Fall '26 Living Room Talk: Adaptive Reuse at The Study at Johns Hopkins

Event Overview

Buildings inevitably become outdated as society evolves. Where demolition and new construction once dominated, the architecture industry now recognizes obsolete buildings as dynamic backbones of sustainable, culturally rich urban design. Burgeoning emphasis on restoration and adaptive reuse signals a major cultural shift: historic structures—including lesser-known or underappreciated ones—are now seen as vital assets that drive social, environmental, and cultural revitalization.

The recent transformation of our space into The Study at Johns Hopkins hotel exemplifies one such renewal, repositioning a once-obsolete asset to foster immersive campus living and channel Charles Village's eclectic energy. The project team reinforced the building’s connection to the neighborhood and elevated its social and ecological value by selectively removing floors and walls, introducing new facade openings, and reengineering systems to exceed contemporary standards for energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

"Design doesn't happen in a vacuum. If you want to create meaningful architecture for a community, you have to be actively engaged in civic life yourself."

-Jeff Goldstein, In Conversation with Study Hotels

Read the Q&A

Meet the Speaker: Jeff Goldstein

Principal and Co-Founder, DIGSAU

Jeff Goldstein is a Principal and co-founder of DIGSAU, a collaborative studio focused on contemporary architecture, urbanism, and environmental design. The firm’s ethos is rooted in design excellence, social and ecological sustainability, and cultural resonance. Since its founding in 2007, DIGSAU has earned a national reputation for innovative, socially engaged work that fosters connections between people, place, and time.

A significant focus of Jeff’s work is with historically underrepresented communities—those often last to benefit from quality design. His passion and humility not only energize clients, colleagues, and collaborators but also empower community members to actively engage in the design process. Jeff is a frequent design awards juror and lectures nationwide, sharing DIGSAU’s experiences and insights.

With Jeff’s leadership, DIGSAU’s work has been honored with over 100 design awards from organizations including the American Institute of Architects, the Urban Land Institute, and the Philadelphia Preservation Alliance. In 2013, DIGSAU was named an Emerging Voices firm by the Architectural League of New York. In 2017, the firm received the AIA Pennsylvania Firm Award, the chapter’s highest honor, recognizing a decade of consistently distinguished architecture. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Architecture from Yale University.

Reserve your seat