Nadine Post wrote another wonderful article in ENR this week about Jeanne Gang, an architect doing some of the best work I’ve seen. The article begins this way:

Unlike many architects, Jeanne Gang, designer of Chicago’s mesmerizing Aqua Tower, respects builders and lives for construction.

Gang combines a wonderful imagination with a love of construction methods/details. Her civil engineer father drove the family to see fascinating bridges on many vacations (my kids relate). As she designed and built the 87 story Aqua Tower,  she worked closely with the foreman to get the undulating concrete details right. The photos show the success:

A mechanical engineers notes that Gang calls him into the project in the earliest stages, the only architect he knows that does that. I’ve told owners for years that one of the keys to cost effective and sustainable building design is to have the structural engineer and the HVAC engineer involved from the very early concept design.

Many folks in the article imply the lack of ego in Gang projects. She seems to strive to listen, think and move toward the best solution for the project, not just for her reputation. That’s the kind of architect I’d love to see move into this “Starchetect” role. Our industry needs more architects living those attributes.

Here’s another great photo showing creative material use and workmanship, with some beautiful design.

If you have a few minutes, I encourage you to read the ENR article. You’ll be glad you did.