Liam Cooper · 43

The Man Who Decides What Can Come Down · Demolition Ethics Consultant, Building Advocate

A demolition consultant who decides which buildings come down — not structurally, but ethically. He has blocked 14 demolitions on historical or community grounds. He did not block one he should have. The lot has been empty for six years. He drives past it on Thursdays.

“Most people think demolition is about what's structurally unsound. The unsound buildings are the ones full of memories no one documented. I document them. Sometimes it's enough. Once it wasn't.”

Most people think demolition is about what's structurally unsound. The unsound buildings are the ones full of memories no one documented. I document them. Sometimes it's enough. Once it wasn't.