Timeless Design for Houses

Ten Commandments of Timeless Design for Houses of any Age

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.

In 2026, the talks will have a street by street focus of our beloved Historic District. The series will conclude will conclude with two more talks.  The remaining dates are:

• <rescheduling of Commandment #8 to be determined>

• Tuesday,  Aug 25

• Thursday,  Oct 22

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. Location for the meetings is being negotiated.