Inspiration

Inspiration

Throughout this blog I've highlighted and created links to exceptional individuals and organizations who design thoughtful homes, environmentally responsible communities and historically based building products. Some of them are local to me, while others I've yet to meet. They are exceptional because at some point in their careers, be it a moment in time or countless hours spent around a conference room table, they decided to do what was right...even though their wallets might be fatter if they just followed the crowd. Their hard work and dedication to their chosen craft is now paying dividends in the form of homes and communities that will age gracefully and be admired for generations to come...and maybe even be an inspiration to others, like they were to me.

Thomas J. Ryan, Jr. - Architect

Like most of the internet, blogs read from newest to oldest entry...this one works best by reading the first three posts in chronological order, starting with the Welcome! post. Just scroll down on the right side of this page until you see the Blog Archive list...click on 2011, then scroll down to the bottom after the new page appears. Please email me with any comments and thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Historic Neighborhoods...rediscovered

Historic neighborhoods are being rediscovered all over the country as a great place to live, raise a family and in some cases retire. They are typically found just a short walk or bike ride from a thriving historic downtown chock-full of quaint shops and restaurants all within an easy drive or train ride to a major metropolitan city.


Since there’s no need to sell anyone on the virtues of a vintage Colonial Revival or Queen Anne Victorian, I’ll begin the blog by highlighting the less obvious, but no less important features of the typical historic home and neighborhood. No worries if you don’t happen to live (I don’t) in a historic home or neighborhood…think of these details as basic architectural principles capable of enhancing any home. Most of the time-honored architectural details we know and love are nothing more than thoughtfully designed practical solutions to common problems…like supporting heavy materials or keeping out the rain.


Next, I'll review the big concepts (the macro side of design)…then the little details (the micro side, but no less important)…they will form the basis of many posts to come and can be applied to almost any home regardless of size, style or cost.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Welcome!








I'm an Architect living and working in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago, settled way back in 1831. I've had my own small practice for twelve years now, designing new homes in a variety of styles as well as additions to a growing number of historic structures.




I've decided to start writing this blog because of my passion (my family would say obsession) for thoughtfully designed houses, old and new, and the genuine details that make them come to life.  These details, historically known as architectural patterns, were typically executed on site by experienced craftsmen or drawn by architects influenced by widely published pattern books.  Think of them as the "charming" part of the old houses we know and love.  This blog will serve as my way to rediscover, document then share those patterns with homeowners, architects and builders working on historic and historically inspired new homes in and out of the City of Naperville.


Naperville's Historic District, just one of the many places I'll visit for inspiration and material,  is a wonderful place to explore some of America's most beloved architectural styles including Greek Revival, Italianate, Victorian, Colonial Revival, Prairie and Craftsman.