Rachel Firgens earned an MA in Historic Preservation from the George Washington University and a BA in German Studies and history from Macalester College.  Ms. Firgens has a background in architectural and urban history, combining preservation and American Studies to more broadly examine the context of the American built environment.  She has significant experience researching buildings and sites and has worked on numerous tax credit applications.  Prior to joining HQ, Ms. Firgens worked in Washington, D.C. with MacRostie Historic Advisors, LLC and was a National Council for Preservation Education intern with the National Park Service.  She also served on the Landmarks Committee of the D.C. Preservation League and assisted with the initial phases of a digital architectural survey of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.