Title: Owner
Company: Robert J. Neylan Architects Ltd.
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Robert J. Neylan, AIA, owner of Robert J. Neylan Architects Ltd., has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements, and leadership in architecture and design.
With over three and a half decades of experience to his credit, Mr. Neylan has established a successful career in architecture and design, specializing in high-end residential architecture. He currently excels as the owner of Robert J. Neylan Architects Ltd., a role he has held since 2001. In this capacity, he operates a virtual office, with his employees working from home. He coordinates tasks and interacts with clients, serving as the main point of contact for the firm and handling all client interactions. Additionally, he conducts fieldwork, requiring extensive travel to locations such as Dallas, Atlanta, Lake Michigan, and Fairmont in Iowa. His prior roles include serving as Associate Principal at Nagle Hartray Danker Kagan McKay Penney Architects Ltd. from 1988 to 2000. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects.
In light of his impressive undertakings, Mr. Neylan has received numerous awards, including the Best of Houzz for six years: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2022. He also won the Best Compact Project award at the LaCantina Competition in 2020, was named one of the Top 100 Designers by The Design Bureau in 2014 and was featured in D Magazine’s Ten Most Beautiful Homes in Dallas. His work was included in Western Interiors “The List” for four consecutive years from 2005 to 2008, and he was the winner of the Subzero/Wolf Kitchen Design Contest for 2006-2007. Additionally, he received the AIA Distinguished Building Award from the American Institute of Architects in 2006, the MCA Golden Trowel Award in 2004, and was featured in Architectural Digest in 2001. Laying a solid foundation for his sucess, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and psychology from Vanderbilt University in 1984, and a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois Chicago in 1985.
One of Mr. Neylan’s most notable accomplishments was being honored with the AIA Distinguished Building Award by the American Institute of Architects in 2006. He attributes his success to his deep understanding of people. He pursued a college education with a major in psychology and political science, finding both fields invaluable for navigating the complex world of construction, budgets, managing expectations, and ensuring success. In the coming years, he aims to win a national award, believing that at this stage in his life, receiving recognition is increasingly valuable. In the coming years, he envisions himself continuing to design residences across the country, expanding his portfolio with increasingly prestigious projects. His long-term plan focuses on organic growth within his field, driven by his passion for residential design rather than a radical shift in trajectory.
In advising future professionals, Mr. Neylan emphasizes that success in architecture does not come overnight or easily. He cautions against expecting immediate wealth or a steady flow of projects right away. He says that many young architects, eager for quick success, often start their own practice too soon. Instead, he advises taking the time to build a solid network and gain experience before venturing out independently. It took him 13 years to establish himself and develop a network before starting his practice, and he believes that groundwork was crucial.
Mr. Neylan stresses the importance of continuous learning and networking, noting that success in architecture is not just about design, it is also about building relationships and managing projects effectively. He recommends surrounding oneself with people who complement your strengths and can handle aspects that are not your forte. Networking, project management, and client relationships are key, and understanding these elements early on will help young architects navigate challenges and build a sustainable career in the field.
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