Architect Lucien Lagrange discusses his new book that reveals the story of one architect’s mid-course adjustment, a journey of discovery from Modern to Classical and back again, from disillusionment to renewed inspiration. Lagrange discusses early years at Skidmore Owings & Merrill and subsequent career as one of Chicago’s most prominent architects.

Lucien Lagrange was born and raised in France. He moved to Montréal in 1959 (then 18-years-old) in pursuit of a start in the field of Architecture. He graduated from McGill University School of Architecture in 1972 and came to Chicago in 1968 where he worked at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (S.O.M) during the summers as an intern. Mr. Lagrange made Chicago his permanent residence in 1978, and became a Senior Designer and Studio Head at S.O.M, contributing to 7 major projects during his 7 year career there. Having established Lucien Lagrange Architects in 1985 - now a 60-person firm - both his office and his residence have remained in Chicago, where he keeps a finger on the pulse of the city that has become his home.

Recorded Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at Alliance Française de Chicago.