PRESERVATIONISTS come with many titles—volunteer, professional, advocate, researcher, writer, historian, documenter, archivist, and more. However, sometimes a preservationist comes along that not only fills one of these roles but excels in each and every one of them.

Working tirelessly in the field of historic preservation, she has done countless historical reports, hours of in-depth research, advocated for the designation of many historic homes, volunteered as a museum docent, served as the Marston House official historian, helped plan events, fundraisers, and more, all which have not only significantly shaped the historic preservation community, but the historic fabric of San Diego itself.

Raising the bar for depth and breadth of historic designation reports, Sarai has elevated the standards of the field in architectural research and advocacy for the historic sites she works on. Professionally, she is one half of Johnson & Johnson Architecture, the architecture and historic research and designation reports firm that she and her husband Paul operate, and has worked on and advocated for some of San Diego's most important historical structures.

In this role Sarai goes above and beyond the requirements for designation reports to create a record for the historical and architectural legacy of San Diego's places and its people. She has amassed a collection of archival information and data over the last 25 years that she generously shares. Her knowledge has been invaluable, and she is well known throughout the preservation community for it.

Her passion for her work and her field are truly an inspiration. She approaches historic preservation from all sides and at all levels. No role is too small, and no job is too big for her to be a part of.

With great admiration and appreciation, delight and pleasure, SOHO presents the Preservation Leadership Award to Sarai Johnson.

Click HERE to watch a congratulatory message from San Diego City Councilmember Chris Ward.