We like to kid around here that architecture is our superpower. Well, if that’s true then Larry Larson and Sam Darby were the original superheroes in our company’s saga. Their story began in 1955 when Larry joined the same firm, Gilbert Johnson Architects, where Sam worked. In 1963, Larry left to start Larry U. Larson Architect, and a year later, with Sam on board, the name changed to Larson & Darby. Their first major commissions were for Rockford Clinic and Sundstrand.
Larry and Sam instilled ideals they regarded as keys to success into the culture of the firm. “Our partnership was a success because of our trust, different and complementary strengths, common values, hard work ethic, and the value we placed on our employees,” Sam said.
As projects came in and the firm grew, Larry and Sam continued to infuse best practices into the corporate culture. In fact, Larry developed the “6 P Program” which meant Pea Poor Preparation Produced Pea Poor Presentation. It was catchy, and it worked.
Larry and Sam built Larson & Darby Group together, with different strengths that complemented each other well. They instilled a legacy of working hard, having fun and exceeding expectations. We are honored to continue what they started 60 years ago and proud to be a part of the history of Larson & Darby.