AIA Illinois

?? UrbanWorks, Ltd. Architectural Associate / Public Relations Associate Sofia Linares was chosen to inaugurate the @aia_illinois Instagram Takeover member spotlight this Wednesday, Nov. 20! ?? The first in the series, follow Sofia on a day in her architectural life through AIA Illinois' Instagram Stories. "I'm an AIA member because of the community," said Sofia. "AIA has so many resources and a wide network. I saw that it was important for me to join at the early stages of my career to take full advantage."

#FeatureFriday | Today we're featuring Mark A. Pearson, AIA, the 2024 Nathan Clifford Ricker Award for Architecture Education honor award recipient! . Mark has been a full-time faculty member at College of DuPage for the past 20 years, and in that time the pre-architecture program has successfully transferred over 325 students into university architecture programs. Many of these transfer students have gone on to complete their professional degrees in architecture and are now licensed architects working in firms across the country. Several own their own firms. . Pearson’s educational philosophy grows naturally from the architectural design courses he teaches, emphasizing design process, idea exploration, and critical thinking. He hopes to educate design thinkers who view architecture as a means to engage in broader societal and cultural discourse. His work as an architectural educator at a community college architecture program helps to promote inclusive, equitable, welcoming, and accessible learning environments, while expanding access to the profession. . Congratulations, Mark! ?? . ?? https://lnkd.in/eZamzd9d

AIA Young Architects Forum and AIA Illinois are hosting a webinar that explores how architects can engage in policy discussions to improve communities. Attendees will hear from a diverse group of citizen architects who hold roles as board members, commissioners, and civic leaders. The panelists will discuss their personal experiences with civic and political engagement, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and the importance of such involvement for architects. Join the discussion on November 13 @ 3:00 PM ET. Learn more below.

#MotivationMonday | Today we're featuring Joy Meek, AIA, the 2024 AIA Illinois Alan Madison Award for Diversity Work honor award recipient! . Joy Meek has served as a principal and firm leader at Wheeler Kearns Architects since 2006. In addition to her roles as Principal and Project Architect, Joy leads the firm’s inclusive hiring process—reviewing, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and retaining a diverse staff—now boasting 50% women. She is an invaluable colleague, working diligently to protect the firm’s culture, values, and best practices. . Joy openly shares her work and experiences—which embodies thoughtfulness, quality, and respect for both people and place—and advances the profession through lectures, academic and professional juries, and teaching. Not just a role model, she has been an active mentor and guide of women both in the firm and in the wider professional community. . Her body of work is deep and expansive. Her architectural work demonstrates that well-designed, thoughtful environments can impart dignity to its inhabitants, help programs grow, improve opportunities, and that uplifting, dignified, and delightful places belong to everyone. As importantly, her ethical commitment to supporting diverse voices, both in and out of the office, is well known. Her steady tenacity to equality and justice in all her actions, within the firm and in the community is exemplary. Congratulations, Joy! ?? . ?? https://lnkd.in/eZamzd9d

#DesignFeature | Today we're celebrating Englewood Agro-Eco District and Nature Trail Master Plan, the 2024 AIA Illinois Excellence in Master Planning honor award recipient! ?? Gensler . The Englewood Agro-Eco District Land Use Plan is a community-led vision to revitalize disinvested industrial land and infrastructure with new uses involving food production, employment, and recreation. With a new trail as its centerpiece, the district will also address issues involving racial equity and repair, public health, climate resiliency, and other local needs. . This Master Plan is celebrated for its holistic and innovative approach to urban redevelopment. It addresses environmental and public health challenges while promoting social equity and economic empowerment. Reflecting the principles of the Framework for Design Excellence, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban design and community engagement. This transformative project serves as a model for other urban areas, showcasing the power of community-driven planning and sustainable development. . ?? https://lnkd.in/gfZyxwyN ?? https://lnkd.in/gmQrA-UQ

Kicking off our annual conference with a tour of Elgin Math and Science Academy Charter School with Wheeler Kearns Architects! ????

?? TODAY! Registration for our annual conference, “The Future of Work” CLOSES TODAY (Oct. 17)! You won’t want to miss this one. We look forward to seeing you next week (Oct. 23-24) in Elgin! Register at ? https://lnkd.in/gdSunif6

?? Registration for our annual conference, "The Future of Work," CLOSES THIS THURSDAY (10/17)! You won't want to miss it! Find out more and register TODAY at ?? https://lnkd.in/gdSunif6

We're just two weeks away from our annual conference, "The Future of Work" (Oct. 23-24) in Elgin! You won't want to miss it! Registration deadline is next Thursday, Oct. 17. Register today at ?? https://lnkd.in/gdSunif6

?? It's World Architecture Day! ?? Today we recognize the amazing work that you do, as well as the important role that architecture plays in our lives. Thank you for all that you do, today and EVERY day! #WorldArchitectureDay #architecture #AIAIllinois