Honoree Profile

Baine Rydin

Perkins Eastman

Title: Senior Associate
Tenure at Firm: 4 years
Nominating Principal: Heather Cain, Principal
School: Illinois Institute of Technology
Major: Architecture

Inspired By:

I love walking through a new project space for the first time. Whether it is a demo and refresh in a historic office tower, or a first-generation buildout in a gleaming new building. Imagining the potential in the space, combining that with the client’s needs, wants and a bit of who they are — such a powerful feeling!

Keys to a Successful Project:

The best projects often have a fun and experienced team, loads of communication and a clear understanding of the client’s brand and goals. Mix in a bit of user-centric functionality, and balance that with an elegant design – and have yourself one great recipe for success!

Which experiences have most influenced how you approach design?

Travel and experience! Whether its study-aboard opportunities, personal travel, or the chance to put another project under your belt — for me, there has been no replacement for seeing or doing anything firsthand. I try to see and do as much as I can, as fast as I can make it happen! Building a catalogue of experiences that inform the next opportunity…

” Baine is an architectural designer and project architect whose creativity and innovation consistently elevate Perkins Eastman Chicago’s work and design culture. On every project, he brings a highly collaborative approach that builds trust with clients and project teams alike. Baine listens deeply and translates complex goals into clear design solutions that balance vision, constructability, and function. Baine’s portfolio reflects a strong understanding of how design can shape experiences and strengthen community. This is evident in projects such as the University of Illinois Philanthropy Center and Forrestal Elementary School. The Philanthropy Center is an innovative headquarters that blends welcoming architecture with workplace efficiency and the warmth of hospitality. At Forrestal Elementary School, Baine helped deliver a forward-looking educational environment designed to expand opportunity and positively impact the North Chicago community. Baine’s impact extends beyond individual projects. He leads by example—mentoring younger staff, contributing meaningfully to projects across practice areas, and raising the level of design thinking across our studio. His talent, work ethic, and commitment to design excellence position him as an emerging leader within Perkins Eastman and the broader profession.“

Heather Cain
Principal

Favorite Haworth Collection Piece & Why:

Albero Plant Stand by Achille Castiglioni. The Albero plant stand is minimal, sculptural, flexible, and transforms collections of small plants into vertical forests! It has the right blend of industrial materiality and organic design to create a lasting impression.

Your current favorite color (RGB, CMYK, or HEX#):

Just color drenched our bedroom in Sherwin Williams Raisin SW7630 – I’m obsessed!