Russ Tyson, Principal of Whitten Architects, has been a driving force and visionary leader at the studio for nearly two decades. His insightful guidance and keen design sensibility have been instrumental in continuing the firm's 40-year tradition of award-winning architectural excellence. Inspired from a young age by his mother, an artist, Russ cultivated a lifelong passion for sketching and drawing, which later blossomed into his deep love for the imaginative and collaborative process of design.
For Russ, the creative journey begins with a blank sheet of paper and evolves as he connects personally with each client. He views this relationship-building as essential, designing homes that allow families to grow and flourish. His approach is informed by the unique characteristics of both the clients and their sites, ensuring the final design reflects their identity while integrating harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Russ's design philosophy starts on a broad scale—considering factors like the sun's path, prevailing winds, and other environmental elements—before zooming in on the finer details that bring spaces to life.
As Principal, Russ plays a critical role in aligning Whitten Architects with clients and projects that reflect the firm's core values. He has a particular passion for designing homes that foster meaningful connections to nature, often drawing inspiration from iconic works such as Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, which engage all the senses. Russ finds deep fulfillment in residential architecture, believing that a thoughtfully designed home can be a sanctuary—a place for restoration and rejuvenation that empowers its occupants to have a positive impact in the world. In addition to his design responsibilities, Russ serves as the primary point of contact for new client inquiries, ensuring a personal and welcoming introduction to the firm.
Under Russ's leadership, Whitten Architects has grown both in size and in the diversity of perspectives it brings to every project. He has actively recruited talent from various backgrounds, ensuring that the firm's collaborative environment fosters creativity and innovation. Russ encourages open communication and collaboration, working closely with the internal team and external partners, including landscape architects, interior designers, structural engineers, and builders, to bring the best ideas to life for their clients.
Throughout his tenure at Whitten Architects, Russ has appreciated and been shaped by the mentorship of the firm's founder, Rob Whitten. Rob's ability to articulate timeless design principles resonated deeply with Russ, refining his own approach to architecture. Today, Russ carries this legacy forward by mentoring the next generation of architects within the firm, sharing his insights and experiences to nurture their growth. This cycle of mentorship ensures that the firm's core values and design philosophy remain dynamic and evolving.
One of Russ's unique strengths is his ability to communicate visually through hand-drawn sketches and illustrations. His drawings bring designs to life, engaging clients' imaginations and helping them visualize their future homes in a way that deeply resonates with their dreams. In recent years, Russ has embraced new technology, transitioning from traditional pen-and-paper sketching to digital drawing on an iPad, demonstrating his commitment to evolving his craft.
Russ earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the School of Architecture & Interior Design at Andrews University. Following graduation, he spent a decade gaining experience in commercial, healthcare, corporate, and institutional design with firms in Michigan and Maine. Today, he is a registered architect in Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, and holds certification from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Russ is also an NCARB Architectural Experience Program (AXP) supervisor and mentor, and a member of the American Institute of Architects. He has previously served on the board of the Portland Society for Architecture, contributing to conversations around urban planning and design in the region. Additionally, Russ has shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at both Andrews University and the Interior Architecture & Design program at Western Michigan University. He continues to give back by serving as a guest critic at his alma mater and at the University of Maine Augusta.
Outside of work, Russ enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing. He volunteers on the Planning Committee at Pine Tree Academy in Freeport and at Camp Lawroweld in Weld, and is actively involved in his local church. He lives in Brunswick with his wife and two children, with whom he shares a love of design, art, and travel. Together, they often explore the natural beauty of places like Baxter State Park, Acadia National Park, the Tumbledown Mountain Range, and the lakes region of New Hampshire. Russ and his children frequently bond over their shared passion for sketching during their adventures, which he documents on his popular Instagram account, where he shares his drawings with a wider audience: @russtyson.architect
Russ Tyson's journey at Whitten Architects exemplifies the firm's dedication to growth, collaboration, and client-focused design. His leadership continues to shape the firm's approach, ensuring that each project reflects not only the dreams of its inhabitants but also the natural environment that surrounds them.