Furniture Restoration Fellow

The Dream Center Historic Preservation Design Fellowship

Program Overview

The Dream Center Historic Preservation Design Fellowship is a hands-on educational and professional development initiative centered around a historic landmark restoration project on Chicago’s West Side.

The fellowship provides emerging creatives, designers, preservationists, architects, artisans, and storytellers with real-world experience working on a historically significant restoration project focused on preservation, culture, storytelling, family, and community revitalization.

Fellows will gain hands-on exposure to:

• Historic preservation and adaptive reuse
• Furniture restoration and refinishing
• Restoration craftsmanship and material preservation
• Interior styling and historic aesthetics
• Creative storytelling and project documentation
• Real-world project collaboration
• Media and documentary-style production support

The fellowship operates under The Dream Center umbrella and supports the ongoing restoration and storytelling surrounding a historic preservation initiative in Chicago.

Furniture Restoration & Preservation Fellow

Position Overview

The Furniture Restoration & Preservation Fellow will assist in restoring, refinishing, preserving, and sourcing furniture and decorative elements connected to a historic restoration initiative on Chicago’s West Side.

This role is ideal for creatives, artisans, makers, and restoration enthusiasts interested in historic craftsmanship, furniture preservation, woodworking, vintage restoration, and timeless design aesthetics.

Fellows will support efforts to preserve the character and authenticity of historic spaces through restoration-focused design and preservation-minded craftsmanship.

Responsibilities

• Assist with refinishing and restoring vintage furniture pieces
• Support preservation and restoration of historic furnishings and decor
• Research historically appropriate finishes, materials, and restoration techniques
• Assist with furniture sourcing and restoration planning
• Help identify salvageable furniture and decorative pieces
• Support hardware, wood, and finish restoration efforts
• Assist with staging and styling restored pieces within the project
• Document restoration progress through photos and content
• Collaborate with design and project leadership teams

Ideal Background

• Furniture restoration enthusiasts
• Woodworking students or hobbyists
• Historic Preservation students
• Interior Design students
• Trade school students
• Artists, makers, and creative professionals with restoration interests

Skills Preferred

• Experience with furniture refinishing or restoration preferred
• Interest in woodworking, preservation, and craftsmanship
• Attention to detail and patience
• Strong creative and visual instincts
• Ability to work hands-on in a collaborative environment
• Passion for historic spaces and timeless design aesthetics

Fellowship Benefits

Participants may receive:

• Real-world experience on a historic restoration project
• Portfolio-building opportunities
• Professional mentorship
• Exposure to preservation and restoration industries
• Networking opportunities
• Media and storytelling experience
• Hands-on project collaboration
• Potential public recognition and project feature opportunities

Compensation Structure

Eligible fellows between the ages of 18–24 may qualify for hourly compensation through a workforce development grant program at a rate of $16 per hour for up to 20 hours per week.

Fellows who do not qualify under grant eligibility guidelines may still be selected to participate in the fellowship program and may receive a project-based stipend, professional mentorship, portfolio-building opportunities, and hands-on experience working on a historic Chicago restoration initiative.

Time Commitment

• Part-Time Fellowship
• Up to 20 hours per week
• Flexible scheduling available
• Fellowship term to be discussed during interview process