Matthew Bronski, a senior staff member at Waltham-based engineering firm Simpson Gumpertz and Heger (SGH), was recently awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Rome Prize in Historic Preservation and Conservation by the American Academy in Rome.
The Rome Prize is one of the most prestigious awards for an American practicing in the field of historic preservation, according to an SGH statement.
The Rome Prize is a fellowship, awarded to Bronski based on his past work combined with his proposed topic of study while he is in Rome. Bronski proposed to study ancient and more recent buildings and learn how the construction techniques used, especially in ancient buildings, led to their durability.
"We are very proud and honored that Matthew was selected by such a distinguished organization for the Rome Prize," said Glenn Bell, SGH chief executive officer. "His attainments reflect the expertise in our historic preservation practice at SGH, and the results of Matthew’s fellowship will improve SGH’s practice and historic preservation efforts in the United States."
Recent recipients for historic preservation and conservation include Prof. John Ochsendorf of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Pamela Hatchfield of Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, Robert E. Saarnio of Johns Hopkins University and Tony Sigel of the Harvard University Art Museums. Very few engineers have been awarded the Rome Prize in its 113-year history.
Bronski will begin his 11-month fellowship in early September.
