My name is Marianne Taylor, but my alter ego is The House Detective. I am an architectural historian, which sounds a bit fancy pants, but basically means that I research the history of buildings, especially houses. I absolutely love what I do and think it is the best job in the world! I'm also a massive history nerd in general and let's face it, I'd probably hang out in archives for fun, even if I wasn't getting paid for it. Here's a quick summary of my qualifications and experience:
Qualifications:
- Graduate Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History from University of New England
- Bachelor of Science with Honours from Griffith University
Experience:
- Over 15 years experience as an historian, primarily focussed on architectural history
- Over 12 years experience in the heritage industry, including 3 years as Heritage Strategist with Queensland Rail and 3 years as Senior Heritage Officer with the QLD Government
Awards:
- 2019: Silver Award, National Trust Queensland Heritage Awards, for the Kuranda Railway Station Conservation Management Plan (I researched and wrote the background history section).
- 2015/2016: Helen Taylor Research Award for my Brisbane Retro project, researching and documenting Brisbane's post-war houses
When I'm not researching houses or hanging out in archives, you will find me:
- Watching history documentaries (hey, I told you I was a tragic history nerd!)
- Watching period dramas (my favourite is Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South, followed closely by BBC's Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth as Darcy and THAT wet shirt scene- ladies I know you're with me!)
- Reading books, buying books, categorising my books, researching new books to buy, creating wish lists of books I want to buy, convincing myself that just because I haven't read all the books I have, it doesn't mean I can't buy new books
- Trawling through real estate websites looking for cool old houses or retro pads
- Watching classic old movies and tragic 80s/90s movies
- Camping and four wheel driving and exploring this awesome country of ours!
