Craftsmen Series

Join Bob Vila as he explores the role of craftsmanship in creating Palm Beach’s exceptional architecture and meets the craftspeople who carry on these traditions.

In January of 2022, the Preservation Foundation introduced the Craftsmen Series with television star and home renovation expert Bob Vila. Each episode focuses on a different building trade and features a local, master artisan. With a life-long dedication to historic homes, Vila draws on his experience to educate viewers about the value of the building arts and traditional architecture. 

The Preservation Foundation last explored this topic in depth in 2007 through a series of lectures entitled The Craftsmen Behind the Architects. The series began with a discussion featuring the late Mizner historian Dr. Donald Curl and Rick Herpel of Herpel Cast Stone on the architect Addison Mizner’s efforts to obtain high quality materials to construct private residences on the island. At the time, the infrastructure required to build his designs did not yet exist in the area. 

Mizner established Las Manos Potteries in 1918 to produce roof and decorative tiles.  Later becoming Mizner Industries, the business expanded to also include decorative pottery, wrought ironwork, furniture, cast stone decorations, lighting fixtures and Quarry Key Stone.  His products were utilized by builders and architects throughout South Florida during the 1920s real estate boom.  The heritage of Mizner Industries is reflected in the many of the businesses that exist today on Georgia Avenue and the local emphasis placed on preserving the building arts and traditional architecture. 

The Craftsmen Series is generously underwritten by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rutherfoord, Jr.