Born and raised in Indianapolis, where he still lives today, William A. Browne Jr., FAIA is anything but a homebody.

His love for architecture began early – at just 10 years old, he knew that designing buildings was his calling. At 17, Browne enrolled in the architecture program at the University of Illinois, where he developed a lifelong passion for historic preservation. Following graduation, he attended the post graduate program Preservation Institute: Nantucket furthering his historic preservation interest. Browne then attended the University of Florida receiving his Masters in Architecture. After working in Washington, D.C. and Jacksonville, FL, he returned to his hometown and joined Browning Day, where he worked on large scale projects like the Indiana University Natatorium and preservation projects like the Spaghetti Factory Building restoration.

As he became involved in various community groups dedicated to his interests, Browne’s commitment to saving historic spaces extended beyond his professional life. He met his wife, Tiffany Benedict Browne, while they were both serving on the Indiana Landmarks committee, to save the Taggart Memorial in Riverside Park.

“Our shared love for historic preservation is one of the things that brought us together,” Browne said. “That’s how we met, and it’s still something we pursue together, even on vacations.”

Instead of beaches, the Brownes visit cities, exploring modern and historic buildings around the world.

“We structure our vacations around experiences, and one of the main experiences is exploring the newest architecture in different cities,” Browne said. “I follow specific architects, research what’s in the cities we visit, and make sure we see and photograph those buildings.”

Long before the age of Instagram, Browne meticulously documented the buildings he visited, compiling slides with detailed labels including the architect’s name, the building, and its construction year. He now posts his architectural pursuits regularly on Instagram under @saabbill.

“I started studying various architects to better understand the world, and I’ve been drawn to exploring ways to blend new design with historic structures,” Browne said. “Architecture has always been a passion of mine.”

Among the architects who have significantly influenced Browne’s work are Carlo Scarpa and Renzo Piano. Drawn by the craftsmanship and innovation they bring to architectural design, Browne has traveled extensively to visit their buildings. Piano's ongoing projects in particular continue to serve as a major source of inspiration for Browne, shaping his own approach to combining new and historic design elements.

“For me, [Scarpa and Piano] embody the world that I live in, which is this historic preservation world blended with this modern world,” Browne said. “When I visit their buildings, my wife will tell you, I just light up because I see how wonderful they are. They touch me in a way that many other buildings don't.”

When he was still just 26, Browne founded his own firm, RATIO, fully immersing himself in the administrative aspects of the business while simultaneously perfecting his design craft.

“I had no idea what it was like to run a business [at 26]. You weren't taught that in school. It's a trial by fire sort of thing,” Browne said.

During a time when most architecture firms dismissed the idea of self-promotion, Browne was quick to embrace business development and marketing as critical tools for growing the business.

“The architectural profession looked down upon business development at the time. It was seen like, as an architect, you just needed to create good buildings, then people would hire you,” Browne said. “I believed that you actually had to go out and seek work as opposed to just waiting for it to come to you if you were really going to be successful. And so extremely early on, we embraced the idea of bringing business development leaders into the organization.”

In the following decades, Browne transformed RATIO from a local architecture firm into an award-winning global design studio, focusing on projects that aligned with both his passions and expertise.

“I had a real interest in large, complex projects. I enjoy projects that have a lot of, as I describe it, ‘hair’ on them; they have political issues, they have community issues, and they have the architectural issues of budget, schedule, and design,” Browne said. “Bringing all of that together energizes me. And for whatever reason, I and many others now in the organization have a head for these larger, complicated, multi-layered projects.”

RATIO earned its first higher education project in 1987 at Indiana State University. That same year, the firm was selected to design the new headquarters for Arvin Industries in Columbus, IN, beating out a collection of national firms and immediately establishing itself on the city’s famous architectural tour.

As the firm implemented business development tactics to find more work and eventually expand into other states, Browne remained committed to ensuring each design showcased the meticulous attention to detail that he revered in the work of architects like Scarpa and Piano.

“The rigor that certain architects bring to their buildings is something that I truly admire,” Browne said. “When you appreciate the profession like I do, you really can look at a building differently. As you gain the knowledge of what architecture is all about, you start asking questions like why the architect did this or that. And if you're able to answer those questions, then you can really understand a building.”

Browne became known for bringing his own brand of rigor to his designs. For years, he was on a mission to find bathrooms designed without cut tile – a relatively novel design element often reserved for higher-budget projects.

“For me, it's less about, 'Gee, here's this perfect bathroom,’ and it's more about the level of attention to detail that an architect tries to bring to a project to achieve what I call 100% design,” Browne said. “And you can't ever get there; it's an unattainable goal. But it's a goal that I like to try to achieve.”

Beyond commitment to unique designs and building his business, Browne made mentorship and fostering diversity in architecture central themes in his career. Inspired by mentors like Lachlan Blair, Walter Creese, Blair Reeves, and Carl Feiss, Browne is committed to guiding the next generation.

“When I was at the University of Illinois, Lachlan Blair opened my eyes to new ways of seeing architecture during our urban planning tours,” Browne said. “Walter Creese, another influential professor, sparked my interest in architectural history, and at the University of Florida, Blair Reeves and Carl Feiss truly solidified my passion for historic preservation.”

Beyond the academic sphere, Browne’s journey was also shaped by unconventional mentors like Buck Willhite, who introduced him to the profession in a way no classroom could. Their time spent traveling through Indiana’s 92 counties, visiting courthouses and discussing the history of the architectural profession in the state, provided Browne with invaluable lessons on the evolution of the industry and mistakes to avoid.

That mentorship experience still drives Browne’s work today. RATIO has established scholarships at North Carolina State, IIT College of Architecture, and the University of Illinois, with plans to expand to Ball State University. Browne also personally founded the RATIO Design Prize at his alma mater U of I, awarded to graduate students for excellence in design.

“We want to continue supporting the next generation, particularly students from underserved populations,” Browne said. “Diversity in the profession has improved, but there’s still a long way to go, especially in terms of ethnic representation. Our goal is to contribute to a more inclusive future for architecture.”

Mentorship extends beyond scholarships for Browne. He regularly mentors individuals within RATIO, as well as those outside the firm, offering insights on business development, project design, and navigating the complexities of the architectural world.

“I don’t have a one-size-fits-all answer for mentees,” Browne explained. “I share what I’ve learned over the years and hope that my experiences can help others grow.”

Looking ahead, Browne envisions the growing role of artificial intelligence and collaborative efforts between design and construction as critical factors in shaping the future of architecture.

“AI is another tool in the toolbox,” Browne said. “Right now, it’s more of an idea generator than anything else. But as it evolves, I see it offering new pathways for creativity and efficiency. It’s not a replacement for architects, but a complement to our work.”

Browne is equally enthusiastic about the increasing collaboration between architects and builders, especially in complex projects like the ongoing IU Health campus development in downtown Indianapolis.

“We’re seeing more design-assist partnerships,” Browne said. “These relationships, built on respect and mutual understanding, bring out the best in both the design and construction teams. It’s a return to the master-architect approach, where architects and builders worked side-by-side to bring visions to life.”

As RATIO grows, Browne remains focused on expanding design opportunities rather than just scaling the business. Under his leadership, Browne said RATIO will continue to push boundaries, aiming for excellence and inclusivity.

“When I founded the company and named it RATIO, my goal was to always create a legacy for the company and not have my name on the door,” Browne said. “My hope is that we continue to move our design quality and acumen up the ladder as we grow and mature as a company.”

Browne was recently awarded the AIA Indiana Gold Medal for his commitment and success in the architectural profession.