Expert Q&A: Kyle Webb

CH&L: Clients come to you for...

Kyle Webb: Innovative architectural designs that characterize the personality of both the client and the site where the project is built.  All of our projects are unique. Our team's technical resourcefulness coupled with a shared penchant for things traditional and new allows us to continually inspire diversity in our designs. Subtle, well-conceived and thoughtful design elements add unique architectural distinction that reflects our clients' signature styles. Diligent research and experience enables us to recommend materials and design elements that keep construction costs in line with our client's budget without sacrificing the vision.

CH&L: Your design philosophy is...

KW: We are, by design, a small team of architects operating collectively in a professional studio environment where our clients are always regarded as members of our team. Early on we establish an open and consistent dialogue with clients to ensure that we faithfully translate their personal needs, desires and vision. Our clients' role as "design partner” continues throughout every project because we believe the team effort produces the best end result. We do not start drawing until we truly understand the client’s needs, dreams and budget.

Knowing that the homes and commercial structures we design and build are part of a larger picture of land use, infrastructure, community and urban development, we have employed sustainable practices in every project where appropriate for the past twelve years. We maximize the features of the land and local resources in an unassuming common sense way. We create this personal value in architecture without generating unexpected costs.

CH&L: Your style is influenced by...

KW: The landscape, light, community and client's vision all combine to determine the final project design. Our awareness of and respect for the relationship between architect and client allows us to effectively create architecture that is both personalized and smart.

CH&L: The most inspiring thing you’ve seen lately is...

KW: The Poetry Foundation’s new building in Chicago. I was impressed by the building’s overall consideration for the site, the architect’s choice of materials, and the integration of natural and artificial light. It is a simple yet sophisticated structure. Compared to the surrounding skyscrapers, it is small and understated, a thoughtful and peaceful place for contemplation in an urban context.

CH&L: Every home must have...

KW: A clear point of arrival, a central gathering place, a personality that reflects the owners’, great lighting, and views that play off the site. My wife would say great art, but I believe every home must have details that serve as focal points to reveal the interests and the passions of the client.

CH&L: Share with us one of your go-to design resources…

KW: I believe a talented cabinet designer is critical for meeting budgets and deadlines and for attaining overall design success. Cabinetry is one of the primary elements that bring together the architecture and the interior design. My go-to is Mikal Otten at Exquisite Kitchen Design. 

CH&L: Make a design prediction…

KW: While sustainable design is currently apropos, I trust that clients will only become increasingly thoughtful about associating value with energy-efficiency, low-impact building materials, water conservancy and responsible environmental stewardship. In that vein, I believe that natural materials are timeless.

To learn more about K.H. Webb Architecture visit K.H. Webb Architects.