Lucien Lagrange is a globally well-renowned architect and the October architect of the month on Bob Clark Beyond. He has designed iconic architecture and interiors in Chicago and around the world for over 50 years. Lagrange grew up in the Provence region of France as the son of a mason and moved to Montreal, Quebec, in 1959. He eventually became an architect in Montreal, later enrolling at Sherbrooke University for engineering. After his first year, he was accepted to McGill University and earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1972.
Lagrange worked on various assignments in Chicago and Montreal until 1978, when he moved to Chicago permanently. He started his architecture firm in 1985, representing new urbanism and new classical architecture, and it grew into a hands-on team of professionals who used their cross-disciplinary insights and expertise to bring projects to life.
One of my favorite aspects of Lagrange’s work is how he applies a human-centered approach to everything he does. Lagrange’s style evokes a sense of place, refinement, security, and livability while working to foster a feeling of connection for future generations. Lagrange is currently developing some of the most noteworthy and exclusive structures in Chicago, including nine out of the top 20 most expensive high-rise residential properties.
The Park Hyatt is 67 stories tall and one of the world’s tallest buildings clad with architectural precast concrete. The residential oasis is also one of the tallest non-steel framed structures in the world and the first building in the US to be designed with a tuned mass damper from the outset. The Waldorf Astoria Chicago is a highly textured 60-story tower with both luxury hotel and residential accommodations. It has a French-inspired design complete with a 2,294 square foot ballroom, colonnades, spires, and a motor court.
10 East Delaware features 121 private residences, a curving private balcony with wrought iron detailing, a rooftop garden, an outdoor swimming pool, and the 35th-floor Ten Club. The Blackstone Hotel features 332 hotel rooms and suites and has a rich history of hosting 12 US presidents – and even has Al Capone’s former barbershop onsite!
As Lagrange once said, “A beautiful exterior is merely the opening line of the drama,” – and each incredible development he creates sets the scene for a transformational story. I look forward to seeing what he will do next and the innovation he’ll incite on the Lamar Johnson Collaborative team.
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