Pam Lamaster-Millett and Greg Howe
Principals, Searl Lamaster Howe Architects
A shared love of inspiring spaces brought together Chicago architects Pam Lamaster-Millett and Greg Howe nearly 20 years ago. Ever since, they’ve served as full-time principals at Searl Lamaster Howe Architects. These days, they’re busy with projects like a Gold Coast apartment renovation, a brick-and-timber Utah retreat and a modern take on a Glencoe lake house. They’ve also shared their ideas for reinvigorating the Windy City for the Chicago Architecture Biennial‘s “Between States: Design Solutions for Chicago’s 50 Wards” exhibition, on display at the Chicago Architecture Foundation‘s Atrium Gallery through December 31.
We sat down with the busy creatives to get their tips for exploring the city that inspires them.
9 a.m. Start the day at Cafe Robey with the breakfast salad, which balances a sunny-side-up egg with fresh beets and walnuts.
10 a.m. Check out the preview exhibits leading up to the auctions at Wright. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind Gio Ponti lounge chair or an Alex Katz serigraph, seeing such treasured objects in the flesh is an experience a photo can never equal.
11 a.m. Pop into Jason Lewis‘ studio on Justine Street. His pieces are often the result of innovative techniques but always infused with a rich sense of materiality and craft. Lewis’ contemporary sensibility is enriched by his woodwork mastery.
12 p.m. Explore the exhibitions and open studios at the Bridgeport Art Center in McKinley Park. Be sure to visit the enormous vintage warehouse, an experience in itself.
1 p.m. Have lunch at Marisol, which is tucked in the Museum of Contemporary Art. The lively restaurant also provides an excellent excuse to easily look at the museum’s latest exhibits.
2 p.m. Stop into Hasana, a pop-up women’s boutique that carries local designers who can tailor pieces to fit and send them to your home. A portion of the proceeds fund girls’ education.
3 p.m. Head to Andersonville for Martha Mae: Art Supplies & Beautiful Things. With refined stationery from Appointed and crisply machined Kaweco fountain pens, you’ll be inspired to second-guess your smartphone.
4 p.m. Browse the classic and collectible cars at Evolve Motors. Whether you prefer a 1965 Citroen 2CV or a late-model Porsche 911, the curated selection here is inspiring from both a design and driving standpoint.
5 p.m. View the inventory at Bucktown’s Pavilion Antiques & 20th C, a favorite for accessories, furniture and lighting.
6 p.m. End the night with dinner at Farm Bar. The goat-sausage poutine is a perennial favorite, along with specialty craft cocktails like the Brown Dog Old Fashion and the Out Patient.
