Dr. Trudi Sandmeier

Biography

Trudi Sandmeier is a Professor of Practice and the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the USC School of Architecture. With decades of experience in heritage conservation, advocacy, and education, she has established herself as a respected leader and mentor in the field. Sandmeier's dedication to helping students explore narratives within history and conservation is evident in her teaching philosophy. She began her tenure at USC in 2003 and became a full-time faculty member in 2011, serving as the Director of the Heritage Conservation program from 2011 to 2022 and returning to this role in 2023. Under her leadership, the program has undergone significant changes, including its renaming to Heritage Conservation to better reflect its global scope. Sandmeier's work extends beyond academia; she has co-directed several influential programs and initiatives aimed at preserving the built environment and is a co-founder of the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation. In addition, she has played a key role in various preservation advocacy efforts in Los Angeles and serves on multiple boards related to historic preservation education.

Research Interests