A collaged panoramic street view of historic, rustic buildings with flower boxes, wooden balconies, and a tree in front. The buildings have white and gray exteriors and red shutters, with sunlight casting shadows on the sidewalk.
A young woman writes on a clipboard while talking to an older man in glasses. Several other people stand nearby in an outdoor garden decorated with colorful ornaments and plants.
A group of people stand by a waterfront railing on a cloudy day. Ships and buildings are visible in the background.
A group of people examines large architectural blueprints and documents spread out on a long table in a well-lit room with framed photos and artwork on the walls. Some people are writing, others are discussing.
Two people stand outside a building, holding opposite ends of a long tape measure stretched between two pillars. The building has white walls and green pillars.

University of Florida faculty have been working in St. Augustine for decades, helping to document and preserve the National Historic Landmark and Historic District. Founded on the Preservation Institute Nantucket model, Preservation Institute St. Augustine (PISA) was formally created to offer specialized training in the documentation of historic buildings and laboratory analysis and conservation of architectural materials and finishes. The work of PISA informs ongoing efforts to preserve “America’s oldest city,” and is in partnership with UF’s Historic St. Augustine, Inc., the City of St. Augustine, and Flagler College, among other organizations.


Examples of research and teaching projects include:

Coquina Deterioration Studies at PISA Lab (Spring 2025-present)

Documentation and Historic Structure Report for: Paredes Dodge House, Arrivas House, De Mesa-Sanchez House, Watson House, Cerveau House, Haas House, Gallegos House, Ribera House

A multidisciplinary course, Sea Level Rise and Coastal Communities: Science, Policy, and Practice, sponsored by the Florida Climate Institute.

Documentation of St. Francis Barracks and Nombre de Dios

Coquina Symposium (2021) and pamphlet for Flood Mitigation guidance for Coquina structures

Updates to the Town Plan National Historic Landmark nomination

National Park Service partnership for sea level rise modeling and visualization of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

Three people in a lab with microscopes and sealed sample bags on the counter; one person is observing through a microscope while the others watch. All are wearing masks and working in a bright, modern laboratory.
Three people in a laboratory examine samples on a table using a microscope. Two wear masks and look closely at a petri dish, while the third person, unmasked, stands nearby smiling. Laboratory glassware and tools are on the table.

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