Out There is a critical survey of 50 architectural firms working across America's regional cities and small towns. These practitioners operate at every scale and with all building types, weaving a rich architectural tapestry that reflects the breadth and diversity of the American landscape. 

Each day, architects across the United States are busy planning and constructing individual homes, public buildings and civic spaces rooted in local culture and context. Yet, to many, the perception prevails that American architecture is driven largely by the traditional centres of power on the East and West coasts. Out There challenges that notion, spotlighting practices throughout the whole of the US that are deeply grounded in place and community. What unites the firms featured in this volume is a commitment to architecture's civic, social and environmental responsibilities. Many prioritize sustainability, adaptive reuse, housing and social justice. Even in an increasingly homogenized, hyper-connected world, these architects remain locally focused. 

The book begins with a foreword by Marlon Blackwell, recipient of the 2020 Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects, and an introduction by Robert Ivy, former chief editor of Architecture Record. Essays by Cathleen McGuigan (also a former chief editor of Architecture Record) and Peter MacKeith (Dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture in Fayetteville, Arkansas) consider, respectively, key figures in the rise of architectural regionalism in the United States over recent decades, and contemporary regional architecture in other countries. The book's main section profiles 50 US practices, including modus studio (Arkansas), Observation Studio (Oregon), Rand Elliott Architects (Oklahoma), Renée del Gaudio Architecture (Colorado) and Salmela Architect (Minnesota).

The texts explore the ethos and design philosophy of each firm, as well as selected projects from the last ten years. Out There presents a varied, vibrant picture of architectural excellence anchored in local culture, geography and community needs across the USA. It affirms a timeless truth: where we work profoundly influences what we create. Ultimately, architecture remains inseparable from place. 

• An authoritative survey of contemporary architecture in diverse regions across America.
  
• Features the recent work of 50 practices, all fully illustrated with color photography and plans.
• A vital resource for practitioners, urban planners, design enthusiasts and anyone engaged in shaping the built environment.

Specifications: 

By Robert Ivy, Cathleen McGuigan and Peter MacKeith; Foreword by Marlon Blackwell

ISBN: 978-1858947204

Published: June 16, 2026 by Merrell

Pages: 500, Hardcover, 780 illustrations

Dimensions: 9.5 x 11.5 x 1.8 inches

Weight: 2.3 lbs.