History By Design:
Where Past Meets Present

Architectural Storytelling Through Cinematography & Augmented Reality

History by Design is more than a renovation series; it is a visual journey through the architectural evolution of the American Northeast. From the structural integrity of 18th-century timber-frame barns to the grand mansions of the 1900s, host Kevin Durkin and his team reimagine historic footprints as modern living spaces.

The Impact Studios Production Strategy

Impact Studios was commissioned to provide the comprehensive technical backbone for the series. Our mission was to bridge the gap between historic documentation and modern broadcast aesthetics.

  • Cinematic Technical Specs: Director of Photography John Carboni utilized Blackmagic 6K Cinema Cameras specifically for their high dynamic range. This was critical for capturing the nuanced textures of weathered stone, antique wood, and the high-contrast lighting inherent in historic, un-restored structures.
  • Hybrid Post-Production Workflow: Beyond traditional editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, our team managed a complex "Hybrid Workflow." This involved the seamless integration of stunning 3D animations and Augmented Reality (AR) overlays, allowing viewers to see the architectural future of a site superimposed over its crumbling past.
  • Broadcast Master Delivery: We handled the project from the first frame of principal photography through to the final color grade and broadcast-master delivery, ensuring the series met the rigorous technical standards of modern television networks.

Technical Achievement Highlights:

  • End-to-End Visual Execution: Managed all field crewing, high-end cinema equipment packages, and specialized post-production services.
  • Advanced AR Integration: Collaborated on the technical implementation of 3D renderings, ensuring spatial accuracy between live-action plates and digital assets.
  • Historical Preservation Documentation: Captured stabilized, high-detail footage of fragile historic sites using specialized rigging to navigate tight, 300-year-old interiors.

The Standard for Production Partnerships

With over 30 years of broadcast experience, Impact Studios has the credentials to partner with creators like Bobby Nastasi and talent like Kevin Durkin. We don't just record content; we protect the technical integrity of the brand, delivering world-class visuals that scale from digital platforms to national broadcast.

START YOUR BROADCAST PRODUCTION
Director of Photography John Carboni utilizes a specialized wide-angle lens for handheld 4K cinematography, capturing immersive, close-proximity footage of the principal talent while showcasing the expansive architectural scale of the historic site.
Action shot of an Impact Studios handheld camera operator capturing dynamic 4K broadcast footage on location, showcasing the agility and precision required for high-end architectural cinematography.
Host Kevin Durkin consults with a master mason on-site to evaluate structural preservation techniques for a historic chimney, demonstrating the series' focus on authentic architectural restoration and craftsmanship.
Behind-the-scenes broadcast production coverage as the director briefs the technical crew on-site, coordinating multi-camera blocking and 4K cinematic lighting for the upcoming scene.
Behind-the-scenes broadcast production coverage as the Impact Studios technical crew and talent coordinate lighting and multi-camera blocking within a historic 18th-century living room, preparing to capture the next scene in 4K cinema.
Behind-the-scenes production shot capturing host Kevin Durkin and the Impact Studios crew documenting the structural integrity of a 300-year-old attic, utilizing low-light 4K cinematography to highlight historic timber-frame construction.
Host Kevin Durkin and Jen discover a 19th-century Victrola within a 1700s attic, highlighting the layers of historical artifacts uncovered during the production of History by Design.
Behind-the-scenes production shot of the History by Design cast and technical crew conducting a site inspection of a dilapidated interior, assessing structural safety and 4K lighting requirements prior to principal photography.
High-detail 3D architectural rendering of a modern kitchen concept for a historic barn conversion, showcasing the seamless integration of contemporary design with 18th-century structural elements.
Host Kevin Durkin delivers an enthusiastic architectural lesson on-site, engaging in a detailed technical discussion with Kathryn Crowley regarding the historical significance and restoration potential of the property.
The cast of History by Design pose for a celebratory group photo, marking the successful wrap of principal photography for the broadcast television series.
Host Kevin Durkin explores a curated selection of 19th-century artifacts at a local antique shop, sourcing period-accurate details to maintain the historical integrity of the home renovation project.
Host Kevin Durkin and Kathryn Crowley discuss architectural renovation plans on location, illustrating the collaborative design process required to modernize historic properties while respecting their original heritage.
t Kevin Durkin provides an on-site architectural analysis, detailing how a modern addition was seamlessly integrated with the original 18th-century structure to preserve the vintage siding as a unique interior feature.
High-definition 3D visualization illustrating the complete transformation of a historic barn into a luxury lodge, showcasing the adaptive reuse design that modernizes the interior while preserving original heavy-timber framing.