Visualization, Design & Consulting for Historic Places
Historic preservation is more than a profession—it’s a dedication to safeguarding the stories and craftsmanship of the past while adapting them for the present. My work focuses on blending historic charm with modern functionality, whether through custom home designs in celebrated historic districts, consulting with property owners to unlock the potential of their historic properties, or crafting visualizations that bring preservation projects to life. I strive to bring history to life in meaningful and innovative ways, honoring architectural heritage while embracing the needs and aspirations of today.
Historic Reconstruction
Principal Designer: Custom Homes in Fairmount Historic District
I have had the privilege of creating custom-designed homes for historic infill in Fort Worth’s Fairmount neighborhood—the largest historic district in the southwestern United States. This area boasts one of the nation’s richest collections of early 20th-century housing, with subdivisions platted between 1883 and 1907. Over the years, I have successfully completed more than 30 projects in Fairmount, all approved by the Texas Historical Commission. This achievement reflects my commitment to preserving the neighborhood’s unique architectural heritage while designing homes that harmonize with its historic charm. Historic Fairmount
One of my designs was featured in the prestigious Fairmount Tour of Historic Homes, an annual event that showcases the neighborhood’s architectural heritage.
Bringing Historic Neighborhoods to Life: Thoughtful Infill Design
Infill properties offer an exciting opportunity to honor the architectural character of historic neighborhoods while addressing the needs of modern families. In my work designing new homes for historic districts like the Fairmount Historic District in Fort Worth, I strive to create homes that seamlessly integrate into their surroundings, preserving the neighborhood’s unique charm and sense of continuity.
Each project begins with extensive research into the neighborhood’s history and architecture. I carefully study the design details, materials, and proportions of existing homes to craft new designs that emulate the surrounding architecture. From rooflines and window placements to exterior materials and decorative elements, every aspect of my designs is thoughtfully considered to ensure the new homes complement their historic neighbors.
These infill homes are not merely replicas; they are designed to meet the needs of today’s families with modern layouts, energy-efficient features, and updated amenities. By blending timeless architectural elements with functional, livable spaces, I create homes that respect the past while embracing the future. The result is a cohesive neighborhood aesthetic that enhances both the community’s historic identity and its livability.
This custom home that I designed was featured in the 2014 Fairmount Tour of Historic Homes.
Visualization Artist: Collaborating with Preservation Experts
In my role as a rendering artist, I collaborate closely with preservation architects and developers to create detailed visual representations of historic properties. These visualizations assist in planning and executing preservation projects, ensuring that every detail aligns with historical accuracy and aesthetic value. These images are used for presentations, marketing and the approval process for Landmark Commission.
Notable Collaberations:
Alicia Quintans, AIA, JQAQ Alterier
ArchiTexas
Proxy Properties, Dallas
Ron Siebler, Preservationist
Crafting Custom New Home Designs with Historic Charm
Beyond historic districts, I specialize in designing custom homes that evoke a historic feel. By integrating traditional architectural elements and materials, I create new residences that honor the timeless beauty of historic architecture while providing modern comfort and efficiency.
Consultant: Guiding Historic Property Owners
As a consultant, I guide homeowners and business owners through the complexities of owning and working with historic properties. I provide insights into preservation processes, possibilities for adaptive reuse, and compliance with preservation standards, helping clients make informed decisions that respect and enhance the historical significance of their properties.
Board Member: Wylie City Council Historic Review Commission
My tenure as Vice-Chair of the Wylie City Council Historic Preservation Board provided invaluable insight into preservation policies and the importance of fostering community engagement. This leadership role not only deepened my commitment to protecting architectural heritage but also shaped my approach to collaborating with property owners and municipalities to ensure thoughtful and effective preservation practices.
As Vice-Chair, I played an active role in monthly public meetings where citizens presented their building projects for review. I carefully evaluated plans, materials, and architectural details, contributing my expertise to board discussions and offering tailored recommendations to guide these projects. In addition to leading project reviews, I collaborated with city officials to revise and update the city’s historic preservation ordinance, ensuring that the regulations remained relevant and effective in safeguarding Wylie’s historic character.
This leadership experience enhanced my ability to balance preservation goals with the practical needs of property owners, fostering solutions that honor the past while supporting the community’s growth and development.
Preservation Committee for Historic Stonehaven
Stonehaven: Preserving a Historic Texas Landmark
The vision for Stonehaven is to transform this historic home into a museum celebrating local Texas history, serve as the headquarters for the Wylie Historical Society, and function as a community center for small events and educational programs. Listed on the Texas Historical Commission’s landmark registry, Stonehaven had been owned by the same family for over a century before the 40-acre property was sold to a developer. To ensure the preservation of this important piece of local heritage, we secured permission from the Landmark Commission to relocate the house to the entrance of the new neighborhood, giving it a prominent and accessible position for the community.
As a member of the Wylie Historical Society and the city’s Historical Commission, I worked closely with the developer to guide the relocation and oversee the initial renovation efforts. We enlisted the expertise of H.D. Snow and Son House Moving, Inc., a renowned family-owned business featured on the TV show Texas Flip N Move, to execute the complex move. Once the house was relocated, I collaborated with the developer to select historically accurate paint colors for the exterior, ensuring the structure retained its authentic charm. The developer also secured the building with a new roof, painting, and porch restoration, preparing it for its full rehabilitation.
The City of Wylie has since taken over restoration efforts, continuing the work to bring Stonehaven’s vision to life. This project represents a meaningful collaboration between preservation advocates, city officials, and developers, ensuring Stonehaven remains a celebrated part of Wylie’s history for generations to come.
Contributing Writer for Circa Old Houses
My passion for historic preservation extends beyond design and restoration—into storytelling. I had the privilege of contributing to Circa Old Houses as the author of the Texas Treasures series, where I explored and reviewed vintage and historic homes for sale across Texas. Through these articles, I highlighted the unique architectural details, history, and charm of each property, aiming to inspire readers to appreciate and preserve these timeless treasures.
Working directly with Elizabeth Finkelstein, founder of Circa Old Houses, I brought my love of historic homes and storytelling to life in each piece. From Victorian gems to mid-century modern masterpieces, I shared the stories behind these properties, connecting readers with the rich architectural heritage of Texas.
This experience not only deepened my understanding of historic homes but also allowed me to connect with a wider audience, fostering a shared appreciation for the beauty and history that these homes represent. Writing for Circa Old Houses remains one of my most rewarding experiences, combining my design expertise with a passion for sharing the stories of our architectural past.
Annilee Waterman is a Certified Professional Building Designer and Registered Interior Designer with over 20 years of experience blending historic charm with modern functionality. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Texas State University. Annilee’s extensive credentials, including NCIDQ certification and membership in The American Institute of Building Design, reflect her deep commitment to excellence in the field.
Specializing in custom home designs for historic districts, Annilee has earned approval from the Texas Historical Commission for more than 30 projects, demonstrating her expertise in architectural preservation. She is also a skilled visualization artist, creating detailed renderings that support preservation efforts and enhance project planning.
As a consultant and former Vice-Chair of the Wylie City Council Historic Preservation Board, Annilee guides clients through preservation processes, balancing respect for history with modern needs. With her education, technical expertise, and passion for storytelling, Annilee creates timeless spaces that honor the past while embracing the future.
