Honoring Brian Bowen, Founder of the Construction History Society of America
The Construction History Society of America (CHSA) owes its very existence to the vision and dedication of Brian Bowen. A passionate advocate for the study of construction history, Brian founded CHSA in 2007 with the conviction that understanding the evolution of building practices was essential to advancing both scholarship and practice. Through his leadership, the Society has grown into a vibrant community of researchers, educators, practitioners, and students dedicated to exploring the materials, methods, and makers behind the built environment.
Brian’s commitment to this field extended well beyond institutional boundaries. At Georgia Tech, where he served as Professor of Practice in the School of Building Construction, he inspired a generation of students to consider not just how buildings are made, but why they are made the way they are. His legacy lives on not only in the Society’s continuing work but also in the broader recognition of construction history as a vital area of academic inquiry in North America.
As we look toward the future of CHSA, we thank Brian Bowen for laying its foundations with care, foresight, and a true spirit of collaboration. His contributions have shaped the Society in lasting ways, and we are proud to carry forward the work he so passionately began.
