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R E L E VA N T E X P E R I E N C E <br />Gaoqian Guesthouses <br />LO CATION <br />Gaoqian Historic <br />Village, China <br />SI ZE <br />31,000 SF <br />S COPE <br />Design Services, <br />Historic Preservation <br />CO MP L ETI ON <br />2021 - unbuilt <br />COST <br />$1.5–2M est. <br />EXPERT I SE <br />Hospitality, Historic <br />Preservation <br />Dempsey Design provided architectural design services for the adaptive reuse <br />of a historic residence in Gaoqian Historic Village, Zhejiang, China, <br />transforming it into a contemporary hospitality destination for the Xianju <br />Municipal Government. <br />Challenges:  The project required adapting a historic village residence into a <br />modern guesthouse while preserving its architectural character and cultural <br />significance. Every design decision balanced contemporary hospitality <br />expectations with traditional craftsmanship, local preservation requirements, <br />and the municipality's vision for community revitalization. Project coordination <br />and approvals were conducted in both English and Chinese, requiring clear <br />technical communication across cultures. <br />Our Approach: Beginning with detailed documentation of the existing <br />structure, Dempsey Design developed a preservation-led design that carefully <br />integrated contemporary interventions within the historic fabric. Modern <br />additions were intentionally restrained, creating a dialogue between old and <br />new while respecting the building's original proportions, materials, and <br />craftsmanship. Close collaboration with local officials and craftsmen ensured <br />the design remained authentic to the village's architectural heritage. <br />Benefits: The proposal demonstrates how adaptive reuse can preserve cultural <br />identity while creating new economic opportunities through tourism. The <br />project reflects Dempsey Design's ability to deliver thoughtful hospitality and <br />preservation projects that successfully balance heritage, contemporary design, <br />and community revitalization. <br />Credit: Gaoqian Historic Village Municipal Government <br />DEMPSEY DESIGN RELEVANT EXPERIENCE · RFQ # 26-07-01 PAGE 4 0 OF 113←→↑QUALIFICATIONS