My deconstruction journey began when I moved to Savannah in 2015. At that time, I was a marketing consultant working with startup businesses in the arts, food, and sustainability sectors. But I needed to know more about these gorgeous old buildings and to immerse myself in the rich, difficult, specific history of this spooky place.

Through the Historic Preservation Trades program at Savannah Technical College, I connected with a small non-profit that had a big idea: the building industry could be circular instead of linear. All those good materials that were going to the landfill could be put to use in our community. Well, that just makes good sense, I thought. And it sounds like fun.

I picked up a crowbar and dedicated the next six years to making that idea a reality. As executive director of Re:Purpose Savannah I built a dream team of visionary thinkers and deconstruction experts that unbuilt whole buildings with their bare hands. We worked together to establish a spectacular reclaimed lumber yard on the idyllic Georgia salt marsh. We centered our mission on inclusion for women, queer, and trans folks in the male-dominated construction and demolition industry and on a preservation ethic that celebrated marginalized histories. And we made our voices heard! We gained national attention for our efforts and helped move the needle toward a more equitable, sustainable future.

Please support the ongoing work of Re:Purpose Savannah by making a donation.