“We are now taking applications for a few seats left for the 2026 session of the Heritage Window Preservation Programme”
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“There is a critical shortage of Heritage Window Preservation Professionals in Canada.”
Heritage Window | Preservation Consultant Programme
This comprehensive stand-alone course, aimed at professional intensive students, will take the student intern through the entire documentation and evaluation process – through to the full repair and restoration process of original wood window sashes and casements in detail with step-by-step instructions.
Find full details of each comprehensive module in the Course Syllabus provided below.
Including:
MODULE ONE: Research.
This first module is to better understand the worlds procedures in window preservation.
MODULE TWO: Detailed Window Style Guide.
The earliest ‘sash’ windows were simple mechanisms where a single section of the window would slide vertically across a fixed section to form an opening, without the aid of weights and pulleys… This module will explain in detail the styles and construction technologies throughout time, to better instruct the student intern as to the design period of windows. From the earliest forms in North America to post World War II.
MODULE THREE: Anatomy, Documentation and Assessment.
A complete anatomy, dissection (dismantlement) and documentation of an early sash window (1690s). Complete procedures on recording findings for a museum or public sector setting and how to create a written report. How your shop should be set up, what is the process of restoration from beginning to end.
MODULE FOUR: Proper Removal of Sashes | Tools of the Trade.
This can be a daunting task, as damage can befall both the window sashes or casements and the jambs themselves, with overzealous or unsympathetic techniques applied. A complete instructional process of documentation, creating a key plan and proper removal procedures as well as storage and transportation.
MODULE FIVE: Temporary Solution for Removed window openings.
Trompe l’oeil… visual illusion in art, especially as used to trick the eye into perceiving a painted detail as a three-dimensional object (for example a missing window during the window restoration process). How does this relate to a Window Specialist you may ask? Many times, there will not be a storm window in place to cover the jamb opening. This module will allow you to explore your artistic side on how to create a Trompe l’oeil both standard as well as an insulated version. Your clients will appreciate this creative way to keep the aesthetics of their home whilst under restoration! We will also delve into the history of glass.
MODULE SIX: Joinery Techniques | Tenon Replacement.
Many think that the joinery in both sash and casement windows would be the same, nothing could be furthest from the truth! Many sashes and casements have unique joinery depending on the era. This module will explore all these eccentricities through the centuries and most importantly, how to repair and or replicate that joinery! We will also replace a muntin bar tenon.
MODULE SEVEN: Detailed Dutchman and the Use of Restoration Grade Epoxies.
This module will delve very deep into the repair of wood sashes and casements. Proper Dutchman techniques will be explored in detail, including correct materials and adhesives. The muntin bars (the thin profiled wooden pieces between the glass panes) need special attention. This lesson will instruct you on how best to remove paint and make repairs. A section of where, why and when to use restoration grade epoxies will be explored in finite detail!
MODULE EIGHT: Glass Sourcing | Removal.
The antique glass in historic timber windows is in some, if not most cases, the most important part of the sash. The student intern will be taught where to source and harvest irreplaceable glass.
MODULE NINE: Sill Repair and Replacement.
This module delves deep into the structural integrity of the jamb systems with a focus on sills, both wood and masonry. The student intern will be taught how to repair in-situ, as well as full replacement of wood and masonry sills and lintels. How best to source the correct materials and most important, the correct profiles and proportions.
MODULE TEN: Replication of New Sash and Casement Windows.
Many times, a window sash is so completely rotted or missing all together. Like the Storm Window module, the student intern must know the fundamentals of how to replicate new sashes. We will explore both powered machinery as well as the proper hand tools. Understanding the best materials, design styles, profiles, and step-by-step methods and tutorials on how-to create shop drawings and cut lists.
MODULE ELEVEN: Re-glazing and Painting.
This can be one of the most time-consuming steps in window restoration, and one of the easiest to get wrong. This module will discuss step-by-step methods and procedures of re-glazing and re-painting the windows with lime putty and restoration finishes to last another 100 or 200 years! We will investigate the proper materials and products that meet and or exceed current preservation doctrine.
MODULE TWELVE: Jamb Restoration.
Restoring the sash and or casement windows can be just half the battle! The jambs that hold the windows themselves will need attention and, in some cases, total rehabilitation. The module will go through the intricacies of how jambs function as well as the many different types that sometimes can confound even the most seasoned craftsperson!
MODULE THIRTEEN: Glass cutting
Original antique glass is just as important as the original sash or casement itself. Dr. Cooper will show the proper way to cut glass. The student intern will gain knowledge in how best to clean and identify antique glass. A very large component of this module will be dedicated on the equipment and various cutting methods needed for cutting a variety of antique glass.
MODULE FOURTEEN: Thermal Efficiency.
After a forty year study on the thermal dynamics of a traditional wood window is reveled!
MODULE FIFTEEN: Installation of Weatherstripping.
Options for improving thermal qualities. We will discover all available data over decades of living laboratory testing, on the energy efficiency of heritage windows, to provide the student intern a detailed knowledge of the best practice of how where and why to weatherstrip! Many weatherstripping options will be explored step-by-step.
MODULE SIXTEEN: Storm Windows and Their Hardware.
This portion of this programme is fundamental to providing a system that can outperform modern, uncharacteristic, thermal pane windows. The student intern will be instructed on how best to measure for storm windows in the field and what materials, joinery, construction techniques, weatherstripping and mounting options are available. Understanding the best materials, design styles, profiles, and step-by-step methods and tutorials on how-to create shop drawings and cut lists.
MODULE SEVENTEEN: End of Term Essay.
In this module the student will create an essay to show complete comprehension of the past sixteen modules.
MODULE EIGHTEEN: Live End of Term Module
This is a live recorded session to discuss your end of term essay and to discuss weights and pullies as well as passive energy savings for un-restored windows.
MODULE NINETEEN: Contracts, Quoting and Business Requirements
- Customer care and consultation as well as initiation of works.
- Agreements and contracts.
- Clean up and post client consultation.
- Dispute mediation and remedies.
- Dealing with Heritage bodies and Government (permits etc.)
- Insurance.
- Opening your business.
- The inspection processes and quoting.
MODULE TWENTY: Stained Glass Restoration.
Repairing stained glass projects takes considerably greater skill than making them. Because there are very few artisans able or willing to do repairs and restorations, those that do them can generate attractive earnings. This module will explore broken glass, sag, and broken lead came.
Start Date:
Orientation: One-on-one
Duration:
Approximately 130 hours
What we are looking for…
- You must have a passion for heritage buildings, with a good understanding of the character and quality they exude?
- Do you have woodworking skills?
- Do you have knowledge and experience using hand and power tools?
- Are you currently a small contractor, and want to learn new skills and earn a much higher income?
- Do you have the motivation and passion to run your own successful small business (see structured CPD below)?
- Do you want more work, or better, higher paying work?
If you can answer these questions with a resounding YES, then the Heritage Window Preservation Programme is a right fit for you!
An Inclusive Nurturing Education Environment
Because to create a wonderful education experience, we believe in including everyone!
We are a proud supporter of Women in the Trades! We would like to encourage more women (our current ratio is 50 -75%) to enter the field as well as people who have recently retired, it is never too late to forge a new and creative future in all our courses both professional and personal.
All professional intensive applicants and students will always have an inclusive nurturing environment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Edifice and Old Home Living is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity educator providing a very safe comfortable environment for all.
International students are welcome.
Module tools:
Students will have access to all study materials, dedicated academic mentorship, and learning activities via an online learning platform.
The Module Content Syllabus is broken down into structured study weeks to help students plan their time, with each week containing a mixture of reading, case studies, highly detailed videos/recordings, and interactive activities to go through.
Online live Zoom instruction/Q&A seminars once a week, usually on a weekend evening, to accommodate students busy schedules. This live one-hour session is the core of this intensive led by Dr. Christopher Cooper, and must be attended in real time to provide opportunities to consolidate knowledge, ask questions, discuss topics and work through learning activities together.
Heritage Window Preservation Programme Learning Outcomes:
Once the final examination essay is reviewed with a passing grade, you will receive a one-year membership to the Edifice Guild with all the benefits of a full member to open your consultancy in Heritage Window Preservation. You will receive a free web page on www.oldhomeliving.com our consumer website, as well as recommendations and direct client referrals.
Start your journey today on a brand-new career in Heritage Window Preservation
Join us for an introduction Zoom interview with Dr. Christopher Cooper. Please fill out the form below.
There will only be 4-6 placements available for the 2026 sessions
You will be sent a interview request once we evaluate your email submission. You will receive Zoom credentials for a one-on-one interview with Dr. Christopher Cooper.
Edifice Atelier Institute 