Nurture

At Nurture, we believe in the power of design to create meaningful change, and Riya Desai, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C exemplifies that vision. ????? ? As AIA Chicago Co-Chair of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, Riya is a driving force in advancing an inclusive and representative profession. Her leadership elevates the diverse voices shaping the future of architecture, making the built environment more accessible and responsive to the communities it serves.? ? Additionally, Riya is playing a pivotal role in Nurture’s work on the Evanston Ecology Center renovation, serving as LEED Project Coordinator and leading the project’s pursuit of LEED Gold certification. Utilizing her LEED AP BD+C credential, she oversees the GBCI certification process, ensuring compliance, assigning responsibilities, and managing critical documentation to ensure the integration of high-performance building strategies at every stage. ? ? Riya’s work at Nurture and within AIA Chicago reflects a deep commitment to innovation, collaboration, and thoughtful solutions that strengthen both people and place. We’re proud to have her as a key member of our team! ??? ? #womenshistorymonth #womeninarchitecture #womeninaction #womenleading

Nurture invites you to the Portage-Cragin?Chicago Public Library on Wednesday, March 26, at 6:00 PM for an evening of conversation in celebration of #WomensHistoryMonth. Katherine Pohl, AIA, LEED Green Assoc., and Gwen Stricker, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Assoc., will share their experiences as women in preservation architecture, offering insight into the challenges they have faced, the opportunities they have embraced, and the ways they are shaping the profession through advocacy and mentorship.? ? With a deep commitment to strengthening communities through preservation, they will discuss the evolving role of women in the field and the importance of representation. This event provides a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from emerging voices in the profession and explore how the next generation of architects is making an impact, with a Q&A following the presentation.? ? Join us at Portage-Cragin Library as we explore how to shape a future that’s more inclusive and inspiring.???? ? Learn more here:?https://lnkd.in/ett2ZBkU

We are beyond excited to announce Gwen Stricker, a passionate advocate for the Calumet Region and a Preservationist at Nurture, has been appointed as the Illinois Vice President of the Calumet Heritage Partnership Board of Directors! This new role is a testament to her dedication to preserving the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the Calumet Region, and to the strength of women leading the charge for positive change in their communities. ? ? The Calumet Heritage Partnership is a collaborative network of diverse individuals and organizations working together to protect and elevate the Calumet Region’s heritage, with a vision to make it a place where history, sustainability, and economic opportunity thrive for all. ????? With her leadership, we know the region will continue to grow as a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. Congratulations to Gwen for this remarkable achievement! ? ? #womeninaction #womeninarchitecture #womenleadingchange #womensmonth

At Nurture, we believe in the power of mentorship and thoughtful critique in shaping the next generation of designers. We are delighted to share that Sarah Peil Winstead, AIA, LEED AP IDC recently served as a jury member for the Architecture Midterm Review at Harold Washington College, contributing her expertise to an engaging discussion on residential typologies and innovative apartment design.? ? This semester, students worked within the framework of Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse, a project that challenges conventional spatial organization with its unique proportions. Sarah and the panel provided feedback on concept development, spatial organization, precedent research, and the creative execution of architectural drawings and models.? ? We are proud of Sarah for bringing her expertise to the jury, inspiring students to challenge conventions and grow as future architects. ??????? ? #womeninaction?#womeninarchitecture?#womenshistorymonth

Last week, Kelly Moynihan, AIA, NCARB, CPHC, WELL AP, LFA, LEED GA, Principal at Nurture and First Vice President/President-Elect of AIA Chicago, joined over 400 AIA members on Capitol Hill for the annual The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Leadership Summit and Hill Day, advocating for critical legislation that shapes both the profession and the communities we serve. ? ? Kelly amplified the voices of our industry, championing architects as the driving force behind solutions to challenges in our profession and the built environment: Democracy in Design, Fee Limitations, Affordable Housing, Resiliency in our Climate Crisis, and Tax Incentives. ? Thank you to AIA Chicago for the opportunity to participate in this valiant effort and to the entire AIA Illinois delegation for their leadership. ? ? #iamacitizenarchitect #womenshistorymonth #womeninarchitecture #womeninaction

The landmark designation of the Century and Consumers Buildings is a testament to the power of preservation, the persistence of a dedicated community, and the potential for adaptive reuse. ?? We applaud Landmarks Illinois and all advocates who championed this effort. Looking forward to seeing how the next chapter unfolds!

Nurture's Communication Committee brings people together with purpose. Rooted in four pillars — Professional, Mentoring, Volunteering, and Socials — ComCom plans staff opportunities for growth, connection, and impact. ? ? Right now, we're focusing on gathering meaningful feedback, strengthening mentorship initiatives, and planning volunteer efforts for the year ahead. A great thank you to our dedicated members, Patrick Vokaty, Assoc. AIA, Gwen Stricker, and Sarah Godbee, for their hard work and commitment to shaping our vibrant office culture! ??

Kicking off Powhatan Apartments’ inspections for 2025! Our team is diving into a vital visual and binocular survey of the historic tower’s exterior. But the work doesn’t stop there — when the warmer weather returns, Nurture will be gearing up for intensive hands-on inspections of weathered masonry, accessed by swing stage and scaffolding to examine areas beyond the reach of our initial survey.? ? A deep dive into existing conditions will extend beyond the city’s standard narrative format, and if any urgent structural concerns arise, our team coordinates the repairs and crafts the necessary solutions to restore and preserve this Art Deco icon.

Nurture led an Integrated Design Workshop (IDW) for Christ the Savior Orthodox Christian Church, bringing together our multidisciplinary design team and client stakeholders to explore the potential of the historic church property. ? ? Guided by principles of preservation, the IDW focused on harmonizing the site’s historic character across buildings with contemporary needs, to uncover key opportunities for sustainable, organic, optimized growth. This collaborative process laid the foundation for a Conceptual Master Plan that celebrates the site’s heritage while strategically positioning it to serve its community for decades to come. ??

Join Kelly Moynihan, AIA, NCARB, CPHC, WELL AP, LFA, LEED GA, Principal at Nurture, alongside fellow COTE + 2030 Commitment leaders David Swain, AIA (Studio Gang) and Daniel Jaconetti, AIA (HED) for the upcoming AIA Chicago webinar, "AIA 2030 Commitment: Key Tips for Success."? ? Kelly will share strategies for designing carbon-free, high-performance projects, leveraging her expertise as a Certified Passive House Consultant and WELL AP to advance energy efficiency and decarbonization in the built environment. Attendees will gain insight into net-zero design strategies and the collective impact of participating firms.? ? ?? February 11th via Zoom | 12-1PM? Learn more at bit.ly/AIA2030Commitment