During his 26 years in the profession Tom has worked on a broad array of project types. While his architectural experience includes hotels, health clubs, child care centers, courthouses, museums and residential projects, Tom has also worked on more than 50 office buildings and several million square feet of commercial interior design projects. He finds excitement in resolving the technical and design challenges inherent in architecture and seeing the design vision realized in built form. He also enjoys helping others to succeed and brings that mindset to his business relationships. As Managing Principal of the Chicago Studio, and one of 4240's founding principals, Tom is responsible for all aspects of the firm's practice in its Chicago office.
Having grown up in Chicago, Tom has been influenced by the thinking of the many great architects who have practiced in the city. His studies at the University of Illinois exposed him to modernist principles, which remain in most of Tom's projects today. His technical skills, analytical thinking, steady demeanor and the ability to foster communication have enabled him to effectively complete a large volume of projects and manage some of the firm's largest and most complex projects.
Having taught undergraduate design studios while a graduate student, and coming from a family of educators, Tom places a high value on education and passing knowledge on to the next generation. Tom has served as "Principal for a Day" in the Chicago Public Schools and has served as a juror in the Chicago Architectural Foundation's annual Newhouse Competition program for Chicago high school students interested in design. Tom has also served as a guest juror for U of I design studios and is a mentor to several young architects.
Master of Architecture, University of Illinois, 1982
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Illinois, 1980
University of Illinois Study Abroad Program, Versailles, France, 1979/1980
E Randal Johnson, AIA
Thomas R. Brauer, AIA
