“Employ an Architect” and other Advice from 1920’s Era Architects’ Small House Service Bureau
Today, a nod to the Architects’ Small House Service Bureau, a design booster group from 100 years ago offering a lot of advice we can all still use today!
The Alley behind your building might just be Chicago’s best feature
One of Chicago’s most under-appreciated features may be our defining characteristic. Today: what we owe the alley.
Pioneering Modernist: Luis Barragan
This post salutes Luis Barragan, an influential Mexican Modernist who dared to create an emotional architecture.
Building Materials: Concrete under our Feet
Concrete completely surrounds and supports modern life. Today, we salute it and share a bit of history in architecture.
Revolving Doors … Save Energy with Every Spin
Curious City recently answered, “Why does Chicago have so many revolving doors?” That made us wonder how many people know that using revolving doors saves energy.  If you didn’t before, now you can feel a tiny boost of adult pride and child-like glee when you chose the revolving doors; you’re saving energy while you run around in…
Chicago Building Types: the Residential Hotel
The residential hotel was a staple of Chicago’s housing past. The rise and fall … and rise of this high rise home type.
The Brick that Built our City: Chicago Common
Watch out! You are completely surrounded by Chicago common brick walls. You just didn’t know it yet.
Building Materials: Brick and Mortar, or Building like the Third Little Pig
This building material has pretty much been around since there were building materials. Today we talk brick.
Why an Open Kitchen is More than A Design Update
At moss, an open kitchen isn’t just an aesthetic choice, it’s a alignment of the house with the way a modern family lives.
How to Choose the Right Tile For Your Next Residential or Commercial Project
Your backsplashes, bathrooms or blank walls can all be improved by some well chosen tile. Advice on the right material for the right spot!
The Why and Wherefore of Windows
Windows connect us to nature, offer views, and natural light, and fresh air. Some history, technology and taxonomy of these essential building elements.
Featuring Chicago: Reebie Storage Warehouse
Reebie Storage Warehouse on Clark is a rare example of Egyptian Revival style and proof that Chicagoans have been overflowing their homes since the 20s.