While in junior high, Bill Phillips got the opportunity to work alongside his dad in his architecture firm, and by the time Bill was a high school sophomore, he was sold. Architecture was an ideal career choice for Bill, combining his interests in math and science with the artistic side of his brain.
Although he was born in Cleveland, Bill grew up in Canton, Ill. and graduated from Canton High school, participating in football, track, basketball and golf during his time there. His pursuit of architecture took him to the University of Illinois, where he was selected for a five-month European education and travel program - “which broadened my outlook on life!” he says. After graduating with his degree in architecture, Bill became a licensed architect in both Illinois and Iowa.
Today, Bill has over 41 years of architectural experience and has been lead architect on more than 1,000 projects. He previously served as President of Phillips & Associates Architects before PAA merged with Graham & Hyde.
Along an even more impressive timeline, Bill and his wife Kathy have been married for 51 years. The couple continues to live in Canton near their two children and seven grandchildren. Hosting family events and attending soccer games and piano recitals keeps their weekends full and fun.
Bill and Kathy also love to be active, often golfing, fishing, gardening and spending time outdoors.
“We hike a lot, especially in National Parks. We have visited over 35 national parks and hope to see many more before our hiking days are done,” Bill shares. “We also support bicycle riding through the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, which renovates public spaces to create safe ways to walk, bike and be active outdoors.”
Bill is also active in his community. He’s been on the Fulton County Zoning Board of Appeals for more than 10 years, including serving as Chairman. He also serves as Chairman for the local Wee Ma Tuk Hills Drainage District Board, which seeks repair of earthen dams with funding through IDNR.
Bill is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and has served as a mentor for many architectural interns. He’s been a guest speaker at ROE meetings on Health Life Safety subjects and has a good working relationship with officials at ISBE. He is a member of the Illinois Association of School Administrators and International Code Council.