Celebrating Women's Impact in Architectural Photography

March is about more than the transition from winter to spring—it's also Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions women have made throughout history. Here are a few of the remarkable women who made their mark on architectural photography and whose work still inspires me to keep pushing the boundaries of my craft.

Dorothea Lange – a powerhouse whose iconic photos from the Great Depression continue to tell the story of America’s toughest times. Her portrait photography is what most people know best, but she also dabbled in architectural photography. The same lens that captured unforgettable faces also framed the buildings and landscapes of that era. Learn more about her work here:  The Dorothea Lange Digital Archive: Explore 600+ Photographs by the Influential Photographer (Plus Negatives, Contact Sheets & More) | Open Culture. 

Berenice Abbott – picture this: bustling New York City in the early 1900s. Berenice was there, camera in hand, capturing the city's ever-changing skyline. Her "Changing New York" project isn't just a photo album—it's a love letter to the Big Apple's architectural evolution. Berenice Abbott: Changing New York | The New York State Museum (nysed.gov) 

Margaret Bourke-White – a photo force to be reckoned with. From capturing the construction of the Chrysler Building to documenting the aftermath of World War II, Margaret's lens didn't just capture history—it made history. Margaret Bourke-White | MoMA

And there are many more. This is just a glimpse into the world of architectural photography through the eyes of some incredible women. As we celebrate Women's History Month, let's raise our cameras (or smartphones) to these trailblazers who dared to see the world differently and showed us that beauty is everywhere, even in the bricks and mortar around us.

A Melodic Journey: Capturing the Essence of Sweetwater Music Store

During my college days, I worked at the kind of local pub every small town needs. It was in an old building, steeped in local history - and I think some of the stories about the place might even have been true. Despite the age of the establishment, it wasn’t tired or dusty. Every weekend, and eclectic blend of live music rocked the rafters. If there were indeed ghosts in the attic, I imagine they were grooving right along with all of us mortals on the first floor. It was there that I discovered an appreciation for various musical genres, and one artist in particular left a lasting impression on me: Susan Tedeschi. Although her soulful melodies were never performed live at The Willard, her songs played on the jukebox almost every night, setting the tone for the live acts to follow and creating an enchanting atmosphere. 

A few years (or a couple of decades) later, I found myself embarking on an exciting photography assignment for Design Collaborative at Sweetwater Music Store in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Sweetwater is the largest music store in the United States, and whether you’re a professional guitarist or an amateur kazooist, the destination is bucket-list-worthy. It’s cool, and I was already geeking out. Then, as I stepped through the front doors, a Susan Tedeschi concert was resonating through the air. There’s no such thing as a perfect photo shoot . . . but this one came close. 

It was 40,000 square feet of musical magic, and somehow the store curated a personalized playlist for me that day as I worked with the Design Collaborative team to capture their ingenuity and attention to detail. The store’s new visual design incorporated a keyboard into the ceiling of the piano room, creating a sense that music literally surrounds you everywhere you turn. The lighting design in the guitar room cleverly mimicked guitar strings, gracefully draping across the frets. These elements not only enhanced the store's aesthetic appeal but also showcased the DC team's deep appreciation for the art of music.

Amid capturing some of the most unique photos I’ll likely ever shoot, I couldn't help but be transported back to The Willard. Like most college kids, I was nervous then about making it in the real world in my chosen field of study. I wondered – almost obsessively – if I could make a living as a photographer, and music provided an escape from some of the uncertainty. At Sweetwater, I had the awesome experience of soaking in my favorite melodies while doing the job I truly enjoy. It all intertwined seamlessly, celebrating the shared power of music and photography to evoke emotions and forge lasting connections.  

Banking on creativity

It’s always exciting when a new project begins with the question, “Do you travel?” This time, the road trip destination was a new credit union in Illinois, designed by the innovative team at DEI Incorporated. Their client had a bold vision in mind: a clean, modern design that embodied a forward-thinking approach to banking, all within a comfortable, contemporary space that would truly captivate visitors. 

DEI Inc. rose to the occasion, seamlessly integrating their client’s existing visual brand while crafting a distinctive identity for the new space. They placed a strong emphasis on ergonomics and flexibility, resulting in 15,000 versatile square feet. This impressive space features not one, but two kitchenettes for relaxed meetings and coffee breaks, private “phone booth” style pods for one-on-one discussions or focused work sessions, inviting meeting spots conveniently located near the pods, and a breathtaking break room that doubles as a spacious meeting and training area.

DEI Inc. is committed to delivering exceptional design and functionality. It shines through in every aspect of this project, showcasing their unparalleled ability to transform a vision into reality. By successfully combining aesthetics and practicality, they’ve set a new standard for modern financial institutions. 

The House that Speed Built

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to go fast. From racing friends on bikes to running track and field, if the goal was speed, I was interested. It’s no surprise that I’ve always been drawn to the Indy 500. Engines so loud you feel them in your chest; cars so fast you can barely see them as they zoom by; pageantry and pre-race traditions that make even rowdy race fans’ eyes well up with tears; rich history spanning more than a century . . . the Greatest Spectacle in Racing has everything. 

An often-overlooked piece of Indy 500 history graces Indy’s west side, but it’s not the famed oval. Allison Mansion, now part of Marian University, was home to James Allison - one of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s four original founders. In June of 1923, Allison became president of the Speedway. And 100 years later, as I stood in his former residence to photograph it, I got chills. 

Today, Marian prides itself on building future leaders. It seems fitting that Allison’s home is a central fixture on campus. Also fitting - Schmidt Associates’ recent project at Allison Mansion endeavored to transform the beautiful 1911 home into a space that would be even more accessible to all of Marian’s students and alumni – all modern-era leaders.

The project included an accessible entrance, a ramp to the event space, an accessible lift allowing access to the entire first floor and two single-occupancy unisex restrooms. And then there are the windows. New, picturesque windows in the connecting corridor match the size, feel and proportion of existing windows in the aviary, and they’re simply stunning. 

For more on the project, go Here

A Look Ahead

January in the Midwest is an interesting time of year. We’ve powered through the winter holidays; eaten our fill of sugar cookies; made New Year’s resolutions to never eat sugar cookies again . . . and now, we wait for spring. It could happen tomorrow, or it could take five months.  We never really know.  The gray skies, icy pavement and minimal daylight hours aren’t for everyone, but I have an unusual fondness for this season. This is the time when I plan for everything that’s ahead in the coming year.

First, the look back. I like to take stock of the previous year, thinking about what went well and where I want to grow.

Below are some of my favorite projects from 2022, and a heartfelt shout out to my amazing clients who invited me to be part of their storytelling.

Some may question the wisdom of a business owner who touts areas for improvement on his blog site, but I’m a transparent kind of guy. So in addition to the wins above, I’m also sharing an area where I want to grow in 2023. For those who have worked with me for a while, I hope I have successfully conveyed how much I appreciate candid feedback. I truly do. My goal in the coming year is to ask for input and feedback even more often. Brands and aesthetics evolve over time, and I want everyone I work with to feel comfortable saying, “hey, that look worked 3 years ago, but we need cooler lighting for our new marketing pieces.” Roger that.

Next, the look ahead. #architecturalphotography offers an incredible way to spend my days. I’m looking forward to the year ahead and the promise it holds!

Informatics & Communications Technology Complex

Tech powers our world in both noticeable and unseen ways. It can be easy to overlook the role IT plays in traditionally non-tech sectors, like higher education. The new Informatics & Communications Technology Complex (ICTC) at IUPUI makes an unmistakably bold statement about the way the university is developing tomorrow’s tech leaders AND investing in its own IT infrastructure. 

Four Point Design took the led and teamed up with MSKTD to create an open, collaborative environment by lowering workstation panels, elevating the level of natural light and creating more access to meeting spaces and focus rooms. The design also showcases the Global Network Operations Center (GNOC) by using electrified, back-projection glass – a stunning feature that provides both security and branding opportunities for the school. 

With four floors and more than 41,000 SF dedicated to technology, the space is designed to propel the downtown Indianapolis campus forward. And as the IUPUI story is written, I’m delighted at the opportunity to occupy a couple of sentences . . . or lines of code.

Junior Achievement of Northeast Indiana

I’m a big believer in investing in programs that shape today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders. When students are able to see the magnitude of that investment - to have visible proof that an entire community is rooting for them to succeed - it builds confidence and self-worth. I’m certain this will be the experience for K-12 students who step into the new Junior Achievement of Northeast Indiana headquarters in Fort Wayne. 

From the moment construction started on the facility, it was clear that the final product would make a bold statement. And it didn’t disappoint. 

As I photographed this building and learned more about the eye-catching elements, I learned that every aspect of the design was also created with student safety and youth development in mind. The result is a welcoming, energizing environment for all ages, from the Grand Hall and Entrepreneur Center to Biztown and Finance Park. 

Decatur City Hall

Growing up in Northeast Indiana, one of my great childhood joys was spending time at my grandparents’ farm just outside of Decatur. I climbed on grain bins; played on the tractor; learned how to grow things in dirt and fix just about anything with chicken wire or metal snipped from old tin cans. 

Our family farm was one of many farms that, when stitched together, formed a seemingly endless expanse of fields dotted with quaint farmhouses. As I learned later in life, this mountain-less, ocean-less landscape is a bit of an acquired taste for some. My wife who grew up in hilly Southern Indiana will often comment, “It sure is flat here.  Pretty.  Just flat.”

That it is.

But when the flat landscape is broken by the occasional small town, the contrast makes main street shops and courthouses seem wonderfully appealing. As much as I enjoyed visiting the farm, I also relished going into town with my grandparents to run errands. The bank was one of my favorite places to visit. A family friend, Jud, worked there. And the building itself was a beautiful limestone structure unlike anything else in downtown Decatur. It stood out in a majestic sort of way, and I loved it.    

When the team at Martin Riley called me in 2021 to tell me they had renovated an old bank building in downtown Decatur, transforming it into the new City Hall, I knew exactly which building they were describing . . . and I was delighted to photograph the project. 

Decades, later, the building is still magnificent. And once again, it’s a hub of activity at the heart of a vibrant town square.  

South Street Square Park

Few things have the power to transform a cityscape like parks do. When I first arrived in Indy in the late 90s, urban greenspace and parks in the heart of downtown were rare. Today, we’re fortunate to enjoy a mix of urban amenities - including green spaces, parks, and a robust trail system. The Circle City’s newest park, South Street Square Park, unites all of these elements in a stunning, unique approach. To see so many people in the park reading, walking, and playing was truly inspirational and an absolute joy. 

As a former Indy Parks employee and a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, I was ecstatic when Browning Day asked me to photograph the new downtown destination. To be able to highlight the beauty and genius of this park’s design was an opportunity I didn't want to miss. South Street Square Park demonstrates how well the team at Browning Day works with the community to provide amazing amenities in spaces of every size and shape. 

We’re all venturing out more these days. When you head downtown to rediscover local restaurants, shops and cultural venues, I hope you’ll add South Street Square Park to your must-see list. This beautiful new space offers us one more reason to #LoveIndy.

Andreasen Center for Wellness

Design Collaborative produces stunning work, and the new Andreasen Center for Wellness at Andrews University is visual proof. At more than 71,000sqft, the facility provides ample space for students, faculty and guests to explore amenities in support of overall health and wellness, in addition to physical fitness.

Dedicated workout areas are strategically located throughout to allow easy access to fitness spaces. Equipment includes free weights, weight training machines, cardio machines, a pool, teaching kitchens and a group fitness studio on the first floor. The upper floor holds a two-lane track, additional cardio and weight training equipment, stretching nooks and a second group fitness studio.