Executive Spotlight: Edward Twohey, Principal at BBA
Kelsey Munson on
Jan 27, 2025
ngth lies in the collective expertise and vision of our leadership team, and one key member of that team who plays a crucial role in driving the firm’s success and growth is Managing Principal Edward 'Ed' Twohey. With over three decades of experience, Ed’s leadership role and his expertise in historical homes have significantly contributed to the firm's success. But it’s his deep-rooted passion for architectural solutions, his innovative approach to the design challenges historic and urban building types present, and his commitment to integrating modern comforts that blend seamlessly with the historic integrity of a home that truly set him apart.
A Passion for Preservation and Restoration
Ed’s architectural journey began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where his mother’s appreciation for art, craftsmanship, and design played a pivotal role in shaping his future. Early on, Ed was introduced to the power of design and the value of preserving the past, from antique collecting to museum visits. A memorable trip to Columbus, Indiana during his youth sparked his fascination with architectural preservation, and it’s a passion that continues to influence his work today.
At BBA, Ed has found a particular fulfillment in custom residential architecture, especially with projects that involve the transformation of historically significant homes and buildings. His belief that each project is an opportunity to craft a unique solution is evident in the care he takes to adapt these structures, ensuring that the original integrity of the architecture is preserved while thoughtfully incorporating contemporary amenities.
“Transforming a historic structure requires a delicate balance. You want to honor the craftsmanship and character of the original work while ensuring that it serves today’s needs," says Ed. "It’s about giving these homes new life and new purpose without erasing the past.”
Crafting Harmony in Every Project
Throughout his career, Ed has worked on numerous high-profile residential and commercial projects. His role as Managing Principal involves overseeing the design and technical aspects of projects while ensuring that every detail harmonizes with the greater vision. His expertise in lighting design, masonry exteriors, and unique features like hidden doors and custom kitchens have become integral to the success of BBA’s diverse portfolio.
Ed’s love for problem-solving and finding creative solutions is evident in some of his most notable works, such as the transformation of historic properties in Lincoln Park and Kenwood. These 130+-year-old homes are being revived with the same attention to detail and respect for their original architecture, and Ed’s work is shaping them into the next chapter of their storied history.
“There’s a true satisfaction in restoring historic buildings. We’re not just creating something beautiful; we’re preserving a piece of history, ensuring it continues to be a part of the community for generations to come,” Ed explains.
One of his most rewarding projects was the transformation of Buddy Guy’s Legends blues club in Chicago, where he led the design of a 100-year-old building into a state-of-the-art performance venue. The project blended modern functionality with the venue's historic roots, capturing the essence of Chicago’s blues culture while becoming a landmark in its own right.
Innovative Solutions for Every Design Challenge
Ed’s expertise extends far beyond historic restorations and renovations. When it comes to new construction, particularly in Chicago’s dense urban environment, Ed’s ability to solve complex design challenges is invaluable. Understanding the city’s specific conditions—such as its high water table, soil quality, and the critical importance of proper drainage and settlement—is key to ensuring that new buildings are stable, sustainable, and built to last.
For clients looking to maximize their living space, Ed’s proficiency with deep foundations and underpinning has proven essential. Whether building new homes with expansive, functional spaces like full basements featuring sport courts or golf simulators, or remodeling existing structures by underpinning foundations to create deeper, more usable space, Ed’s solutions have transformed properties. Projects like 2 Flat Reborn and Shaw Mansion Restored showcase BBA’s ability to utilize underpinning to deepen foundations, allowing homeowners to gain more livable space without compromising the integrity of the original architecture.
Ed explains, “Tight urban sites, deep foundations, underpinning, or squeezing in an architectural staircase in a new location are all factors we contend with even when starting from scratch. These are tricky design conditions, but the solutions to these conditions can yield fantastic results. They certainly require a carefully vetted approach, and the wide mix of work we do at BBA has primed us to be able to tackle these challenges.”
Chicago's notoriously complex permitting process and zoning regulations can be daunting, but Ed’s familiarity with the city’s intricate building codes and his ability to navigate these challenges make him a trusted guide for clients embarking on new construction projects. His leadership on a 2019 committee with Chicago’s Department of Buildings that helped reshape Chicago’s building code further demonstrates his expertise.
This committee’s efforts transitioned the city from a unique set of standards to more globally recognized building codes, with necessary adaptations to preserve Chicago’s distinctive challenges and history.
“Whether it’s a new home or a historic restoration, every project is an opportunity to innovate and create something lasting,” says Ed. “In Chicago, the challenges are unique, but they’re not insurmountable. It’s about bringing together the knowledge of the land, the regulatory landscape, and the architectural vision to craft a solution that stands the test of time.”
A Growth-Focused Leader
Since joining BBA as the firm’s first full-time employee over 30 years ago, Ed’s journey has been marked by growth, both professionally and within the firm. Starting as a project architect, Ed became a principal after just four years. His path has involved taking on various roles, from overseeing production staff to managing marketing efforts and firm finances. Today, Ed serves as the Managing Principal, part of a leadership team that also includes BBA founder Gary Beyerl and Partner Jennifer Hense.
Ed’s leadership spans not just individual projects, but also the overall direction of the firm, where he plays a key role in guiding its growth and culture. "I wish I spent my whole day creating, but often I am writing something, or providing commentary on the work of our teammates," says Ed. "I run the design on my own projects, and I also take the lead on technical and coordination issues for some of the work of the other principals as well. Logistics, technical coordination, lighting design, and City of Chicago permit approval processes are all in my wheelhouse."
Ed’s ability to manage these complex facets of each project—alongside his oversight of the firm’s broader strategic direction—demonstrates his comprehensive leadership. "What I’ve learned over the years is that architecture isn’t just about ideas and designs—it’s about communication. It’s about understanding the client’s vision, the needs of the project, and most importantly, the function of the space," says Ed. "It’s about listening more and continually learning. Our core mission at BBA is to realize inspired spaces, and that can’t happen without true collaboration.”
One of Ed’s proudest achievements at BBA is the strong, collaborative culture that the firm has cultivated. “The people we work with and the relationships we’ve built over the years are the most rewarding part of my career,” he says. “From contractors to clients, former team members to the next generation of architects, these connections are what make our work so meaningful.”
Drawing on the Past to Inspire the Future
Ed draws inspiration from his travels, particularly to Europe. His experiences in Scandinavia, Spain, and Ireland shaped his appreciation for old-world architecture. The resilience of ancient structures like Irish castles and the work of Antoni Gaudi, especially the Casa Batlló in Barcelona, has reinforced his commitment to preserving and adapting historically significant buildings.
“I’m also captivated by the innovative work of architects like Bjarke Ingels, who challenges conventional boundaries, and Olson Kundig’s client-centered philosophy,” says Ed. “But my true fascination lies in how we can continue to preserve craft and authenticity as technology advances. It’s a question architects have faced for centuries, and it’s something I’ll keep pushing in my own work.”
Beyond Architecture: Ed's Personal Life
When Ed isn’t working on a project, he enjoys time with his family in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago. He lives in a classic bungalow that he renovated with a second-floor addition. His wife, Cam, is an associate principal at Kahler-Slater Architects. They have two children, Cece, a student at Belmont University in Nashville, and Garrison, who attends Lane Tech High School in Chicago.
In his downtime, Ed is an avid golfer, skier, and outdoorsman. His hobbies range from BBQ cooking and hunting to genealogy and history. He’s also a dedicated community member, serving on the board of the Chicago Fire Department Foundation and as a volunteer youth baseball coach. Ed has brought that spirit of community to BBA by organizing firm-wide build days with the Chicago chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
Looking Forward
As BBA continues to evolve, Ed remains a driving force in the firm’s commitment to inspired design, historical preservation, and architectural excellence. His passion for preserving the past while adapting it for the future ensures that each project he touches is a testament to his belief in the lasting power of thoughtful design and craftsmanship.
“It’s all about creating spaces that function beautifully and are aesthetically satisfying, where the user experience is seamless. That’s the ultimate harmony we strive for,” Ed says.
For Ed, every project is an opportunity to contribute to the architectural landscape while honoring the past, and it’s this dedication to both history and innovation that makes him an invaluable leader at BBA.
Explore some of Ed’s most impactful projects and see how BBA continues to transform historical spaces with a modern twist: