John H. Cluver

FAIA, LEED AP

Senior Partner & Director of Historic Preservation

John approaches every preservation project by seeking creative ways to incorporate important contemporary upgrades like technology, accessibility, and energy-saving measures while respecting a building’s original character and historical significance. John’s technical expertise in building performance means that VMA is uniquely positioned to help clients both preserve their historic buildings and achieve their sustainability goals. 

While John spends most of his time in the office, he relishes the hands-on components of preservation work like strapping on the harness to find the cause of a leak or reviewing the condition of a decorative plaster element with a materials conservator to develop a deep, first-hand understanding of every project. 

John’s innovative and traditional approach is exemplified in his work at the Paul Peck Alumni Center where he designed a new, universally accessible entrance at the former back door, leaving the front door and primary facade untouched. John has also completed award-winning work at Drexel University, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, and Philadelphia’s renowned Academy of Music, a National Historic Landmark. 

John serves on the City of Philadelphia’s Historical Commission Architectural Advisory Committee, the Board of Advisors for the Master of Science in Historic Preservation program at Notre Dame, and the Board of Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. John is also a member of the Association for Preservation Technology and holds a Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design in addition to his professional degree in architecture from the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. John has published articles on sustainability and window restoration in the Association for Preservation Technology Bulletin and has presented for the Preservation League of New York, SCUP, and APPA. In 2006 John volunteered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in New Orleans to complete urgent conditions assessments in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and in 2008 was honored by the American Institute of Architects Philadelphia Chapter as Young Architect of the Year. 

Outside the office, John is engaged in the long-term rehabilitation of his 1926 Foursquare house, which he affectionately calls “his hobby” to justify the time and money he spends on it.  His interest in leadership, service, and education, in addition to a long-standing enjoyment of camping and related activities, led him to a position as Scoutmaster before he was made a member of the Board of the BSA’s Cradle of Liberty Council and the Chair of the Constellation District Committee. John will take any opportunity to tap into his inner travel agent and help family, friends, or complete strangers plan trips to Italy, which he counts as his favorite place on Earth for its unique combination of culture, geography, architecture, and food (and by food, he really means gelato).