Architectural Record
John Czarnecki, deputy editor of Architectural Record, profiles Strawn Sierralta in a collection of "Young Firms".
Czarnecki chronicles the spectrum of ways new studios approach the "daunting task" of starting an architectural practice in Chicago "considering the architectural history of the city and the pedigree of some of its most well-established firms".
“Strawn and Sierralta have had a remarkable first year out of school. They’ve been named finalists in two high-profile competitions: for the World Trade Center Memorial in New York and the Ford Calumet Environmental Center.”
ARTICLE EXCERPT
Young Firms
Bring a breath of fresh air to the Windy City
It is easy to typecast Chicago as the Midwestern City of Big Shoulders that had (past tense) a major influence on the planning of the modern metropolis and the development of tall buildings. In the architecture profession, Chicago is known for large, prominent firms with storied histories, including Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Holabird & Root, which helped to shape it. But who are emerging as the new architectural talents for an evolving Chicago? RECORD found a handful of extraordinary young Chicago designers who are forging ahead in directions that a young architect may not have thought possible even a generation ago.
...Young designers making a difference in Chicago are changing the city’s built environment by taking the road less traveled. Though, as Strawn and Sierralta showed with their World Trade Center Memorial entry, the impact of their design talents can be far-reaching. Says Deutsch, “It’s worthwhile knowing there are all these start-up firms that have taken chances and done some great things. It’s very healthy for Chicago.
- JOHN CZARNECKI, for ARCHITECTURAL RECORD
See more NEWS