Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Whyte.
Jeff, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started drawing houses when I was 8 years old. So becoming an architect came naturally. I have always been fascinated with building. After driving my parents crazy building forts when I was young, I took all of the drafting and architecture classes in High School and was consistently the best in my class. After High School, I ended up going to the University of Illinois at Chicago, then ranked #3 in the nation behind Harvard and Yale. During my studies, our dean became the dean at Yale. I never could figure out why we were ranked behind them if they wanted our dean. In my third year, I moved to Europe to study in Versailles, France. Beyond my classes I was required to travel for a minimum of 10 weeks to study the architecture of Europe; I ended up traveling even more. It was my father’s idea that I take the year abroad, he insisted, and I have been grateful ever since. It expanded my horizons unbelievably.
I started my company in 1990 and built all my own work for the first 7 years and continued to build on and off since then. Because I have both a creative side and a technical side I can use both skill sets for designing and construction. Most of my work centers on small to medium scale buildings with half being residential and half commercial. I work all over the Chicago area and have worked in Wisconsin, Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to have a studio in an incredible Mid-century Modern Landmark Building, the Schweikher House. Today I mainly split my time between working with clients, which I thoroughly enjoy, and working with contractors to execute my designs. Over the years I have found that working collaboratively with owners and contractors results in the best and most enjoyable outcome.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think anyone that has been in business knows that one must refocus as quickly as possible to begin finding a solution to any challenge. I’ve had my fair share. Starting my business so young and getting folks to have confidence in me. Learning to have good habits to avoid pitfalls. Learning how to talk to building departments and inspectors to get them to agree.
I think the struggles I have been most proud of are resolving construction issues. Many times, I have received calls from a contractor explaining a problem on a job site. Going backwards and rebuilding is not an option. I get called out to find a solution forward that works with the existing conditions and the goals of the client. These can sometimes be very tricky as I still need to stay on budget. This is where my creativity and my construction background come in handy.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Architect Jeff Whyte and Associates story. Tell us more about the business.
“Building Better Than You Imagined”, on our website, is an idea that came from my clients. The artist side in me looks at the world slightly differently and frequently allows me combine their ideas in new ways. So, we frequently come up with solutions that exceed our clients’ expectations. One client said, “We never thought of that idea and is works even better.”
Our specialty is coming up with creative solutions for small to medium sized buildings, both new construction and remodeling. I believe in using locally sourced materials and keeping things as energy efficient as possible. I always incorporate a flow of usefulness while still sculpting the space and mass to relate to the human scale. These are all ideas I’ve taken from organic concepts in architecture that came from architects before me.
Another way we stand out in the crowd is my depth of construction knowledge. Coming from a family in construction, although my father was the black sheep, he was in sales, and having built so much of my own work, I am able to bring a depth of construction to the table beyond most architects. This knowledge benefits me greatly when I’m trying to design a solution with character for a client and still stay on budget.
Beyond this we are able to offer our clients several unique digital services. The Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) system we use is a full parametric 3D system. This allows our clients to see the proposed design in 3D views and renderings. We can even walk them through the digital model. Our office offers a Products and Materials digital tracking system that assists clients in selecting the many elements of the building necessary for accurate bidding and sometimes permitting.
But I think the thing I am most grateful for is that my enthusiasm for architecture and building has not diminished over the years. I still enjoy working with folks to help them realize their dreams. I still enjoy working and learning from contractors. In so many ways, I am very lucky.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Frankly, the best luck I ever had was being born to good parents. They supported me and set me on the right path. Professionally, I’ve had the good fortune to work with many wonderful clients and meet many skilled craftsmen. However, I also believe we make our own luck. For example, recently I had the idea to go see a Peony plant in its original garden. It seemed like a small side trip at the time. After a series of inquiries, I ended up getting special access to the garden by the current owners, seeing the original plant, touring an incredible modern house on a hillside overlooking a lake, and making new friends. It was an incredible experience. I find that simply being curious can sometimes open more doors that expected. Is that luck? Maybe the best luck comes from simply being friendly and curious.
Contact Info:
- Address: 645 S. Meacham Rd.,
Schaumburg, IL 60193 - Website: www.jeffwhyte.com
- Phone: 847-490-0094
- Email: info@jeffwhyte.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeff.whyte.739
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/jeffwhyte/__public
Image Credit:
Jeff Whyte
FALA
Tony Jewell
James Caulfield
Ellen Lederman
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