questions or registration inquiries, please contact Conservancy Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson at chrissy@chconservancy.org.

Registration is free but required.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s 2024 “Ask the Experts” events:

- March 9, 2024: Chris Wilson of Unique Indoor Comfort shared his expertise on retrofitting historic structures. Click HERE to download his presentation PDF.
- April 10, 2024: Hap Haven, a sustainability expert, discussed innovative rainwater management at the SunHaven Carriage House. Click HERE to watch the recorded presentation on YouTube.
- October 23, 2024: Hans Hesselein, RLA, LEED AP, and Martha Keen of Apiary Studio, a Philadelphia-based landscape design/build practice, shared their expertise on sustainable landscape design and the creative use of recycled materials during a virtual Ask the Experts event, “Recycled Landscapes.” Click HERE to watch the recorded presentation on YouTube.
- October 29, 2024: Kate MacDougall, a Senior Risk Consultant and Historic Home Specialist with Chubb Insurance, and Shawn Swanson, Director of Project Management at Pinemar Construction, shared their expertise on historic home restoration, maintenance, and loss prevention during a hybrid “Ask the Experts event, “Case Studies in Restoration and Loss Prevention.” Click HERE to watch the recorded presentation on YouTube.

Our 2024 Ask the Experts programs were made possible through the generous support of our event sponsor, Harth Builders, and the event supporting sponsor, Wallace Landscape Associates, the Conservancy’s lead sponsor Chubb, and our general and supportive businesses. Done in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association, this free program offers an invaluable opportunity for homeowners to address prevalent issues related to historic homes and landscape care.