Firm of the Year Award


	After winning a competition to design a second home community in southwestern Michigan in 1987, Daniel Wheeler, AIA left Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP to start a new firm. Six months later, a former colleague, Lawrence Kearns, AIA joined him, and they began laying the philosophical groundwork for what was to become Wheeler Kearns Architects.

	Wheeler Kearns Architects : (standing left to right) Dan Wheeler, AIA; Julie Wheeler; Suzanne Auerbach; John Eck; Tom Bader, AIA; (seated left to right) Larry Kearns, AIA; Mark Spencer; Mark Weber.

			The firm's philosophy addresses both the architectural process and the product. The process has to be nurturing, stable, and flexible. The product has to be passionate. Wheeler Kearns describes their process as "that which can be defined as much by what is avoided as what is sought. No private offices or ideas. No 'us and them.' A studio instead of an organizational chart. Flat and flexible. No technical people." (Left) A private residence in Chicago. Photographed by William Kildow. 1988.

	At the center of the philosophy was the creation of a collective practice. In its current form, seven full-time registered architects equally wear the hats of designer, technician, and manager. Each architect is a project architect for multiple jobs and sees a project develop from inception to post occupancy evaluations. At times, the staff joins together to assist the project architect in completing portions of a project. Everyone has a voice in design criticism at formalized weekly studio crits, during which ideas behind all current projects are shared. The product of the firm continues to evolve, but one central tenet holds: Simplicity is regarded as the most evasive, seductive, and lyrical aspect of architecture at Wheeler Kearns Architects. Complex solutions to complex problems are not held in high regard, simple ones are. The firms seeks small to medium sized projects with an intellectually challenging program, where the client contact is the user or beneficiary of the final product. Notable recent projects include residential work as well as the Chicago Children's Museum and the Old Town School of Folk Music. In 1992, Architecture magazine selected Wheeler Kearns Architects as one of nine national firms to be included in their biannual "Emerging Talent" issue. Their work was featured in the "Ingenious Solutions" exhibit at the Chicago Architecture Foundation this summer, and has been included in The New American House and Casas International 35. The firm also places great emphasis on community service. In addition to hosting interns in their office, members of the firm teach, lecture, volunteer and mentor through a variety of local universities and religious, social, and community organizations. All, they say, to promote architects and architecture's role in society.		A private bar for Goose Island Brewery in Chicago. Photographed by William Kildow. 1989. The Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier. Photographed by William Kildow. 1995. Installation for "Chicago Architecture and Design 1923 - 1993" at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photographed by Van Inwegen Photography. 1993. A private residence and studio in Chicago. Photographed by William Kildow. 1995.

The Jury :

Douglas Hanson, AIA

Frank O. Gehry & Associates

Michaele Pride-Wells, AIA
RE: Architecture

Ron Radziner, AIA
Marmol & Radziner

The Jury Statement

Historically, AIA Firm Awards have gone to long-standing, "traditional" or famous firms. This year, the jury saw fit to honor a younger, emerging firm with the prestigious award. Wheeler Kearns has distinguished itself by its holistic approach to architectural practice-balancing design competence with a unique organizational structure. Their collaborative studio practice suggests an environment where collective creativity can flourish, while supporting the needs of the individual architect. The current (and future) success of their unique studio culture is evident in the work. Each project demonstrates special care-even within the most modest program and budget.

We are pleased to recognize the solid achievements of this young (and small) firm. We encourage both practicing and aspiring firms to consider a balanced vision for architectureÐone that instills a sense of community within, and outside of, the firm; fosters creative problem-solving while allowing flexibility in work style; and develops clarity of and sensitivity for client, program and materials.

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	The Jury Statement
		Historically, AIA Firm Awards have gone to long-standing, "traditional" or famous firms. This year, the jury saw fit to honor a younger, emerging firm with the prestigious award. Wheeler Kearns has distinguished itself by its holistic approach to architectural practice-balancing design competence with a unique organizational structure. Their collaborative studio practice suggests an environment where collective creativity can flourish, while supporting the needs of the individual architect. The current (and future) success of their unique studio culture is evident in the work. Each project demonstrates special care-even within the most modest program and budget. We are pleased to recognize the solid achievements of this young (and small) firm. We encourage both practicing and aspiring firms to consider a balanced vision for architectureÐone that instills a sense of community within, and outside of, the firm; fosters creative problem-solving while allowing flexibility in work style; and develops clarity of and sensitivity for client, program and materials.