Root Principles

Design as Making

We understand design as an act of making. At every stage, the process produces something tangible: a model, a diagram, a system, a new logic given form. These artifacts are not byproducts, but are the work itself, capturing thought, dialogue, and decision-making in real time. As the project evolves, what we make grows in complexity, shaped by expanding criteria and constraints, ultimately becoming a framework that guides the realization of the building. Design is not a singular moment of authorship, but a continuous act of construction.

The Pursuit of Wonder

We believe architecture should expand how people experience the world around them. This often begins with a subtle shift in perspective that transforms the familiar into something newly seen, whether through light, landscape, material, or moments of unexpected delight. These qualities resist easy measurement, yet they are often what people remember most, cultivating attachment and a lasting sense of place. That same spirit shapes our design process: a willingness to experiment, reinterpret familiar problems, and remain open to possibility keeps our work evolving. By resisting the idea that expertise belongs within rigid sectors or typologies, we allow ideas to move freely across disciplines, scales, and building types, reflecting our belief that architecture's greatest contributions are often found in its most immeasurable qualities.

Human-Centered Modernism

From its earliest work, Holabird & Root approached modern architecture as a response to human needs. Rather than presenting buildings as abstract objects, we have consistently framed design as a solution to everyday conditions, improving how people work, move, and experience the city. This pragmatic, humane approach helped make modern architecture accessible and trusted, shaping a distinctly Midwestern modernism: practical, honest, and oriented toward daily life

Continuity through Reinterpretation

Our legacy is not preserved through repetition, but through reinterpretation. Each generation finds its own place within the firm’s history, building upon what came before with curiosity and critical perspective. This approach allows us to remain grounded while continually evolving—carrying forward core principles of rigor, clarity, and performance without becoming fixed in a single moment. In this way, continuity becomes active rather than static.