Bryan Associates Inc. Architects:
Creating New Homes for
Old Neighborhoods
By
Enid ArnowitzWith more than 25 years of commercial design experience under his belt, Wayne Bryan set up shop
in the attic space above the garage of his family’s
home. As it happened, his transition from multi-
national A. Epstein and Sons in Chicago, a large-
scale architectural and engineering firm, happened
at just the right time and in just the right place.
In 1986, Wayne’s son Daniel joined the firm upon
his return from a semester abroad of cross-cultural architecture studies. Residential remodeling work
was steady for the new father-son team—with a tremendous boost in the early 1990’s when southwest suburban Hinsdale encountered the “teardown phenomenon.” While the duo continued to tackle renovation and addition work, “demand just
surged for projects that replaced older homes in established neighborhoods with larger, more elaborate structures. We
moved out of the attic!” says Dan Bryan. Several employees were added to the roster, and with the help of computer-aided
design and drafting, the company averaged 50 to 60 built projects each year for the next decade. The elder Bryan retired in
2000 and Dan is now at the helm as owner and principal.
The firm has earned a reputation for traditional detail and design. Years of experience blending additions to historical homes
has given Bryan Associates the ability to create new residences that authentically reflect a variety of architectural styles. While
the traditional exteriors of these new homes fit seamlessly into old neighborhoods, their interiors open up to accommodate the
way families live and entertain today. Plush master suites, truly functional home offices and playful finished basements highlight current designs.
A good example of Bryan’s handiwork can be seen in the case of a Burr Ridge Tudor-style home (featured on HGTV’s Before
& After). He described it as one with “little character, but great location” in a terrific neighborhood, with a short walk to school
for the four children. Bryan’s overhaul included additional space on the main floor, a modern kitchen, extra bedroom space on
the second floor, and a newly finished basement with game room, billiard room and home theater. A new roofline and façade improves aesthetics and a spacious patio is the backdrop when the family is outdoors.
If Bryan earned his stripes in the mastery of the whole-house remodel, he also gained insight into everyday construction issues. During the period when
construction volume was at its height, it became difficult to find qualified general contractors to build all
of the firm’s projects. To fill this gap, Bryan offered construction management services to his remodeling clientele. “Building makes you a better architect,” says Bryan. “It gives us a better idea of the whole picture and the technical ability to see how something goes together. I have creative ways to solve structural issues.” By incorporating this knowledge into designs and drawings, many construction glitches are avoided.
After designing more than 100 new homes for private owners and speculating contractors, Bryan formed Horizon Concepts, a home development company. The evolution to architect-led design/build service has helped the firm become more aware of lot purchase, real estate and other development issues in the west suburban corridor (Hinsdale, Western Springs, Burr Ridge, LaGrange, Riverside, Naperville). More than ever, Bryan believes that “upward vertical integration” is a productive model for solving construction problems. From developer to architect to builder to tradesman, first-hand communication is key to a successful project outcome.
Bryan is active in the American Institute of Architects, having served as president of the Northeast Illinois Chapter and as chair of the Committee on the Environment (COTE). This subcommittee explores alternatives to the mainstream as concerns shift to the long-term hazards of global warming and the benefit of building with renewable sources. Certainly Bryan’s early studies of climatic designs in Istanbul, Turkey -- bay windows and courtyards that provide cross-ventilation, bigger eave overhangs for shade -- provide a unique perspective. When building style reflects climate conditions, will we be less reliant on global thermal energy prices? “In the past, we’ve relied on mechanical systems to maintain comfort,” says Bryan. “Even better quality windows with more insulation can be a start.”
“When you try to be innovative, you run the risk of something going wrong!” notes Bryan. “When you’ve experienced it and built it, it gives you foresight that you don’t get out of a book.”
Bryan Associates Inc. Architects7714 South Grant Street
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone: 630-920-0777
Fax: 630-920-0778
www.bryanarchitects.com