Steven Schuster, a Raleigh architect, was honored for his longtime dedication to historic preservation both through his work on historic properties and volunteer service to civic organizations, including serving as a past board member and chairman of the Preservation North Carolina Board of Directors.

Steve Schuster of Raleigh has had statewide impact in the field of urban revitalization and historic preservation. A native of Illinois, Steve received his degrees in architecture from N.C. State University and the University of Colorado in Boulder. He returned to Raleigh and has stayed for more than 30 years. In 1981, he and sculptor Thomas Sayre founded Clearscapes, a multidisciplinary firm that has focused on the revitalization of important historic structures, as well as the design of infill construction in historic settings. Clearscapes has worked throughout North Carolina with museums, arts facilities, university buildings, civic structures, and a wide range of public art. The firm has been recognized with numerous design awards for these projects.

Though Steve is highly deserving of recognition for his work as an architect, Preservation North Carolina is honoring him with the Cannon Award for his extraordinary contributions to preservation as an individual. Steve served on PNC's board of directors for a decade, including service as vice chair from 2002 to 2004, chairman of the board from 2004 to 2006, and then two additional years on the executive committee. As chairman, he helped guide the PNC board through an unprecedented challenge that required tremendous finesse and dedication. Throughout his tenure on the board, he was a tremendous resource to the staff, always available for input and assistance. Though he's required by PNC's bylaws to go off the board, he's agreed to take a leadership role with PNC's plans for its 75th anniversary in 2014.

Over the last 25 years, Steve has held many other appointed and elected posts, including president of AIA-North Carolina and chairman of the Raleigh Historic Properties Commission. He has been an effective advocate for preservation in numerous public venues, both local and state.

Steve's interest in preservation and urban revitalization does not end with the typical work day. He and his wife, Mary Anne Howard, embraced inner-city living long before it was trendy in Raleigh. In the early 1990s, they moved into a loft apartment on Martin Street that once housed a plumbing supply company. A few years later, Steve and his business partner, Thomas Sayre, moved Clearscapes into that same building, anticipating the urban live/work attitude that has continued to grow in Raleigh.

Steve's reach extends far past downtown Raleigh. He has guided rehab projects across the state, such as the conversion of two 1930s school buildings into a new town hall and cultural arts center for Clayton. He also was instrumental in converting an old Smithfield bank building into the Johnson County Heritage Center. He's worked with historic theater facilities in Elizabeth City, Washington, Burlington, and Apex. He is currently working on the Edenton Cotton Mill project, transforming a 120,000-square-foot textile mill into loft apartments.

Through the years, his architectural projects have become familiar icons in the community. To name a few, they include the Montague Building, Murphey School, The Creamery, Helios Coffee Bar, Exploris Museum -- now known as Marbles -- and the IMAX Theatre, the Hudson on Fayetteville Street, the new Raleigh Convention Center with its spectacular Shimmer Wall, the Contemporary Art Museum, and the ongoing revitalization of Blount Street historic district.

It's hard to find a historic building or project in Raleigh that hasn't been in Steve Schuster's line of vision. His appreciation and love of historic architecture are exemplified in each of these assets, old and new. Steve's talent, hard work and commitment to public service have been invaluable to the revitalization of downtown Raleigh and many other communities. We fully expect to see those benefits multiply as downtown enthusiasts throughout the state continue to be inspired by Steve's dedication to preservation and revitalization. For his outstanding leadership and expertise, Preservation North Carolina is pleased to present the 2008 Cannon Award to Steven D. Schuster.