Who is known as the "Father of Chicago Architecture"?

The title of "Father of Chicago Architecture" is commonly attributed to Louis Sullivan due to his significant influence on the development of modern architectural design in the city and beyond. Sullivan was a pioneering architect who advocated for a style that emphasized form and function, famously coining the phrase "form follows function." His architectural philosophy and designs laid the groundwork for modern skyscrapers and greatly influenced the Chicago School of architecture.

Sullivan’s work includes several iconic buildings, such as the Carson, Pirie, Scott, and Company Building, which exemplifies his innovative use of steel frame construction and decorative terra cotta cladding. His emphasis on the aesthetic integration of a building’s design and its purpose not only shaped the skyline of Chicago but also had a lasting impact on architecture as a whole.

While Frank Lloyd Wright, Daniel Burnham, and Bruce Graham each made notable contributions to architecture, particularly in relation to Chicago, Sullivan’s role in establishing key principles that define modern architecture solidifies his status as the "Father of Chicago Architecture."