James Jisa, ACBA Architectural Plaster Class of 2023, recently put his extensive training to work at Ingleside Plantation, an 1817 home in Iron Station, North Carolina. From March through April 2026, James completed extensive repairs to the home’s historic lime plaster, using traditional lime base and finish coats matched to the original materials and following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. The project quickly became more than a plaster repair. As James opened the walls, he discovered that later plumbing and electrical work had been run through the historic load bearing brick, leaving unsupported openings and contributing to the cracking. The masonry had to be stabilized before the plaster could be properly repaired. For James, the project was a reminder of how his ACBA education continues to influence his work. He indicated, “ACBA did not just teach me how to put plaster on a wall. The history and material-science classes are why I could read that house.” James’s work at Ingleside is a great example of the impact ACBA alumni have in the field. The combination of hands on craftsmanship, historical knowledge, and material science he gained at ACBA allowed him to look beyond the damaged plaster and understand the larger story of the building. We love seeing graduates, like James, continuing to carry on their skills they learned at ACBA. It is so meaningful seeing them used in historic preservation projects and helping ensure that historic buildings are cared for with the knowledge, craftsmanship, and respect they deserve.
For more on James Jisa: https://jsquaredartisandesigns.com/about/
