Thomas B. Coughlan was a late 19th-century/early 20th-century Detroit architect who rose to prominence during the city’s flourishing residential development period.  His work is a showcase of his commitment to quality, revival-style design: balanced symmetry, sturdy brickwork, and refined details that communicate stability and social standing in equal measure. His architecture defines some of Detroit’s […]

Tuller & Van Husan was an architectural firm that existed during Detroit’s northward residential expansion period from the 1910s through to the 1920s, one of many that popped up after its rise as an industrial great.  Their designs fit perfectly into historic neighborhoods like Virginia Park, where the city’s rapid economic growth in light of the […]

Varney & Winter was a Detroit architectural firm led by the architects Almon C. Varney and Frederick J. Winter, which shaped some of the most prestigious Detroit neighborhoods.  The firm’s work appealed to the city’s elite and reflected the sophisticated, revival-inspired designs favored by them.  Think sturdy façades, high-quality brick craftsmanship, and an overall sense […]

William Buck Stratton (1865–1938) was one of Detroit’s most prolific early-20th-century architectural greats, a designer best known for his expert-level mastery of Renaissance styles with Arts & Crafts detailing and a refined revivalist sensibility.  His expansive catalog of work showcases his stunning artisanal handiwork, quality materials, and balanced proportion—design values that had a huge impact […]

Walter S. Russel was a 20th century Detroit architect employed at the height of the city’s residential development period in the face of its rapid economic boom and rise as an automotive great. His extensive design catalog is a perfect reflection of the architectural tastes of Detroit’s emerging early elite class: think gorgeous façades, sturdy […]

W. C. Morris was a 20th-century Detroit architect who worked during a period of escalating architectural ambition that led to the development of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods.  Unlike most major firms tied to iconic landmarks and commercial commissions, Morris’ catalog of work focused on high-quality custom residential properties, which saw him emphasizing quality craftsmanship, […]

Wallace Frost (1892–1962) was a 20th-century architect who gained prominence in the state of Michigan as a master of high-quality domestic designs. Backed by training in both engineering, architecture, and design, Frost got his start in Philadelphia before briefly serving his country in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War I.  Upon returning […]

Harry C. Stevens was a Detroit architect who rose to prominence during the city’s early 20th-century rise as an industrialist hub and the rapid economic boom that followed. His work often featured understated traditional design influences backed by a good understanding of proportion and quality craftsmanship — two of the main hallmarks of the homes […]

Frank W. Wiedmaier (1882-1965) was a Detroit architect who got his start during the city’s economic boom period after its rise as an industrial giant, a time when historic districts like Indian Village were popping up as upscale residential enclaves that appealed to the era’s early elite. Wiedmaier’s work reflects the style, stature, and architectural […]

Edwin W. Gregory (1901-1955) was an architect who practiced in Detroit during the years when upscale residential enclaves were popping up all around the city – communities that were quickly favored by professionals, civic figures, and industrial executives. Like many architects who had a hand in shaping Detroit’s most iconic communities, Gregory’s work centered around […]

F. Gordon Pickell (1881-1949) was a late 19th century/early 20th century architect born in Jackson, Mississippi, who studied in New York, Philadelphia, and London before commencing his career in Philadelphia and later relocating to Detroit in 1909.  Widely respected for his intricately crafted, revival-inspired residential work that helped shape historic districts like Indian Village and […]

Frank E. Hill (1873-1940) was among a wave of many highly skilled early 20th-century Detroit architects who had a major impact on the city’s iconic high-style residential development during its economic rise to automotive giant status. His work showcases an expert level of understanding for quality construction, sophisticated influences, and strong curbside appeal — all […]

E. R. Dunlap (1900-1969) was an architect who rose to prominence during Detroit’s rapid rise as an industrial and automotive giant in the early 20th century, as well as the force behind the shortly lived firm that shared his name (Ellmore Ray Dunlap). A skilled designer who got his start at a time when Detroit’s […]

Dunlap & Willeke was the architectural firm of E. R. Dunlap and Leonard B. Willeke in the early 20th century, a time when Detroit underwent a rapid transformation into a worldwide industrial giant. One of the city’s formative decades for economic growth and residential expansion, Dunlap & Willeke played a major role in helping shape […]

Brown & Derrick, the brainchild of iconic architectural duo J. Martin Brown and Robert O. Derrick, was a leading architectural practice that operated out of Detroit in the early 20th century. A major player in shaping some of the city’s most heralded historic districts, Brown & Derrick was known for their popular revival style designs, […]