LIZ LESHIN: Tell me a bit about yourselves and why you’re interested in preservation.

KIMBERLY DUDOW: We live in Sherman Oaks with our 11-year-old daughter Olivia and our 13-year-old goldendoodle. I am an L.A. native and grew up in Granada Hills near the Balboa Highlands Eichler tract. Sascha is from Germany and moved to Los Angeles with his parents when he was 16. Sascha’s earliest exposure to modern architecture was his grandparents’ modern home outside Hanover that was designed by a Bauhaus architect.

We are both huge architecture, design, and music aficionados. We have come to understand that architectural buildings are living, breathing works of art that are best experienced in person. We are the lucky stewards of a post and beam home designed in 1958 by Young Woo, a Chinese American architect who studied at USC School of Architecture under A. Quincy Jones. One of the things we love most about our home is that it has more floor to ceiling glass windows and clerestories than any other home we have seen. We delight in how the interior spaces are flooded with natural light that changes through the day.

LL: Kim, you have been a Conservancy member since 2010; what compelled you to join?

KD: I’ve been attending L.A. Conservancy events since at least 2000. After participating in so many wonderful events, how could we not join? The many benefits of membership (including member discounts on events) and knowing that we are doing our part to help protect historic buildings were great incentives to join.

LL: What about the Conservancy’s mission has the most meaning or impact for you?

KD: The Conservancy’s constant battle to preserve historical architecture as well as legacy businesses in Los Angeles is hands down the most meaningful aspect for us. The number of important buildings that the L.A. Conservancy has rescued through their expert preservation work is impressive.

LL: How and why would you encourage people in your generation to make this commitment?

KD: We were motivated to join the Pillar Society when we created an estate plan after our daughter was born. We wanted to leave a legacy gift to an organization that, along with its causes, we care deeply about. The Conservancy has created so many wonderful experiences and memories for our family though their many events and we wanted to be able to help support them in a meaningful way. We would encourage other members who may not have excess funds in their budgets today, but who invest and save for the future like we do, to join the Pillar Society.

We have enjoyed making new friends and experiencing special tours at the Pillar Society special annual event as a thank you for our membership, like this year’s behind-the-scenes tour of the Gilmore Adobe and a food tasting tour at the adjacent Original Farmer’s Market. We want the Los Angeles Conservancy to continue to exist so that others can enjoy those same wonderful experiences and connect with people who value and appreciate how great architecture can truly enrich and enhance our lives.