Foolishly bought a Costco tub of spinach artichoke dip multiple days in advance of a party, there’s no way this thing makes it unscathed until then

Heading outside

But first, dandan noodles and Hainanese chicken in a Chinatown basement

Got the whole day free. I think it’s time for my first Chicago architecture walk in over a year since I started writing this book. 🫨

I no longer identify as a glass brick hater, I hope @maxchavez.bsky.social is proud of me

Sushi night with oomf

In very exciting news, the Joong Boo up near and Peterson and Pulaski is also now selling their gigantic wang mandu 🤤

Terrific Lao meal at Lao Der tonight! The khao piek sen, a comfort bowl of chicken broth and pillowy noodles and meatballs, was so good that I’m already planning my immediate return.

Forgot I bought a Barbican tote in August so I’ve been taking it with me everywhere all week

Tonight’s watch—my first time seeing this somehow!

Some new photos by @gardnergareth.bsky.social of the ceramic subway mural of mine that was just completed in Birmingham

Got to play with a pug at my barbershop, so it’s been a really good day

I feel like I just found a gold nugget! During my daily streetview ambling I just now discovered a 1925 apartment building designed by RM Schindler that was thought to have been demolished for the 101 freeway. But it wasn’t! It was *moved.* (first screenshot is from US Modernist)

First full draft of my book is submitted and in the can — only one way to celebrate.

Ah yes straddling a bike lane separator is exactly where I’d park a giant truck

One more flight, my seventh in a month and a half, and then it’s home for the foreseeable future to finish writing this book 🥸

Back in the 626 😎

Yesterday’s travel day back home:

New suit goofin’

🚨ROCHE DINKELOO ALERT 🚨

All Souls Church (1823) by John Nash

4901 Searle Parkway, Skokie IL. 1941, Herbert Banse

66 Frognal (1938), designed by Colin Lucas

Hopkins House (1976) by Michael and Patty Hopkins (thanks for taking me here @anfurman.bsky.social!)

Broadwalk Court (1934) by Robert Atkinson

Portcullis House (1992-2001) by Hopkins Architects

Eltham Palace (1933) by Seely & Paget. This home was attached to the near-ruins of a 15th century palace where Henry VIII grew up. The home was derided at the time, particularly for its demolition of some of the site’s more dilapidated parts, but it is today a classic of Art Deco residential design.

Barbican Estate (1965-1976) by Chamberlin, Powell, and Bon.

I straight up just did not post anything from my two weeks in London and Paris so I guess I have a lot to share now: V&A East Storehouse (2025) by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Incredible.

chicago babes in london @maxchavez.bsky.social

I went here and everyone, and I mean absolutely everyone, knew you

Splish splash I was walkin’ in Bath

Turned 35 in London 🎂🎈

London posting for the next two weeks. First up, a favorite from my grad school years: Nicholas Hawksmoor’s deliriously proportioned Christ Church, Spitalfields (1714-1729).

Wilbur Wright Community College (1992) by Bertrand Goldberg. A set of three square buildings and a towering pyramid connected by a central hallway hub and pipes.

Probably a top ten Chicago doorway and the rare American Art Nouveau design: 2934-2936 W. Logan Boulevard (1909) by Frederick Schock.

I've been trying to get some photos of this little church in decent light, without a car parked in front, for several years now. Tonight was the night.

St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital Chapel (1975) designed by sculptor Lee Schillereff (sorry, had to repost because of a typo lol)

St. John Bosco Church (1964) by Belli & Belli

St. Thomas More Church (1958) by Barry & Kay

Berean Baptist Church (1962) by Harris & Isensee, formerly located amongst the Robert Taylor Homes.

Former Illinois Federal Savings & Loan (1962), designed by Bank Building & Equipment Corporation of America

Liberty Baptist Church (1956) by William Alderman

St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel (1961), formerly Sacred Heart Chapel, designed by Michael Gaul.

Officially 25 lbs lighter as of this morning which is a pretty cool feeling 🦾

Washington Block (1874) by Frederick and Edward Baumann.

A rare good hair day, let’s celebrate that

Every appliance in here keeps breaking but at least the sunset light in my new place goes absolutely crazy

Just a reminder that this costs $50 at Lawrence Fish Market and it’s all extremely good

Once again praising the khao man gai at Siam Noodle & Rice