Principles in Practice: Organic Architecture Today, featuring Ken Dahlin

On January 17, 2026, members of the Wright in Wisconsin community gathered at the Museum of Wisconsin Art (MOWA) in West Bend for a profound exploration of legacy and modern application. The event, "Principles in Practice: Organic Architecture Today," featured Ken Dahlin, AIA, founder of Genesis Architecture and a longtime board member of Wright in Wisconsin.

Wright’s Legacy through a Modern Lens

The afternoon began with an insightful lecture by Dahlin, who illustrated how Frank Lloyd Wright’s foundational principles continue to guide architectural innovation in the 21st century. Drawing from his extensive experience and his recent book, Frank Lloyd Wright and the Path to Beauty, Dahlin showcased how "organic" design is not a static style, but a living philosophy.

A highlight of the presentation was a deep dive into the Ukiyo-e House in Wichita, Kansas—a Genesis Architecture project that exemplifies how Wright’s concepts of site integration, natural materials, and "unit" planning manifest in contemporary residential design.

Dahlin concluded his talk with a powerful quotation from Wright’s The New Imperial Hotel, reminding the audience that true beauty in architecture is the "good fruit" of a soul brought to bear through culture and unity.

Exploring the "Modern Chair"

Following the lecture, the group was treated to a curated tour of MOWA’s current exhibition, Frank Lloyd Wright: Modern Chair Design. Guided by MOWA Curator Thomas Szolwinski, attendees were able to see the evolution of Wright’s furniture design up close.

From the architectural rigidity of the early Prairie-style oak chairs to the more experimental forms of his later career, the tour provided a tactile connection to the principles Dahlin discussed in his lecture. Seeing the original drawings alongside the physical pieces allowed for a rare look into Wright’s meticulous process of creating a "total work of art."

Community and Conversation

The event wrapped up with an engaging Q&A session and a book signing, where Dahlin connected with attendees to discuss the future of the "Path to Beauty." It was a wonderful day of fellowship, seeing familiar faces like Mark Hertzberg and Marianne Kohlmann, and welcoming new enthusiasts into the fold.

Events like these remind us that Wright’s work is not just a part of Wisconsin’s history—it is a vital, breathing influence on the architects of today.