About Us

Our approach is driven by a shared desire to create architecture of the highest design, functional, and material quality.

Founded in 2020 by Christopher Eastman and Tom Lee, our work is grounded in the belief that architecture can transform lives in meaningful ways.

Our practice values listening before speaking, research before conjecture, and thinking before action. Guided by each project’s unique circumstances, we prefer distillation to addition, and are intrigued by the complexity of projects at all scales and across typologies.

How we practice is rooted in the process of making, the nature of materials, the experience of space, and an underlying spirit of authenticity.

We rigorously maintain a collaborative spirit, with an underlying ethos of respect and integrity that includes our clients and consultants.

We have over 20 years of professional experience in a diverse range of award-winning work that includes residential, commercial, institutional, cultural, and educational buildings for both public and private clients.

Christopher Eastman, AIA, NCARB

Principal

Christopher has a lifelong interest in the craft of architecture. His fascination with the nature of materials enriches the quality of our work and has fostered numerous relationships with builders and craftsmen on a variety of projects. With over 20 years in the profession, Chris has managed a wide range of project types, including residential and flagship retail buildings.

Education

University of Cincinnati
Master of Architecture, 2003

University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 2001

Professional Registration

Architecture: PA, IL, OH, NCARB

Tom Lee, AIA, NCARB

Principal

Tom is an award-winning designer who endeavors to make architecture that is simple, memorable, and timeless. He invites collaboration and is adept at cultivating and curating ideas into a shared vision that is translated into space and materials, while respecting time, budget, place, and the environment.

Prior to co-founding Eastman Lee Architects, Tom was a Design Principal at HDR, and has worked at other leading firms including John Ronan Architects, Goettsch Partners, JAHN, and Kohn Pedersen Fox. Passionate about the next generation of architects, Tom has taught at the University of Cincinnati and MIT, and regularly sits on juries at several universities and serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Architectural Club.

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Master of Architecture, 2004

University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Science, Architecture, 2001

Professional Registration

Architecture: IL, WI, NCARB

James Bayless, AIA

Project Architect

James is an experienced project architect and designer, with an admitted interest in just about everything. Described by colleagues as a great learner, listener and teacher, James approaches architecture with empathy, rigor, and an underlying belief that process can be as valuable as its outcome.

Education

University of Cincinnati
Master of Architecture, 2014

St. Olaf College, Bachelor of Arts, Studio Art & English, 2009

Professional Registration

Architecture: IL

Winning entry in the 2021 Chicago Prize Competition sponsored by the Chicago Architectural Club and the Chicago Architecture Center.