Preston was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he lived with his mother and father and 2 younger brothers until 1962 when they moved to Chicago. Preston's mother was originally from Chicago and had family there. Preston's grandfather, Enard Thompson owned a beautiful Italianate frame cottage in the DePaul area. Preston grew up in the upper flat that his grandfather converted and this is where it all started .
Preston's grandfather was a seasoned carpenter who grew up in the early 1900's. Born in Roundup, Montana, son to Finnish immigrants learned survival under harsh conditions. He roams the country, serving in World War I and while struggling through the depressions he finally found his true compassion in carpentry. Preston's grandmother a German immigrant who escaped the coming European upheavals, bore him 6 children who all lived happily together in their tidy Italianate cottage.
At the age of six or so Preston was very curious about his grandfathers work and wanted to learn more. By the early age of eight his grandfather allowed Preston to tag along as an anxious helper. Here he started his basic understanding of carpentry and construction.
After time and high school was on the horizon his Grandpa said "Preston, you're going to be an architect." Preston applied and was accepted to "Lane Tech", the leading all male technical high school in the Chicago area. After enrolling in the 4 year architecture program and graduation he continued his quest for knowledge at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Preston's grandfather was a seasoned carpenter who grew up in the early 1900's. Born in Roundup, Montana, son to Finnish immigrants learned survival under harsh conditions. He roams the country, serving in World War I and while struggling through the depressions he finally found his true compassion in carpentry. Preston's grandmother a German immigrant who escaped the coming European upheavals, bore him 6 children who all lived happily together in their tidy Italianate cottage.
At the age of six or so Preston was very curious about his grandfathers work and wanted to learn more. By the early age of eight his grandfather allowed Preston to tag along as an anxious helper. Here he started his basic understanding of carpentry and construction.
After time and high school was on the horizon his Grandpa said "Preston, you're going to be an architect." Preston applied and was accepted to "Lane Tech", the leading all male technical high school in the Chicago area. After enrolling in the 4 year architecture program and graduation he continued his quest for knowledge at the University of Illinois at Chicago.