At Optima®, the interplay of light and space is never an afterthought—it’s a foundation. From the shimmering desert of Scottsdale to the vibrant skyline of Chicago, natural light is one of the most powerful and versatile tools in our architectural language. Thoughtfully harnessed daylight not only transforms interiors; it enhances the way people feel, move, and live within a space.
More Than Illumination
Natural light is essential to how we perceive the built environment. It sculpts form and reveals texture, sets the mood of a room, and influences how we experience color. But beyond aesthetics, daylight plays a critical role in health and wellness. Numerous studies have linked exposure to natural light with improved mood, better sleep, and increased productivity. In residential environments, it encourages circadian rhythms and creates uplifting spaces that feel alive and dynamic throughout the day.
Natural light flooding the lobby at 7140 Optima Kierland Apartments®
The Optima® Approach to Light
Every Optima® community is designed to maximize the benefits of daylight—both functionally and emotionally. Our signature vertical landscaping and open floor plans are intentionally paired with floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and atriums that usher in abundant natural light. Rather than relying on artificial lighting schemes to define ambiance, we let sunlight be the storyteller.
Architect Le Corbusier once observed, “The history of architecture is the history of the struggle for light.” At Optima®, we embrace that challenge with every building we design, and each project is an exploration of how to bring light more deeply—and more meaningfully—into daily life.
At Optima Lakeview® in Chicago, generous expanses of glass invite the shifting Midwest sun to animate interiors across seasons. Meanwhile, in Scottsdale, Optima Sonoran Village® balances the intensity of desert light with deeply recessed balconies, louvered shades, and carefully oriented windows that filter glare while preserving a sense of openness. The result? Spaces that glow rather than glare—comfortable year-round.
Designing for Light and Life
The use of natural light also connects architecture more deeply to the rhythms of nature. Sunlight moves. It changes hue. It surprises. Designing with daylight means inviting that sense of wonder indoors. It’s why Optima Signature® integrates multi-level atriums and sky gardens that diffuse light vertically through the building. Or why Optima Verdana® emphasizes daylight in shared amenities like its indoor pool and fitness center—because natural light elevates the ordinary into something revitalizing.
Sustainable design is another key driver of daylighting. By optimizing window placement and using high-performance glazing, we reduce the need for artificial lighting and climate control. Daylight becomes a passive resource—an environmental asset as much as a design one.
A Philosophy of Transparency
Ultimately, designing with daylight reflects a broader philosophy of transparency—both literal and metaphorical. Optima® homes invite the outside world in. They frame the horizon, celebrate greenery, and blur the boundaries between private and public space. Natural light is central to that openness. It fosters a sense of connection: to the seasons, to place, to one another.
In architecture, daylight is often called “the oldest material.” At Optima®, it remains one of the most modern. Not because it’s new, but because it continues to evolve with how we live. It’s not just a technical solution—it’s an emotional one. A tool that nurtures joy, clarity, and wellbeing in everyday life.
At Optima®, we believe that architectural design and environmental responsibility should be inseparable. That belief drives every detail of our communities, from energy-efficient building systems to lush vertical landscaping. Now, with the debut of America’s largest private residential rainwater harvesting system at Optima McDowell Mountain® in Scottsdale, we’re pushing that commitment even further—creating a new benchmark in sustainable living.
Innovation That Starts From the Sky Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, where water conservation is critical, Optima McDowell Mountain® was designed to reflect the needs of both the local environment and the people who call it home. The new rainwater harvesting system spans the 3.75-acre development and captures, filters, and reuses rainwater to support the community’s expansive landscape needs.
With a storage capacity of 200,000 gallons, this cutting-edge system ensures that even in a region where rain is infrequent but intense, every drop is used wisely. Rainwater collected from the rooftops, terraces, and hardscape surfaces is channeled through engineered drains and filtration systems into large underground cisterns. This water is then repurposed for irrigation throughout the property’s extensive outdoor spaces, which feature native and drought-tolerant vegetation carefully curated to thrive in Scottsdale’s unique climate.
Designing for a Desert Future Water scarcity is one of the defining environmental challenges of the Southwest. As populations grow and climate patterns shift, forward-thinking solutions are essential—not just for new buildings but for the long-term sustainability of entire communities. Without question, Optima McDowell Mountain®’s rainwater harvesting system is a stunning technical achievement; it is also a meaningful step toward reimagining how luxury and environmental stewardship can—and must—coexist.
The system dramatically reduces the development’s dependence on municipal water, lessening its impact on an already stressed water supply. For residents, that means living in a place that not only looks beautiful but is actively working to protect the natural world that surrounds it.
Integrating Nature and Community True to Optima®’s philosophy of biophilic design, this system isn’t just behind the scenes—it’s part of a larger vision that connects architecture with nature. Lush courtyards, green spaces, and signature vertical gardens at Optima McDowell Mountain® are all supported by the harvested rainwater, providing vibrant and ever-changing scenery for residents to enjoy year-round.
These spaces are more than aesthetic features—they are active contributors to wellbeing, encouraging connection with nature, relaxation, and community engagement. Whether enjoying a morning coffee on a private terrace, walking the verdant paths, or gathering with neighbors in outdoor lounges, residents of Optima McDowell Mountain® experience firsthand how sustainability enhances quality of life.
A Model for What’s Next Optima McDowell Mountain® exemplifies the future of development in water-conscious regions by leveraging intelligent design and sustainable innovation. As America’s largest private rainwater harvesting system of its kind, it sets a precedent for what’s possible—and what should be expected—from contemporary architecture in the age of climate resilience.
At Optima®, we’re proud to lead by example, continually seeking bold ways to bring sustainability and beauty into harmony. With projects like Optima McDowell Mountain®, we’re not just designing buildings—we’re helping shape a healthier, smarter, and more sustainable world, one drop at a time.
At Optima®, we draw continual inspiration from the architects whose pioneering visions redefined the built environment. Among them, few figures loom larger—or more quietly transformative—than Rudolph Schindler. An Austrian-born architect who made his greatest contributions in the United States, Schindler created work that blended philosophy, craft, and a deeply personal vision of how space could enrich daily life. Though once overshadowed by contemporaries like Frank Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra, Schindler’s legacy endures as one of the most innovative voices in modernist architecture.
From Vienna to Los Angeles: A Transatlantic Shift in Thinking Born in 1887 in Vienna, Schindler was educated at the Technische Hochschule (now TU Wien), steeped in the intellectual ferment of early 20th-century Europe. There, he absorbed the influence of the Vienna Secession and the evolving ideas of functionalism and spatial dynamism. In 1914, he immigrated to the U.S. to work with Frank Lloyd Wright, drawn by the promise of a new architectural language being forged in the American landscape.
While Wright would prove to be a pivotal figure in Schindler’s early career—particularly during their collaboration on the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo—Schindler soon began forging a philosophy all his own, one that broke decisively from both Beaux-Arts tradition and even Wright’s organic romanticism.
The Schindler House: A Radical Vision of Domestic Life Schindler’s breakthrough came in 1922 with the completion of his own home in West Hollywood, known today as the Schindler House. Built of tilt-up concrete slabs and redwood panels, the house rejected the conventions of rooms and hallways in favor of open, flexible spaces that flowed into outdoor courtyards. It functioned not as a single-family home but as a live/work commune for two families—an experiment in shared living decades ahead of its time.
The Schindler House embodied what would become central to his work: a belief that architecture should be responsive, democratic, and rooted in its climate and landscape. It challenged the formality of domestic life and proposed instead a new kind of architecture that prioritized freedom, community, and the sensual experience of space.
Space Architecture: A Language of Light, Flow, and Terrain Schindler famously rejected the label “International Style,” opting instead for what he called “space architecture.” This wasn’t about surfaces or ornamentation, but about crafting volumes and planes in a way that shaped light, movement, and human interaction. He pioneered techniques like split-level floor plans, built-in furniture, and the integration of natural materials to blur the line between inside and out.
Throughout Southern California, Schindler applied these ideas to a range of modestly scaled homes and small commercial buildings. Projects like the Lovell Beach House (1926), How House (1925), and the Sachs Apartments (1929) all reflect a deeply personal, site-sensitive approach—modernism that breathes, that shelters, that liberates.
Legacy and Relevance Though he never enjoyed the commercial success or institutional acclaim of some peers, Schindler’s influence on modern architecture is profound. His work laid the groundwork for later developments in West Coast modernism and inspired generations of architects who sought to design with empathy and authenticity.
At Optima®, we share Schindler’s belief that design should respond to its environment and elevate the everyday. His legacy reminds us that architecture, at its best, is not a statement of power, but an expression of possibility—a carefully sculpted frame for life’s quiet rituals and bold moments alike.
In honoring Rudolph Schindler, we honor an architect who didn’t just build structures—he created spaces for living that still resonate with the values of modernism: clarity, integrity, and a deep respect for the human spirit.
At Optima®, our passion for modernist architecture is reflected in every line, material, and open space within our communities. This dedication draws inspiration from some of the greatest figures in architectural history—and among the most influential is Richard Neutra. A visionary of 20th-century modernism, Neutra’s work continues to resonate for its clean lines, integration with nature, and emphasis on well-being. Today, thanks to organizations like the Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design, the life, philosophy, and legacy of Richard Neutra remain accessible to those eager to learn from one of modernism’s most enduring masters.
A Vision Forged in Two Worlds
Born in Vienna in 1892, Richard Neutra was shaped by a classical European education and the intellectual ferment of early 20th-century architecture. He studied under Adolf Loos and drew inspiration from the philosophies of Freud and Einstein. But it was his move to the United States in the 1920s—and especially his time working with Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin—that catalyzed his unique approach: a fusion of European rationalism with the emerging spirit of American modernism.
Neutra VDL Studio and Residences, interior courtyard, 1932. Built on Silver Lake Boulevard with a no-interest loan from Dutch philanthropist Dr. CH Van Der Leeuw. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Credit: David Hartwell on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Neutra’s career flourished in Southern California, where he designed homes and public buildings that embraced new materials, industrial efficiency, and an intimate relationship between people and their environment. His practice prioritized human needs—both psychological and physical—through light-filled spaces, natural ventilation, and connections to the outdoors. These principles continue to inform Optima®’s own architectural philosophy, in which design seeks to enhance not just aesthetic beauty, but the full experience of living.
The Neutra Institute: Preserving a Legacy
The Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design, founded by Neutra and now led by his son Dion Neutra, serves as a comprehensive resource for studying and safeguarding Richard Neutra’s work. From its base in the Neutra-designed VDL Studio and Residences in Los Angeles, the Institute is a hub of archival material, preservation initiatives, and educational outreach. The VDL House itself—originally built in 1932, destroyed by fire in 1963, and rebuilt in 1966—is a living case study of Neutra’s evolving architectural thinking. Visitors and scholars can explore the modularity, passive climate strategies, and fluid indoor-outdoor relationships that characterize his designs.
The Institute’s website is a treasure trove for enthusiasts, offering rare photographs, original blueprints, writings, and comprehensive documentation of Neutra’s built work. It details both famous and lesser-known projects—from the iconic Lovell Health House and Kaufmann Desert House to international commissions in Europe and Latin America. The archive also addresses Neutra’s urban and ecological proposals, which anticipated many of today’s sustainability movements.
Human-Centered Modernism
What distinguishes Richard Neutra from many of his modernist contemporaries is his unwavering attention to the human condition. He coined the term “biorealism” to describe his approach: the belief that architecture should support and reflect the biological and emotional needs of its inhabitants. For Neutra, architecture wasn’t merely a matter of form—it was about survival, comfort, and psychological harmony.
His homes, often commissioned by middle-class professionals, were carefully crafted for real life—adaptable spaces with operable glass walls, deep eaves, and integrated landscaping. These environments encouraged rest, contemplation, and communion with nature, ideals that continue to inspire contemporary architects committed to well-being and sustainability.
A Lasting Influence
Richard Neutra’s influence can be seen not only in the lineage of modernist architecture, but also in today’s renewed focus on wellness, biophilic design, and environmental integration. His ideas prefigured many of the practices we now associate with sustainable development—such as passive solar design, efficient space planning, and the ethical use of materials.
At Optima®, we look to Neutra’s legacy as a guide and a reminder: that modernism, at its best, is not a style but a commitment—a way of thinking that sees architecture as a means of improving human life. As we design spaces that connect people with their surroundings and themselves, we continue the dialogue that Neutra began nearly a century ago.
To explore more of his work and philosophy, the Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design offers a compelling starting point—a rich resource for those who believe, as Neutra did, that good design is essential to the future of living well.
For many residents at Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®, living in Chicago comes with a deep appreciation for the city’s vibrant energy and cultural treasures. But even longtime Chicagoans can benefit from taking a fresh look at the iconic tourist destinations that draw visitors from around the globe. Whether you’re new to the city or a longtime resident seeking a weekend adventure, exploring these world-class attractions is a perfect way to deepen your connection to Chicago—and CityPASS® can make the experience more convenient, cost-effective, and fun.
Why play tourist in your own city?
Moving to or living in Chicago doesn’t automatically mean you’ve checked off every must-see destination. Between work, social engagements, and day-to-day life, it’s easy to postpone visits to the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, or Shedd Aquarium. Yet taking a purposeful day or weekend to rediscover these spots can bring fresh perspectives on what truly makes Chicago remarkable. Not only are these museums and observatories packed with awe-inspiring exhibits, but they also reflect the city’s architectural grandeur and its tradition of innovation. For many Optima® residents, an outing to a major museum can be as simple as hopping on the L or taking a short bike ride—making these iconic institutions easily accessible for a spontaneous cultural excursion.
CityPASS®: The Key to Streamlined Exploration If you plan to visit several major attractions, CityPASS® bundles admissions into a convenient ticket package that grants significant savings and skip-the-line perks. Participating Chicago destinations typically include:
Shedd Aquarium
Skydeck Chicago
The Field Museum
Adler Planetarium (or Art Institute of Chicago as an alternative option)
Museum of Science and Industry (or 360 CHICAGO as an alternative)
By paying once for CityPASS®, you gain access to multiple museums and experiences without juggling separate tickets. Plus, you avoid some of the longest queues—a bonus if you’re squeezing these explorations into a busy weekend. For families or friend groups planning a day of museum-hopping, CityPASS® adds a layer of ease to the journey—especially if you’re inviting out-of-town visitors to see the city’s best.
Iconic Stops on Your Cultural Journey
Shedd Aquarium: With its mesmerizing oceanarium and beloved penguin colony, Shedd remains a top-tier aquatic showcase. Younger visitors—and the young at heart—are drawn to everything from the vibrant coral reefs to the soothing beluga whales.
Field Museum: Home to SUE the T. rex and countless natural history treasures, this museum provides ample opportunity to delve into our planet’s past. If you enjoy dynamic cultural exhibits, keep an eye out for rotating displays exploring global civilizations.
Museum of Science and Industry: Housing a real German U-505 submarine and interactive exhibits on space travel, weather phenomena, and more, MSI is a dazzling monument to human innovation and curiosity.
Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower: For those craving a literal high point, the glass-floored Ledge on the Skydeck offers breathtaking vistas of the skyline and Lake Michigan.
Adler Planetarium: If you swap in the Adler instead of the Art Institute as part of your CityPASS®, you’ll find immersive sky shows and enthralling exhibits that transport you to distant galaxies.
Enhancing the Optima® Lifestyle
Chicago’s cultural offerings reflect the city’s innovative spirit—an energy that resonates with Optima®’s modern design and focus on community-building. Residents often find that a weekend “staycation” to local landmarks revitalizes their sense of place, infusing everyday life with awe-inspiring discoveries. And after a day spent marveling at dinosaur bones, Monet paintings, or solar system wonders, you can return to an Optima® residents’ club or rooftop to relax, share highlights with neighbors, or plan the next museum-hopping adventure.
Whether you’re stepping onto the glass ledge at Willis Tower for the first time or getting reacquainted with Impressionist masterpieces at the Art Institute, re-exploring Chicago’s classic sights can spark new appreciation for the city you call home. CityPASS® offers a streamlined way to embrace that tourist mindset—making it easier to check off major attractions without feeling rushed or overspending. So pick a day, gather your sense of curiosity, and set out to rediscover Chicago through the lens of its most iconic destinations. You’ll likely come away reminded of just how dynamic, creative, and welcoming the Windy City can be.
For more information about CityPASS®, visit their website here.
Modernist design has long championed the union of form and function, celebrating clean lines and innovative materials. Yet in today’s landscape—where climate change, resource scarcity, and urban growth spur pressing challenges—Optima® is pushing these principles even further. Regenerative architecture is emerging as a cutting-edge philosophy that not only minimizes environmental harm, but actively revitalizes the ecosystems and communities in which buildings stand. It represents the next horizon of sustainable design—an approach that aims to give back more than it takes.
From Sustainable to Regenerative Historically, green or sustainable architecture has focused on reducing negative environmental impacts: lowering energy usage, waste, and carbon emissions. While crucial, such measures often aim to meet net-zero or near-neutral outcomes. Regenerative architecture, however, sets its sights on a net-positive goal. Rather than just stopping at less harm, regenerative projects create environmental and social benefits—like enhancing biodiversity, improving local air and water quality, or boosting community well-being. A building designed regeneratively can restore habitats, replenish local groundwater through smart water cycles, or even produce more renewable energy than it consumes. This shift in mindset—from minimizing damage to actively healing—lies at the heart of the regenerative movement.
View onto the courtyard from the library lounge at Optima Verdana®
Holistic Design and Natural Systems
A key principle of regenerative architecture involves embracing natural systems as co-partners. Designers study local climate, soil conditions, wildlife habitats, and water cycles to inform every facet of a building’s design and function. This may involve rainwater harvesting to supply irrigation, constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment, or green roofs that help insulate the building and provide pollinator habitats. By weaving these natural processes into the building’s life cycle, architects ensure that structures and landscapes work in harmony—yielding a net-positive ecological footprint.
Additionally, regenerative design aligns with cradle-to-cradle product lifecycles, where materials are selected for durability and potential reuse. As an example, structural elements can be planned for future disassembly, ensuring materials can be recycled or upcycled rather than destined for landfill. For companies like Optima®, known for modernist styles that emphasize efficiency and elegance, these practices dovetail with the core ideals of minimalism and functional beauty—form following the environment, so to speak.
Community, Health, and Well-Being
Although “regenerative” often conjures images of greenery and ecosystems, people remain central to the concept. Regenerative architecture aims to improve human health, happiness, and community resilience. Buildings that filter indoor air through bio-based solutions, incorporate natural light in all interior spaces, and emphasize biophilic design can enhance psychological well-being. Some advanced projects even feature integrated agriculture, allowing residents or employees to grow fresh produce onsite. At once, these features reduce carbon footprints and strengthen local food security—yet another way architecture can “give back.”
Architects and planners also consider walkability, local cultural identity, and public spaces as part of a structure’s regenerative impact. For instance, a building might be sited to connect with public transit routes or designed with amenities that encourage social interaction—like shared courtyards or rooftop gardens. In doing so, the development fosters social ties and reduces automobile dependency. It’s a holistic take: just as the building nurtures its immediate environment, it also uplifts the people who inhabit and surround it.
Embracing the Future: A Regenerative Path Forward
For Optima® and like-minded architects, regenerative architecture holds immense promise. By going beyond conventional sustainability, design teams can ensure that each project not only mitigates but actually improves its ecological and social context. This might mean a commercial building whose photovoltaic canopy supplies extra energy to the grid, or a residential complex whose integrated water management system revives a local wetland. The ultimate aim is to create built environments that echo the principles of modernism—striking, efficient, and forward-thinking—while also forming a positive, symbiotic relationship with the planet and its inhabitants.
As regenerative concepts gain traction, they underscore a fundamental truth: the built world and the natural world don’t have to be in conflict. With innovation, empathy, and a systems-thinking approach, architecture can truly regenerate. And by staying rooted in modern design, we can craft structures that are both visually arresting and life-giving—ushering in an era where buildings sustain and enrich the land, rather than merely occupying it.
Nestled in the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois, Galena is a hidden gem that offers Chicagoans a rejuvenating escape from the urban hustle. At Optima®, we celebrate experiences that blend wellness, design, and local culture – and a day trip to Galena hits all those notes for residents at Optima Signature® and Optima Lakeview®. Though roughly a three-hour drive from Chicago, this picturesque town feels worlds apart, with historic 19th-century streets and tranquil landscapes that make it feel like a step back in time. It’s the perfect getaway for city dwellers seeking a taste of small-town magic without an overnight commitment.
Historic Charm in a Picturesque Setting Galena’s rich history is immediately evident in its beautifully preserved architecture and storybook streetscape. In fact, about 85% of the town is a designated national historic district, creating the sense of walking through a living museum. The downtown area still looks much as it did in the 1800s, with brick-paved sidewalks and Victorian buildings lining Main Street. History enthusiasts and design lovers alike will appreciate landmarks like the Ulysses S. Grant Home, the former residence of the Civil War hero and U.S. President, which is open for tours. Even Abraham Lincoln had ties to Galena – he once gave a speech from the balcony of the DeSoto House Hotel, Illinois’ oldest operating hotel. From grand historic mansions to quaint storefronts, Galena’s heritage and architectural charm provide constant inspiration.
Curated Boutiques and Local Artisans on Main Street Galena’s Main Street – famously nicknamed the “Helluva Half Mile” – boasts over 125 independently owned shops, galleries, and eateries packed into a half-mile stretch. There are no chain stores here; instead, you’ll find one-of-a-kind boutiques, antique stores, artisan studios and sweet shops occupying original 19th-century buildings. It’s a shopper’s paradise and a cultural adventure all in one. You can peruse art galleries featuring local artists, hunt for vintage treasures in antique emporiums, or pop into specialty stores selling everything from handmade jewelry to gourmet spices. Foodies will enjoy tasting local olive oils and vinegars at the Galena Garlic Company or sampling treats at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Every shop and café feels thoughtfully curated, reflecting the town’s creative spirit and offering visitors a truly unique, local experience.
Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Wellness Retreats Beyond the quaint downtown, Galena’s scenic landscape invites you to unplug and recharge in nature. The town is surrounded by rolling hills, wooded bluffs and the meandering Galena River, offering vistas rarely found in Illinois’ typically flat terrain. Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of options: you might take a short hike at Horseshoe Mound Preserve for panoramic views of the countryside (on a clear day you can see into three states!), or enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Galena River Trail as it winds past wetlands and wildflowers. For a bit more adventure, Galena even offers ziplining tours through the treetops and hot air balloon rides at sunrise, soaring above the patchwork of farms and forests. If relaxation is your aim, Galena has you covered too – indulge in a spa treatment at the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, or simply find peace in the fresh air and slower pace. Whether you’re kayaking on Lake Galena or birdwatching for eagles along the Mississippi River bluffs,the natural beauty of Galena adds a wellness element to your trip, leaving you refreshed and inspired.
Savoring Local Flavors and Cuisine
No day trip is complete without great food, and Galena’s dining scene does not disappoint. The town is known for its amazing dining options ranging from cozy cafés to gourmet farm-to-table restaurants. Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at a local favorite like Otto’s Place, or grab a fresh pastry downtown. For lunch, you might try a laid-back spot such as Durty Gurt’s Burger Joynt (famous for its creative burgers and quirky decor), or enjoy a healthy farm-fresh salad on a patio with a view. As the day winds down, treat yourself to Galena’s culinary delights: perhaps dinner at Fried Green Tomatoes, a farm-to-table eatery known for its historic ambiance and locally sourced dishes. Don’t forget to sample the local beverages – Galena Cellars offers a tasting room on Main Street for Illinois wines, and Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. serves up craft whiskey and gin with behind-the-scenes tours. From fine dining to an old-fashioned ice cream cone for dessert, Galena’s mix of flavors perfectly complements a day of exploration, satisfying both palate and soul.
An Easy Escape with Small-Town Magic
What makes Galena truly special is how easily it can be enjoyed in a single day, yet how deeply it renews you. The town’s innate charm and hospitality immediately make visitors feel welcome. As you stroll its streets or hike its hills, you’ll find yourself breathing a little deeper and smiling a little more. Best of all, Galena is an easy, scenic road trip through Illinois countryside that trades skyscrapers for church steeples and city lights for starry skies. By the time you return home to the city, you’ll have savored rich history, unique shopping, natural beauty and delicious food – all the ingredients of a rejuvenating getaway. For those in Chicago’s Optima® communities seeking wellness, design inspiration, and curated experiences, Galena is a perfect day trip destination that proves you don’t have to travel far to find a refreshing change of pace. It’s small-town magic, served up just when you need it, and it’s waiting to be discovered on your next free day.
Anni Albers stands as one of the most compelling figures in twentieth-century design, particularly within the Bauhaus movement and its far-reaching influence on modernism. From her pioneering work in textile art to her enduring impact on how we view the intersection between craft and architecture, Albers’s legacy continues to resonate with contemporary creators—including those of us at Optima®, with our dedication to modernist design and architecture. Listening to the podcast from Dialogues: The David Zwirner Podcast,Anni Albers: Her Life, Her Work, Her Words, offers rich insights into her life, philosophy, and groundbreaking approach to weaving. Here, we delve deeper into Albers’s story and reflect on why her legacy remains so vital in today’s architectural and design landscapes.
Born in Berlin in 1899, Anni Albers (née Annelise Fleischmann) found her true artistic calling at the Bauhaus, one of the most progressive art and design schools of the early twentieth century. It was there that she met her husband, Josef Albers, and discovered her passion for weaving. Although the Bauhaus promised a forward-thinking approach, its workshops often remained hampered by traditional views of what was considered “women’s work.” As a result, many female students—Anni included—were guided toward textiles. Far from allowing these gendered expectations to limit her, however, Albers used weaving to propel her artistic vision into entirely new territory. Her work fused creative experimentation with technical rigor, ultimately transforming the loom into a site of modernist innovation.
One of Anni Albers’s defining contributions was her ability to blur the boundaries between artistic mediums. At the Bauhaus, the reigning ethos was that no single discipline (painting, sculpture, architecture, craft) was more or less important than another. Albers embodied this principle by refusing to see weaving as mere craft; instead, she treated threads as a vehicle for pattern, texture, and even acoustic manipulation. Her textiles were not just decorative finishes, but integral elements that interacted with architecture—softening the light, affecting sound absorption, and contributing to the spatial experience. At Optima®, we share this commitment to holistic design. Much like Albers, we believe that every detail—from the largest structural element to the subtlest finishing—is an opportunity to enrich the built environment.
After the Bauhaus was forced to close in 1933 under political pressures, Anni and Josef Albers moved to the United States, where they joined Black Mountain College in North Carolina. In this experimental academic setting, her work took on further breadth. She continued to push the boundaries of textile design, drawing from unexpected influences like pre-Columbian weaving traditions. Exploring alternative materials (including cellophane and metallic threads) enabled her to create dazzling pieces that balanced geometry, color, and tactility in unprecedented ways. This blending of old and new—ancient craft techniques alongside modern materials—reflects a forward momentum integral to modernist design. At Optima®, our appreciation for heritage and innovation in tandem mirrors this sensibility, ensuring each new building resonates with both timeless design principles and progressive technologies.
Listening to a podcast about Anni Albers can be an illuminating experience because her story exemplifies the synergy between art, craft, and architecture. She didn’t simply weave beautiful textiles; she transformed interior spaces through meticulously considered patterns, textures, and colors that complemented and elevated the architectural framework. Her approach holds a direct kinship with our own design ethos: just as Albers experimented with pattern to create a harmonious unity in a space, we at Optima® strive to orchestrate an aesthetic dialogue between interior and exterior, blending form and function with grace and precision.
Albers’s legacy underscores the importance of collaboration. Throughout her career, she worked alongside architects and other designers to create textiles that were not afterthoughts but vital components of the overall environment. This spirit of collaboration resonates deeply with us; the relationship between structural design and interior detailing shapes the essence of modern architecture and continues to inspire us in creating innovative, interconnected spaces.
Ultimately, Anni Albers remains a beacon for those who believe in the transformative power of design. Her fusion of craft and modernism, her championing of textiles as an art form, and her unwavering dedication to experimentation have ensured that her work transcends any one era. Podcasts such as the one linked above remind us that, even decades after her time at the Bauhaus and Black Mountain College, Albers’s influence endures in every design-minded individual who values the profound interplay of texture, color, form, and space. As we reflect on her contributions, we, too, reaffirm our mission at Optima®: to carry forward the modernist torch in ways that honor the past, shape the present, and pave the way for bold, beautiful innovations in the future.
At Optima®, we take great pride in highlighting the extraordinary achievements of women who are reshaping the architectural landscape. In our ongoing “Women in Architecture” series, we turn the spotlight to Marina Tabassum, a pioneering Bangladeshi architect whose cutting-edge projects bridge cultural heritage, environmental responsibility, and modern design. Tabassum has garnered significant acclaim around the globe for her human-centered approach, particularly following her Aga Khan Award-winning Bait Ur Rouf Mosque — and she’s poised to reach new heights with her commission to design the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion in London. Her practice offers a glimpse of how architecture can honor local contexts while embracing fresh ideas to address today’s evolving challenges.
Redefining Modern Architecture from the Global South
Born and raised in Dhaka, Tabassum founded Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA) in 2005, with the goal of creating designs that serve their communities’ immediate needs while reflecting the region’s deeper cultural identity. Through her concept of “architecture of relevance,” she focuses on local materials, passive-cooling innovations, and cultural considerations—especially vital in a place like Bangladesh, where climatic shifts and rapid urbanization exert intense pressure on built environments. Tabassum’s buildings step beyond mere aesthetics; they become dynamic, adaptable entities that resonate with their local setting.
Her success story challenges the traditional assumption that modernism is solely shaped by Western architects. As one of the few architects from the Global South, and the first from Bangladesh to gain widespread international prestige, Tabassum paves the way for a more inclusive generation of designers. She exemplifies how “modern” can also be deeply rooted in the cultural complexities and ecological realities of an emerging nation.
Bait Ur Rouf Mosque: A Triumph of Simplicity and Light
Tabassum’s most celebrated work to date is perhaps the Bait Ur Rouf Mosque in Dhaka, which earned her the 2016 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Constructed using locally fired brick and minimalist forms, the mosque stands out for its peaceful geometry and interplay of natural light. Tabassum deliberately avoided ornamental flourishes, letting the building’s subtleties speak volumes. A rotated, cube-like form maximizes ventilation, while perforated screens and skylights fill the prayer hall with sun-dappled illumination—providing spiritual tranquility without relying on mechanical cooling or elaborate decoration.
Locals gather daily on the building’s raised plinth, an extension of its community-friendly ethos. Children can play safely above monsoon flood levels, while worshippers relish a dignified setting for prayer and reflection. This human-focused approach underscores how Tabassum’s design seamlessly integrates social well-being, a guiding principle we deeply value at Optima®.
2025 Serpentine Pavilion: A Global Stage for Sustainable Innovation
More recently, Tabassum was selected to design the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion in London—one of the world’s most prominent architectural commissions. Known for showcasing provocative, forward-thinking designs, the Serpentine Pavilion is a natural fit for an architect who believes that climate and cultural identity should be at the forefront. Tabassum plans to create a semi-open, transformable structure inspired by the South Asian Shamiyana tent, melding local craftsmanship with a modern flair for reconfigurable spaces. Her design aims to encourage communal interaction, paying homage to her homeland’s tradition of gathering around courtyards and communal platforms while employing modern materials that address environmental performance.
For Tabassum, this commission marks a triumph of inclusive design on an international platform. The resulting pavilion will not only introduce a wide audience to her innovative, climate-responsive methods, but also validate the notion that architects from the Global South can redefine our collective vision of modernism.
Charting a Vision for the Future
Marina Tabassum’s projects blend elegant geometry, local resources, and a people-first philosophy to address urgent challenges, from urban density to rising sea levels. In doing so, she leads by example: architecture that marries bold aesthetics with tangible social value.
As the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion approaches, the global spotlight on Tabassum continues to grow—affirming her status as a transformative force in contemporary design. Her story underscores how the hallmark of true modernist innovation isn’t found only in glossy skyscrapers or high-tech facades; it’s also shaped by thoughtful, locally attuned strategies that honor both human needs and environmental responsibilities. This holistic spirit is precisely what drives Optima® in our mission to create spaces where modern architecture and community well-being thrive together.
Modern architecture often conjures images of sleek, geometric structures crafted by visionary architects—a philosophy we embrace wholeheartedly at Optima®, where each project pays homage to the ingenuity of modern design. Yet, while luminaries like Frank Lloyd Wright and Rudolph Schindler typically dominate the conversation, the behind-the-scenes work of skilled artisans often goes overlooked. One such artisan is Manuel Sandoval, a Nicaraguan-born master woodworker whose skill and passion quietly shaped many modernist masterpieces. Recently rediscovered by historians and curators, his story enriches our understanding of the movement itself—underscoring how monumental buildings and interiors rely on more than just an architect’s blueprint. They depend on the hands, dedication, and artistry of those who bring that vision to life, a principle deeply woven into Optima®’s own commitment to exceptional design and craftsmanship.
From Nicaraguan Roots to the Taliesin Fellowship Sandoval arrived in the United States in 1932, aspiring to become an architect. He joined Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin Fellowship in Wisconsin, where members typically got a broad education in Wright’s architectural philosophy. However, soon after observing Sandoval’s extraordinary woodworking talents, Wright famously “never let him out of the woodworking shop.” Sandoval was said to have cherished a simple pencil gifted by Wright, storing it in a velvet-lined box—a small but telling gesture of how deeply he respected both the craft and the man for whom he worked.
Although Sandoval’s dream of becoming a full-fledged architect remained unrealized, he channeled his ambition into perfecting woodworking techniques for furniture, built-ins, and architectural details. With unwavering dedication, he transformed sketches on paper into tangible works of art, ensuring Wright’s designs were realized with meticulous precision.
Collaborations with Frank Lloyd Wright Wright often relied on Sandoval for challenging, high-profile projects, including the Edgar J. Kaufmann Office (1937). The entire interior of this executive office in Pittsburgh was handcrafted, featuring cypress plywood wall panels, integrated furniture, and geometric accents. Sandoval’s artistry in the fine joinery and smooth finishes reflected Wright’s principle that architecture should be a holistic experience—unified in style and function. Known today as an “enclosed jewel box of modernist design,” the office has been preserved at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, standing as a quiet testament to Sandoval’s overlooked expertise.
Another noteworthy Wright project was the V.C. Morris Gift Shop in San Francisco (1948). Sandoval crafted the black walnut built-in displays and the store’s interior furnishings, a precursor to Wright’s spiraling layout for the Guggenheim Museum in New York. The shop’s warm wood surfaces balanced out the gallery-like simplicity of Wright’s curved walls. For visitors stepping into the store, the craftsmanship introduced a welcoming ambiance—a subtle dialogue between modern design geometry and natural materials that Sandoval brought to life.
A New Chapter with Rudolph Schindler Alongside his work for Wright, Sandoval collaborated with Rudolph M. Schindler, another architect known for experimental modern designs. One standout endeavor was the Walker Residence in Los Angeles’s Silver Lake district, where Sandoval built a custom dining set. The furniture echoed Schindler’s simple geometric lines, underscoring Sandoval’s remarkable capacity to adapt to different modernist vocabularies while maintaining his signature attention to quality. Guests in the Walker home might have gazed at the minimalist architecture, never realizing that an immigrant craftsman from Nicaragua had shaped those elegant lines of wood that anchored the space.
Overlooked, Until Now Despite bringing some of the mid-century’s most iconic structures to life, Sandoval remained largely uncredited. Historians often favored narratives of the “lone genius” architect, disregarding the artisans who executed complex details. Only a few references to Sandoval’s name appear in scattered letters or meeting notes, leaving a significant gap in design history. A foreman might recall a “talented carpenter,” or a colleague might see that Sandoval had quietly signed furniture backs in pencil—his personal seal on hours of painstaking labor.
It took dedicated detective work by curators and archivists to piece together his legacy. Some discovered references in the personal letters of Frank Lloyd Wright, praising “the new Nicaraguan fellow with a gift for wood.” Others found photographs of works-in-progress labeled simply “M. Sandoval, finishing cabinet.” In 2024, a Palm Springs Art Museum exhibition, So Near, So Far, features part of Sandoval’s work, describing him as “someone neglected by design history” whose craftsmanship was vital to modernism’s success.
Commitment to Quality and Detail Sandoval’s passion for exacting detail underlined every piece he produced. One anecdote recalls how he insisted on waxing the underside of a desk that no one would ever see, “because it, too, deserved respect.” Such care highlights a core value: to Sandoval, furniture and architectural elements were not just functional objects but vessels for artistry and soul. That echoes the essence of Optima® design principles, where every surface, color, and line is chosen to harmonize with the entire structure.
In fact, Sandoval’s approach mirrors the ideas behind integrated design—ensuring that architecture, interior design, and even furniture flow together as one cohesive statement. He believed that a building’s soul manifests in its details. His quiet determination made him a linchpin of Wright’s and Schindler’s projects, bridging architectural vision and real-world craftsmanship.
A Legacy of Inspiration Manuel Sandoval’s life story is a reminder that modernism is not solely the result of an architect’s pen—it also springs from the deeply dedicated hands of artisans. By acknowledging people like Sandoval, we embrace a more holistic view of modern architecture, one that celebrates the synergy between visionary designers and the skilled craftspeople who bring those visions into tangible form.
For those of us at Optima®, Sandoval’s narrative holds special meaning. It reflects the principle that exceptional architecture and design must be supported by precise execution. We see echoes of Sandoval’s approach in our own attention to detail—from the lines of our building facades to the craftsmanship in our shared amenities. It’s a shared belief in the integrity of materials, the spirit of innovation, and the potential for collaboration to yield spaces that enrich life.
As more research surfaces about Manuel Sandoval, his unheralded role in shaping some of modernism’s most iconic moments finally gains recognition. He may have worked away from the limelight, but his meticulous handiwork and dedication to quality continue to inspire. In celebrating the memory of Sandoval, we pay homage to the power of collaboration, the dignity of the craftsperson, and the universal drive to transform imagination into reality, one piece of wood at a time.
