Hear what some of our previous students have to say about their experience with some of our faculty. Many of them have successfully pursued credit transfers or obtained independent accreditation, using the knowledge and skills they acquired under the guidance of members of our faculty.
Testimonials
William Krueger
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, School of Architecture and Urban Planning's Historic Preservation Institute (UWM-SARUP HPI) has the ongoing privilege of collaborating with internationally renowned restorer and conservator Nikolas Vakalis. As an esteemed Adjunct Professor, Nikolas brings his exceptional expertise, knowledge, and passion for conservation, restoration, and preservation to our students and faculty.
Nikolas's outstanding works in the field have made him an invaluable asset as an instructor and lecturer. Through his world-class experiences, he continuously provides our students and faculty with a deep understanding of the possibilities and rewards within this chosen discipline. We cannot express enough gratitude for the opportunity to learn from and work alongside Nikolas Vakalis—the best of the best.
From 1999 to 2008, Nikolas served as an Adjunct Professor at UWM-SARUP HPI, sharing his wisdom and guidance with our academic community. In April 2002, he conducted a highly successful workshop on the traditional technique of fresco painting (Roman, Byzantine, Renaissance) as part of the "Historic Preservation Architecture Week" held by UWM-SARUP HPI. Additionally, from October 2005 to February 2006, Nikolas played a pivotal role in coordinating the restoration project of Frank Lloyd Wright's American System Built Home (FLW-ASBH). This prestigious project was accomplished within a workshop involving students and faculty from UWM-SARUP HPI.
Even in recent years, Nikolas Vakalis continues to contribute significantly to our institution as a guest lecturer. In November 2015, he returned to share his expertise with our students, further enriching our academic programs. In April 2016, we had the privilege of hosting Nikolas for a presentation and recognition ceremony for his outstanding conservation and restoration work on the FLW-ASBH Model B1—a collaborative effort organized by UWM-SARUP HPI and the Frank Lloyd Wright-Wisconsin Association on the momentous occasion of the model's 100th anniversary.
We are extremely proud to have Nikolas Vakalis as an ongoing collaborator with the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. His dedication and accomplishments in the realm of conservation continue to inspire and elevate our institution. We look forward to a continued partnership, benefiting our students, faculty, and the field as a whole.
Alexandra Ayoob
West Virginia Univercity
I can’t recommend Nikos and Sotiris enough. Not only did Nikos use his immense experience to guide me in hands on conservation work, but he built an environment of warmth and support so that none of us would feel intimidated while working in such a culturally rich domain. I quickly felt at home thanks to his encouragement and Sotiris’ organizational expertise. If you are reading this, you probably have an inkling that the people in conservation are interesting. I am writing to say that your expectations will be exceeded when it comes to these guys. I cannot speak enough to just how enlightening being around these interdisciplinary experts was. They are geologists, chemists, historians, and artists all in one. Every encounter with the team is both familial and a learning experience. My heart is full as I think back to my time with Sotiris and Nikos. I myself hope to continue learning with them one day. Overall my time with them was unforgettable and I couldn’t recommend more.
Andie Fialkoff
Columbia University
In the summer of 2022, I had the pleasure of being one of many students while completing a restoration project in the historical archives in Umbria. Nikolas served as an educator and mentor for me and countless other students, expanding our knowledge base while Sotiris ensured our comfort and ease during our month-long stay in the Umbrian village. At the time of participation, I was a Master’s student completing a dual degree program between Columbia University and the Sorbonne, where I studied medieval Art History with a specialization in manuscript studies. I greatly deepened my knowledge of medieval books and manuscripts and gained hands-on access to objects that ultimately played a pivotal role in the formation of my thesis. The opportunity to learn about a certain material or historical handwriting in the classroom, and then venture next door to feel such materials and see the various historical handwriting, is one both special and rare. I am very grateful to have studied with them and am thankful for their continued support as I’ve transitioned into a career in the art market.
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Annabel Dobbyn
Oberlin College
My time learning from my experience with Sotiris and Nikos has been invaluable.
I went into the program with no knowledge of conservation or technical skills and left with the capability to receive a job offer in the field of conservation right after college.
Their dedication to not only their students education but their general well-being and happiness is truly admirable.
Emanuela Grifoni
Professor, University of Milan
Prof. Vakalis's courses played an essential role in shaping my professional trajectory: through
his teachings, I acquired a robust understanding of materials, artistic techniques, and restoration, proving instrumental in my current role in Research and Heritage Science. Initially as student, then as his assistant for over six years, our connection evolved into a fruitful collaboration and genuine friendship.
Sotiris' remarkable efficiency not only contributed to the organization and direction of the School, but also fostered the formation of a network of specialists whom I had the pleasure of meeting again in Academia.
Yasmine El Majzoub
American University of Beirut
It is one of the experiences I look back at with so much fondness and gratitude. Not only was an enriching learning experience, but it was also a profound cultural, social, and human one.
Nikos's passion, enthusiasm, dedication and immense knowledge have been truly inspirational and have had a great impact on my career. It was after this experience, that I decided to pursue a career in architectural restoration.
Apart from the technical knowledge, Nikos and Sotiris were so welcoming and loving. They constantly made sure that all the students' needs were being met and that everyone was happy and comfortable. The most beautiful thing I took out of this experience is a wonderful friendship with Nikos and Sotiris that I hope lasts a lifetime.
Their future students who will enroll in the new conservation school will be very lucky to have such mentors.
No matter what I say, I cannot express how grateful and joyous I am to have had the chance to meet these two wonderful souls. They have been a true inspiration and are the embodiment of such a big warm and loving heart.
Ara Hernandez
University of California Irvine
Studying conservation in Umbria alongside Sotirios and Nikos during the summer of 2022, was a pivotal experience for me. It marked my initial solo travel, and their support and effort to ensure my comfort greatly enhanced my experience. Their expertise and enthusiasm were truly inspiring. I feel immensely thankful for the opportunity to participate in a conservation program under their guidance, making my learning journey more fulfilling. This enriching experience has solidified my decision to further pursue art conservation. Their guidance and mentorship were not only instrumental in deepening my understanding of conservation but also in fostering my passion for the field. I would wholeheartedly recommend collaborating with them to anyone aspiring art conservation.
Avery Soupios
Rutgers University
I studied in Umbria with Sotiris and Nikos in the summer of 2022, and loved every bit of my experience. Sotiris ensured I and other students were comfortable and felt welcome throughout my program. Both his and Nikos’ knowledge of heritage created an extraordinary experience where I was able to gain skills in restoration while learning the extensive history of Italian pottery production. I cannot recommend this program enough to students interested in developing a career in heritage protection and conservation.
Simeone Colucci
Academy of Fine Arts in Naples
A few years ago I had the pleasure to attend a conservation summer school, led by the professor and restorer Nikolas Vakalis. As a student in his course, I found the experience to be excellent. His clear explanations and precise theoretical sessions were satisfying, while the practical aspect was particularly captivating as we worked on a significant historic building in Umbria. Under Nikolas Vakalis' guidance, we engaged in a variety of operations crucial for the successful restoration intervention. Sotiris Kourtesis efficiently managed the administrative side of the courses, always attentive to students' requests. The summer school marked a significant step in my professional and personal development. I highly recommend this experience to all students studying monument conservation. Nikolas Vakalis and Sotiris Kourtesis are not only highly competent professionals but also incredibly approachable and friendly individuals. Spending time with them was not only educational but also genuinely enjoyable. Their warmth and availability make the learning experience all the more pleasant.
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Elizabeth Currier
Ripon College
I met Sotiris and Nikos through studying at a previous summer preservation studies course. Their comprehensive knowledge of and passion for the field was a source of great inspiration and admiration for me. Overall, I came away from the program with an overwhelmingly positive experience and an abundance of fond memories. I believe they are excellent teachers and role models and it was an absolute pleasure to work with them and study under them.
I cannot recommend their skills enough as professionals in the conservation and restoration field!
Ben Knox
University College, London
Sotiris and Nikos are excellent teachers and create a wonderful learning environment.
I thoroughly enjoyed studying with them in the past and hope to work with them in the future.
Elio Moussa
American University of Beirut
Great overall experience. The program was very well structured, perfectly balanced between theory and practice (to the point where you can't get enough of any of both aspects). The long years of experience and expertise of Professor Nikolas Vakalis really shine through the interactive lectures and the minute walk through of the preservation process.
Sotiris Kourtesis as a program manager, ensured the smooth functioning of the program and provided valuable support throughout.
I personally felt great joy in taking part of this course, it has widened my understanding on the various topics of preservation, as well as it has given me a new outlook on my professional development and how it might turn out later on.
This program does not simply stop at the academic level but also develops deeper into meaningful interpersonal relationships between students, professors such as Professor Nikolas Vakalis, and among peers. I highly recommend this program for its enlightening insight and high quality in delivering information as well as passion.
Lucy Farren
University of the Arts, London
Studying under Nikos and Sotiris was an absolute pleasure and I would highly recommend their courses to anyone looking to study conservation. It was clear that both the quality of the courses and student life were of equal importance to them and the running of the school which was what made attending so enjoyable. I would go back if I could!
Becca Napollitano
Professor, Penn State University
I had the privilege of taking a summer course with Nikos during my time as a Ph.D. student in Civil Engineering at Princeton, and I can confidently say that it was a transformative experience that has had a lasting impact on my academic and professional journey in historic structures research. One of the standout qualities of Nikos as an instructor was his exceptional patience and dedication to ensuring that every student grasped the intricacies of the subject matter. He recognized that the topic we were delving into was not just theoretical but had profound practical implications, and he made it his mission to make sure we not only understood the concepts but could also apply them effectively. Additionally, instead of merely lecturing us, he encouraged active participation and guided us through practical exercises that allowed us to witness the principles of materials conservation in action. This experiential learning approach made a world of difference in our comprehension of the subject matter, and I still find myself benefiting from those hands-on lessons in my current role as a professor.