Dwayne MacEwen’s work can be seen in some prominent spots around the Chicago area and even nationwide. The founder and principal at Evanston-based DMAC Architecture is currently the head architect on a high profile fitness center in Chicago that has been deemed one of the nation’s first fitness lifestyle hotels, and next year is set to have projects that include a New York casino and restaurants in Florida and Texas. Locally, though, he has worked on the Westfield Old Orchard Mall, the 900 Shops on the Magnificient Mile and many other restaurants, car dealerships, upscale hair salons and more.
Q: Why did you choose to locate your architecture firm in Evanston?
A: Our office was originally downtown, so I found myself working long hours and wasn’t able to spend much time with my two kids. I decided to move our office to Evanston as way to achieve a better work-life balance and spend more time with my family. I also wanted to move DMAC into a larger office space, which was tough to find downtown. Our office in Evanston has a studio environment where we have more than enough room to do mockups, build things and test designs. More than half of our clients are national, so being downtown wasn’t necessary.
Q: What’s your favorite building or structure in the Chicagoland area and why?
A: My favorite structure is the Marina Towers. I love how it navigates the city and emerges from the water. The towers feel like they are a part of Chicago – they acknowledge their time and place in the city. They feel like an elegant, meaningful structure that makes a positive impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
I also respect the old bridges around the city and the old power plant down by Roosevelt Road. These old buildings and structures have a purity and honesty to them. I believe that it’s a good test of architecture when buildings transcend their original program, and these old buildings outlive their program and become great spaces for apartment buildings and offices.
Q: What’s your favorite artwork and why?
A: My favorite piece of art is Les Demoiselles d’Avignon by Pablo Picasso. Years ago, I lived in Barcelona down the street from where the scene in the painting takes place, so it reminds me of a special time in my life when I was just getting started with architecture. I believe that art should mark time and space, similar to how music takes you back to a special time and place, and this painting does just that.
Picasso is also someone I admire. He learned the rules of painting before he experimented and created his own masterpieces. Architecture is similar to painting in that respect. You have to know the rules before you break them and create your own designs, which is something that I live by.
Q: If you could tear down and rebuild any building in the Chicago area (Evanston included) which one would it be and why?
A: There are several high-rise buildings that were built in the 90’s around the Streeterville neighborhood that I consider ‘missed opportunities’. While the architects had incredible budgets, they didn’t create something meaningful. Not every building needs to be a landmark or icon (like the Aqua), but they should all participate in the urban experience and give something back to the neighborhood, city and street.
Q: What’s a common misconception people have about your industry?
A: Many people think that architecture is highly specialized, that all firms are focused on one aspect such as residential buildings, hospitals or schools. However, I believe that architecture is more about design and ideas versus specific programs. At DMAC, we’re often asked who we recommend for interior design work, when really, we do pretty much everything that goes into making the final product, including interior design. We take a holistic approach to design, meaning we don’t stick to one specific type of project. We’ve worked on everything from custom furniture and lighting fixtures, to luxury car dealerships, restaurants and casinos.
When firms specialize in one area, such as hotel design, they deliver more of a commodity. Chances are that the outcome won’t be that innovative because they work on similar designs every day. When you look at a project with fresh eyes, you can reach beyond the boundaries of what you typically could accomplish. This is the approach we take at DMAC.
Q: What’s your favorite local activity to do in your downtime?
A: I enjoy playing hockey with my kids in my free time. I learned how to play hockey when I was in high school and got back into it once my kids started playing. When I first began practicing with them, the tape on my stick was older than most of the kids we were playing with since I hadn’t practiced since high school!
—Lee V. Gaines, Pioneer Press
