IPI has worked closely over the past ten years with Herzog/Wheeler & Associates, an energy-efficiency consulting firm in St. Paul, Minnesota. One of our partners, Peter Herzog, is an architect, engineer, author and teacher. He has a long and distinguished career in energy management process design, technical analysis of energy-consuming processes and systems, troubleshooting and energy conservation planning. Peter is the author of “Energy Efficient Operation of Commercial Buildings”, a text on how to achieve energy-efficient operation in buildings (McGraw Hill, 1997).
IPI relies on his expertise in HVAC systems analysis and performance verification and benefits from his ability to communicate clearly with both collection care and facility management staff. Current work with IPI includes optimization and preservation environment monitoring and analysis contracts with the New York Public Library and the Library of Congress. Peter and his partner June Wheeler bring a great deal of insight to IPI’s work on developing best practices for improving collection storage conditions for preservation.
Name:
Peter Herzog
Where were you born?
Brainerd, Minnesota
What was your professional training?
I started my professional life as an architect.
What was your very first job?
The summer after my 8th grade I worked as a caddy at a local golf course.
What would your dream job be?
I pretty much have my dream job right now.
How did your partnership with IPI begin?
My partner June Wheeler met Jim at an AIC convention over 10 years ago where they had a mutual interest in data loggers. As Jim and I became acquainted we saw a connection between his expertise in preservation climates and my work in analyzing the performance of systems that create those climates.
Why does the preservation of museum and library collections matter to you?
Based upon what I have learned from IPI about the critical importance of preservation climates, it is very satisfying to help people understand their climate-making systems and find ways to improve their performance.
What is your favorite work of art / or type of art / or favorite artist?
My current favorite is Giorgio Morandi. I find his work to be quiet, thoughtful and without pretense...my kind of guy.
What other hobbies or significant interests do you have?
Seeing the world on a bicycle is high on my list. I also like to sketch , paint watercolors, read history, make photographs and in the summer I vegetable garden.
What book (or books) would you take with you to a desert island?
If you mean marooned on a desert island I think I would like a book on boat building.
What is your most treasured possession?
My health.
What is your greatest indulgence?
I like to put butter on my doughnuts. This doesn’t fit with my answer to the previous question does it?
What was the most surprising thing to you about IPI?
I see IPI as group of people totally dedicated to doing meaningful work and not at all dedicated to financial gain. Sustaining such an enterprise is truly remarkable.