Rosa Lowinger is a conservator of sculpture and architecture with over 35 years of experience. She is the founder and current co-chief conservator of RLA Conservation of Art + Architecture, a firm with offices in Miami and L.A., a graduate of the NYU Conservation Program, and a Fellowof AIC and the Association for Preservation Technology. Rosa was the 2008-09 Rome PrizeFellow in Conservation at the American Academy in Rome where she researched the history of vandalism and iconoclasm. In addition to practicing conservation, Rosa is a published author whose books include Tropicana Nights: The Life and Times of the Legendary Cuban Nightclub, and the upcoming Dwell Time: A Memoir of Art, Exile and Repair. Rosa’s upcoming memoir about conservation and her Cuban family was the recipient of a Kress Publication Fellow from AIC and is available for pre-order at your favorite local bookstore or wherever you buy your books. 

In this episode, we discuss the three private conservation businesses Rosa co-created or created, the challenges of outdoor sculpture and modern/contemporary art conservation, the process of selling her latest business in order to prioritize writing about conservation, and much more! This interview is packed with advice for those interested in private practice so don’t miss out! 

For more information about Rosa’s books, please visit rosalowinger.com. 

For more information on the RLA Conservation, please visit rlaconservation.com.

Time Markers: 

(01:56) Introduction

(03:09) Conservation discovery

(04:55) Experience at NYU

(06:04) Experience at Penn Museum (previously University Museum)

(07:28) First private practice partnership

(08:29) Post-graduate fellowship at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) 

(10:47) Challenges of modern/contemporary art 

(20:04) Challenges of outdoor sculpture conservation

(22:33) Thoughts on certification

(26:01) Second private practice in South Carolina

(31:50) Advice for emerging professionals #1

(34:53) Determining rates

(35:48) Conservation bidding processes

(36:42) Making space for the business

(37:35) Selling a conservation business

(43:31) Gross vs Net income

(44:54) Advice for emerging professionals #2

(48:03) Studio spaces of RLA Conservation

(49:15) Tools and equipment for business

(49:48) Qualities in a conservation hire

(51:31) Management style

(53:06) Challenges of international work

(53:53) Insurance for the business

(54:35) Profitability

(55:45) Advice for emerging professionals #3

(57:39) Legacy

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speaker, and not necessarily to the speaker's employer, organization, committee, or other group or individual. No individual connected with this podcast, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the information within this interview.