When I started out on my own, working in the basement of Peggy’s and my home, I never dreamed that we would be here today. In 1983 when Dwain and I became partners, he talked me into getting 6 drafting tables instead of just one for each of us… in case we expanded. Expand we did – with a staff of 32, including 8 partners. Obviously we have consistently grown over the years, as a result of good business decisions and the efforts and commitment of our staff.

Just recently I stopped over at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. When I was there, it struck me that we designed their administrative office building 24 years ago! It looks just as good today as it did for the ribbon cutting.

Cantigny has been a client of ours since 1989. School District U-46 has been a client since 1984. This is the result of the quality of service and personal commitment that we have made to them. They have become more than clients; they are friends.

Our longevity has not been by accident. I have seen many architect friends who have started their own firms, only to see them fall apart as a result of focusing on the wrong market, poor business conditions, partners not pulling their own weight, or partner egos getting in the way of successes – taking their eyes off of the prize.

Dwain and I have known each other for over 50 years and are still partners. We have also added 6 partners; it is by more than luck that we have been able to accomplish this.

It has been an enjoyable ride and I can honestly say that it has truly been fun. For me architecture and design have been a passion – a labor of love.