As HK Architects continues the transformation of the historic Chattanooga Bank Building into a luxury hotel, we're working with a team of partners that shares our value of historic preservation. The contractor, Grace Construction, along with their subcontractor, DreamTeam, identified and invested in a local artist who can now add ‘architectural preservation sculptor’ to her resume based on this project. Recently, we sat down with Aubrey Charnell to discuss her unique approach to recreating the building's intricate plasterwork, and how her international training influences her work.

Aubrey’s journey began in Florence, Italy, where the city itself served as an open-air classroom. "The city is essentially an outdoor museum with historical footprints to lead the way," she reflects. After graduating from the Academy, she worked alongside renowned sculptor Thor Larsen at Studio dei Conti. Larsen spent many years at the Royal Cast Collection Museum in Copenhagen, developing expertise in historical plaster replication, and Charnell absorbed his knowledge of old-world casting techniques. She has since applied these methods to her art, as well as her historic preservation work.

When asked about adapting her figurative sculpture background to architectural preservation, she explained that the fundamentals remain surprisingly similar. "In mold-making and casting there is a step-by-step process to follow," she noted. One new element is that she typically doesn’t include metal sheeting within the installation process which is what she was asked to use per contractor’s request.

 

The project hasn't been without its challenges. One particularly interesting task involved extending a three-foot section of crown molding to four feet, requiring careful selection and duplication of the best-preserved sections. Perhaps most dramatically, creating molds on the ceiling while working from scaffolding demanded both technical skill and practical innovation – or as Charnell puts it, "good music, a tight hard-hat, and plenty of silicone thickener."

Looking ahead, her perspective on architectural preservation resonates deeply with HK Architects' mission. "There is an extreme importance in preserving the architectural integrity of history. This project has been the melding of two of my passions into one, sculpture and architecture," she emphasizes, pointing to the thoughtful craftsmanship and attention to detail found inside the Bank Building. Her vision extends beyond mere preservation. She notes, “I’d love to work with architects in the future to bring that grandeur to new construction just as much as I want to continue to preserve the old.”

 

This collaboration furthers our commitment to thoughtful historic preservation. We are so thankful that Aubrey has been involved in this project and appreciate Grace Construction and their sub-contractors’ intentional approach to ensuring that every architectural detail not only survives but continues to tell its story for generations to come.