by Tom Ryan, Architect
Naperville Preservation, Inc. (NPI) is pleased to present Ten Commandments of Timeless Design for Houses of Any Age, a series of ten talks over two years presented by longtime Naperville architect and NPI Board Member, Tom Ryan.
Inspired by the "bible" of residential design "Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid" by Marianne Cusato, Ben Pentreath, Richard Sammons and Leon Krier, these entertaining talks will aim to distill timeless residential design into memorable bite-size chunks for use in remodeling, additions and new construction for projects of any age, budget, size or style.
After each talk attendees will be given a collectible postcard summarizing the commandment and be invited to "Walk the Talk" during a mini field trip the following Saturday morning to experience the topic live and in-person.
WARNING: By attending a Talk and 'Walking the Talk' you will most likely know more about that particular topic than your friends, neighbors, builders and maybe your architect...don't get cocky. 😉
Topics will include an overview of the series and the timeless design concept, transforming dated houses, site planning, creating a welcoming house, choosing exterior materials, roof basics, perfect porch construction, doors & windows, balconies & bays and interior tips and tricks.
The 3rd talk will be Thursday June 19th titled "Site Planning with Nature and Neighbors in Mind" from 7PM to 8PM in the Naperville Municipal Center, Rooms A&B.
Other events in the series are planned for these Thursdays*:
2025: Aug 14 and Oct 9
2026: Feb 12, Apr 9, Jun 11, Aug 13, and Oct 8
The cost per talk will be free for members and $10 for non-members.
Be sure you are on our email list to receive the most timely announcements about the series.
* Please note, unforeseen circumstances may cause the dates to be altered. Space at the Naperville Municipal Center from 7PM through 8PM has been confirmed for 2025.
Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Naperville Municipal Center, Rooms A&B
400 S Eagle St,
Naperville, IL 60540
Cost: $10 non-members,
members free
Save the date for more information and the reservation link!
R.S.V.P./Get tickets. (Members, check your email for your free ticket promotional code to apply at check out.)
Join Tom on Saturday, June 21st, at 10AM on a visit to a home and garden to bring concepts from Thursday's Talk home.
No separate tickets/R.S.V.P. for the walk will be necessary, but the details will only be announced to those attending Thursday's event or special inquiry.
Here are summations and videos from those talks:
Good as New — Second Lives for Dated Houses 2025.04.10