Nakita Reed

Nakita Reed is an architect and preservationist driven by the belief that existing buildings hold the key to addressing both the climate crisis and social inequality. She is Senior Director of Preservation Operations for the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, where she strengthens preservation practice systems, supports strategic partnerships, and advances preservation education. With expertise ranging from National Register properties to Passive House certifications, Nakita helps building owners and developers recognize the potential of what already exists and navigate the real-world pathways to reuse, from performance goals to implementation. Through her work (including prior practice at Quinn Evans), the Tangible Remnants podcast, and board service with leading preservation organizations, she is committed to making sustainable preservation the standard, not the exception. As one of the few Black female architects working at this intersection, Nakita’s perspective informs every aspect of her work from project strategy to public speaking and mentoring the next generation. She believes historic buildings can be both culturally significant and high-performing, and that transforming existing places is essential to a more resilient future.