CULTURE
Meet current students, find out about studio life, and check out more resources below.
Illinois School of Architecture
Annual Architecture Awards 2025
Join us for a memorable evening celebrating the remarkable achievements of our students at the Illinois School of Architecture.
A3 Logo Design 2025 - Riley Vernon
Closed Event
Doors open at 5:00 PM
Location: I Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 South First Street
#wedesign #archatillinois #ace
Annual Architecture Awards 2025
Join us for a memorable evening celebrating the remarkable achievements of our students at the Illinois School of Architecture.
A3 Logo Design 2025 - Riley Vernon
Closed Event
Doors open at 5:00 PM
Location: I Hotel & Conference Center, 1900 South First Street
#wedesign #archatillinois #ace
Friday onward: Graduate Final Reviews
Swipe to find all the information you need to know>>>
#wedesign
Friday onward: Graduate Final Reviews
Swipe to find all the information you need to know>>>
#wedesign
Undergraduate Final Reviews Spring 2025
Wednesday, 30th April
Swipe to find all the information you need to know>>>
#wedesign
Undergraduate Final Reviews Spring 2025
Wednesday, 30th April
Swipe to find all the information you need to know>>>
#wedesign
1st place RATIO Design Prize
Category 1: Craft & Detail
Congratulations to Omar Abunnaja (M.Arch ‘25) and Jasbir Bhamra (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Paul Armstrong’s Studio
The RIV is a mixed-use high-rise located in the Chicago Loop, fronting the iconic Riverwalk. Integrating a retail and commercial podium, a luxury hotel, high end condominiums, and housing units, the project creates a vibrant urban hub. Drawing inspiration from the geometry and vitality of the Chicago River and Riverwalk, The RIV serves as a natural extension of its surroundings. Its chamfered lines are inspired by the abstract patterns of the river and the bridges, echoing their dynamic forms. A spacious public atrium at the base seamlessly connects to the Riverwalk, fostering pedestrian flow and lively activity. The tower’s bold chamfered design enhances both its aesthetics and functionality, while a curved observatory at the top offers panoramic views of the river and skyline. Surrounding stepped landscape elements tie the design to its urban context, creating an accessible and
cohesive environment. The RIV redefines
its site as a harmonious convergence of river, city, and sky.
#archatillinois #wedesign
1st place RATIO Design Prize
Category 1: Craft & Detail
Congratulations to Omar Abunnaja (M.Arch ‘25) and Jasbir Bhamra (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Paul Armstrong’s Studio
The RIV is a mixed-use high-rise located in the Chicago Loop, fronting the iconic Riverwalk. Integrating a retail and commercial podium, a luxury hotel, high end condominiums, and housing units, the project creates a vibrant urban hub. Drawing inspiration from the geometry and vitality of the Chicago River and Riverwalk, The RIV serves as a natural extension of its surroundings. Its chamfered lines are inspired by the abstract patterns of the river and the bridges, echoing their dynamic forms. A spacious public atrium at the base seamlessly connects to the Riverwalk, fostering pedestrian flow and lively activity. The tower’s bold chamfered design enhances both its aesthetics and functionality, while a curved observatory at the top offers panoramic views of the river and skyline. Surrounding stepped landscape elements tie the design to its urban context, creating an accessible and
cohesive environment. The RIV redefines
its site as a harmonious convergence of river, city, and sky.
#archatillinois #wedesign
1st Place RATIO Design Prize
Category 2: Space & Wellness
Congratulations to Xingyu Liu (M.Arch ‘25), Siqi Gao (M.Arch ‘25) and Zlatan Wang (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Pat Saldaña-Natke’s Studio
“The Light Sanctuary project renovates a historic church and its two adjacent buildings at 1814 South Paulina Street in Chicago, Illinois. The renovation sought to preserve the church’s essence while creating a dynamic, modern workspace. The project opened up the once-divided interior spaces, integrating the three structures into coherent spaces. The original church roof was opened to reveal a vaulted transparent canopy, flooding the interior with natural light and symbolically blending the boundaries between the sacred and the modern.
In this project, history, light, and open space come together to create a sense of connection - between the past and the future, between the workspace and the surrounding community.”
#archatillinois #wedesign
1st Place RATIO Design Prize
Category 2: Space & Wellness
Congratulations to Xingyu Liu (M.Arch ‘25), Siqi Gao (M.Arch ‘25) and Zlatan Wang (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Pat Saldaña-Natke’s Studio
“The Light Sanctuary project renovates a historic church and its two adjacent buildings at 1814 South Paulina Street in Chicago, Illinois. The renovation sought to preserve the church’s essence while creating a dynamic, modern workspace. The project opened up the once-divided interior spaces, integrating the three structures into coherent spaces. The original church roof was opened to reveal a vaulted transparent canopy, flooding the interior with natural light and symbolically blending the boundaries between the sacred and the modern.
In this project, history, light, and open space come together to create a sense of connection - between the past and the future, between the workspace and the surrounding community.”
#archatillinois #wedesign
1st Place RATIO Design Prize
Category 3: Context
Congratulations to Zoya Chaudary (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Didem Ekici’s Studio
“The Museum of Water is a contemporary space dedicated to exploring the historical and cultural significance of water in Turkish life, particularly in the context of Istanbul. Positioned near the iconic Valens Aqueduct, the museum serves as both a tribute to the city’s ancient water systems and a gathering place for modern reflection and leisure. Through immersive exhibitions, a corner courtyard that connects visually with the aqueduct, and spaces for community engagement such as a Turkish bath and café, the museum offers a multisensory journey. It invites visitors to contemplate the timeless role of water as a source of life, ritual, and cultural identity, while also embracing its role in shaping the future of urban living.
The aqueduct, integrated as a gateway, symbolizes the flow of time and the importance of water, leading visitors to a surrounding park and greenspace. Emulating the social role of Turkish baths, the museum becomes a communal hub—a space for gathering, contemplation, and connection. The site design incorporates permeable pavers and a micro stormwater retention pond, reflecting a commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure and the responsible management of water resources.”
#archatillinois #wedesign
1st Place RATIO Design Prize
Category 3: Context
Congratulations to Zoya Chaudary (M.Arch ‘25) from Prof. Didem Ekici’s Studio
“The Museum of Water is a contemporary space dedicated to exploring the historical and cultural significance of water in Turkish life, particularly in the context of Istanbul. Positioned near the iconic Valens Aqueduct, the museum serves as both a tribute to the city’s ancient water systems and a gathering place for modern reflection and leisure. Through immersive exhibitions, a corner courtyard that connects visually with the aqueduct, and spaces for community engagement such as a Turkish bath and café, the museum offers a multisensory journey. It invites visitors to contemplate the timeless role of water as a source of life, ritual, and cultural identity, while also embracing its role in shaping the future of urban living.
The aqueduct, integrated as a gateway, symbolizes the flow of time and the importance of water, leading visitors to a surrounding park and greenspace. Emulating the social role of Turkish baths, the museum becomes a communal hub—a space for gathering, contemplation, and connection. The site design incorporates permeable pavers and a micro stormwater retention pond, reflecting a commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure and the responsible management of water resources.”
#archatillinois #wedesign
Join us this Monday at 5:30pm in ARCH 120 for our FINAL installment of the Spring 2025 Lecture Series, “Ecologies of Design”
Focusing on planetary politics in early-twentieth century Germany, this lecture traces ecological notions of building to imperialist expansion and the spectre of fascism. These legacies ask us to reconsider how design accounts for human responsibility in a context of radical ecological interdependency.
Kenny Cupers is Professor of Architectural History and Urban Studies at the University of Basel, where he co-founded and leads the Urban Studies division. Trained as an architect, urbanist, and historian, his research and teaching focus on the relationship between built environments and changing societies in African and European contexts.
Join us this Monday at 5:30pm in ARCH 120 for our FINAL installment of the Spring 2025 Lecture Series, “Ecologies of Design”
Focusing on planetary politics in early-twentieth century Germany, this lecture traces ecological notions of building to imperialist expansion and the spectre of fascism. These legacies ask us to reconsider how design accounts for human responsibility in a context of radical ecological interdependency.
Kenny Cupers is Professor of Architectural History and Urban Studies at the University of Basel, where he co-founded and leads the Urban Studies division. Trained as an architect, urbanist, and historian, his research and teaching focus on the relationship between built environments and changing societies in African and European contexts.
Congratulations to Nisha Patil (M.Arch ‘25), who was recently awarded the HDR Health Planning Scholar/Design Coordinator
HDR’s Health Planning Scholar Program is a one-year immersive program for recent graduates who are passionate about bettering the health and wellness of the people they design for.
“Starting my journey with HDR as a Health Planning Scholar/Design Coordinator is a pivotal opportunity in my path toward becoming a healthcare planner. This role offers a rare chance to contribute to high-impact healthcare projects worldwide while gaining exposure to advanced design strategies, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and learning directly from leading experts across HDR’s national network. This opportunity not only fast-tracks my career growth and visibility but also allows me to build a lasting and meaningful future in healthcare design—within a firm that shares my passion for transforming care through architecture.
Looking back, what helped me reach this milestone was the ability to shape my own direction in design and research through the Health and Well-being concentration at the Illinois School of Architecture. That freedom, combined with consistent faculty guidance, allowed me to dive deeper into human-centered design—all of which helped me craft an application that truly reflected both my values and vision.”
#archatillinois #hdr #wedesign
Congratulations to Nisha Patil (M.Arch ‘25), who was recently awarded the HDR Health Planning Scholar/Design Coordinator
HDR’s Health Planning Scholar Program is a one-year immersive program for recent graduates who are passionate about bettering the health and wellness of the people they design for.
“Starting my journey with HDR as a Health Planning Scholar/Design Coordinator is a pivotal opportunity in my path toward becoming a healthcare planner. This role offers a rare chance to contribute to high-impact healthcare projects worldwide while gaining exposure to advanced design strategies, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and learning directly from leading experts across HDR’s national network. This opportunity not only fast-tracks my career growth and visibility but also allows me to build a lasting and meaningful future in healthcare design—within a firm that shares my passion for transforming care through architecture.
Looking back, what helped me reach this milestone was the ability to shape my own direction in design and research through the Health and Well-being concentration at the Illinois School of Architecture. That freedom, combined with consistent faculty guidance, allowed me to dive deeper into human-centered design—all of which helped me craft an application that truly reflected both my values and vision.”
#archatillinois #hdr #wedesign
Industry Awards
The Illinois School of Architecture proudly honors its faculty and staff for their exceptional contributions, recognizing their achievements through prestigious awards from professional organizations. Here, we highlight their dedication, innovation, and impact on the field of architecture.
Learn more about the ~260,000 dollars students are awarded in scholarships and awards, and how to apply.
Information about our annual Career XPO and services offered throughout the academic year.
Meet current students.
Get to know our wide range of student groups, clubs, and other organizations.
Architectural education has unique learning methods, grounded in the design studio.
Forms and information for current students regarding facilities and equipment.
Links, forms, and other resources for faculty and staff.
Mirabelle Jones, Fall 2020 issue
Mirabelle Jones, Fall 2020 issue
Haiti Studio, Fall 2020 issue
Haiti Studio, Fall 2020 issue
Deployable structures, Fall 2020 issue
Deployable structures, Fall 2020 issue
Professor James Warfield, December 2018 issue
Professor James Warfield, December 2018 issue
Max Boehringer, December 2018 issue
Max Boehringer, December 2018 issue
Maury Lipowich, November 2018 issue
Maury Lipowich, November 2018 issue
Mirabelle Jones, Fall 2020 issue
Mirabelle Jones, Fall 2020 issue
Haiti Studio, Fall 2020 issue
Haiti Studio, Fall 2020 issue
Deployable structures, Fall 2020 issue
Deployable structures, Fall 2020 issue
Professor James Warfield, December 2018 issue
Professor James Warfield, December 2018 issue
Max Boehringer, December 2018 issue
Max Boehringer, December 2018 issue
Maury Lipowich, November 2018 issue
Maury Lipowich, November 2018 issue
Ricker Report
The School of Architecture's student-run publication
Spring 2024 Earl Prize Senior 1st Place Keyshawn Lewis
Spring 2024 Earl Prize Senior 1st Place Keyshawn Lewis
Spring 2024 Earl Prize 2nd Place Krisha Prathap
Spring 2024 Earl Prize 2nd Place Krisha Prathap
Shweta Krishnan and Bryan Samuel, Spring 2020 Design Excellence Awards
Shweta Krishnan and Bryan Samuel, Spring 2020 Design Excellence Awards
Aditi Mukherjee and Shuqin Xu, Spring 2019 Design Excellence Awards
Aditi Mukherjee and Shuqin Xu, Spring 2019 Design Excellence Awards
Ali Gholamabbas and Nico Hsu, Fall 2018 Design Excellence Awards
Ali Gholamabbas and Nico Hsu, Fall 2018 Design Excellence Awards
Spring 2024 Earl Prize Senior 1st Place Keyshawn Lewis
Spring 2024 Earl Prize Senior 1st Place Keyshawn Lewis
Spring 2024 Earl Prize 2nd Place Krisha Prathap
Spring 2024 Earl Prize 2nd Place Krisha Prathap
Shweta Krishnan and Bryan Samuel, Spring 2020 Design Excellence Awards
Shweta Krishnan and Bryan Samuel, Spring 2020 Design Excellence Awards
Aditi Mukherjee and Shuqin Xu, Spring 2019 Design Excellence Awards
Aditi Mukherjee and Shuqin Xu, Spring 2019 Design Excellence Awards
Ali Gholamabbas and Nico Hsu, Fall 2018 Design Excellence Awards
Ali Gholamabbas and Nico Hsu, Fall 2018 Design Excellence Awards
Student Design Awards
Awarded annually, these recognitions highlight undergraduate and graduate design work.
Barcelona Study Abroad Program
Student Spotlight⭐️🎤 on Pushpanjli!
Pushpanjli is a junior in architecture who enjoys reading in her free time. During the 2024-25 academic year in Barcelona, Pushpanjli’s favorite field trip was to Andalucía, Spain. Her favorite drawing assignment was the perspective exercise by visiting professor Juan Penabad, and her favorite city to visit was Munich, Germany!
Pushpanjli’s favorite part of study abroad has been meeting and connecting with people in Europe.
Thanks for sharing, Pushpanjli!
Student Spotlight⭐️🎤 on Zaree Ascan!
Zaree is a junior in architecture, who can often be found playing the piano between classes at the ETSAV. During the 2024-25 academic year in Barcelona, Zaree’s favorite field trip was to the Alhambra in Granada, Andalucía, Spain. Her favorite drawing assignment was making a plan and section of a vegetable, for which she chose broccoli, and her favorite city to visit was Athens!
Zaree’s favorite part of studying abroad has been experiencing it with both old and new friends.
“It’s been rewarding to navigate the challenges of living abroad together, especially after most of us are used to the independence of living in apartments back on campus. I’ve enjoyed taking on challenging assignments, learning new drawing techniques and photography, and studying Barcelona’s history, especially when we have the chance to visit the places we’ve learned about. Sharing both the highs and lows of it all with such great people has made the experience even more meaningful. It’s really shown me that there’s always something to learn from others and from my own journey.”
Wonderful work, Zaree!
Student Spotlight⭐️🎤 on Emilie Cooper!
Emilie is a junior in architecture with a minor in urban planning. During the 2024-25 academic year in Barcelona, Emilie’s favorite field trip was to Seville, Andalucía, Spain. Her favorite drawing assignment was at Casa Gomis in Barcelona, and her favorite city to visit was Paris!
Emilie has loved being able to explore and travel new areas, and learn more about the people and cultures around her!
Keep up the great work, Emilie!
Student Spotlight⭐️🎤 on Lindsey Huelsmann!
Lindsey is a junior in architecture with a minor in Spanish. During the 2024-25 academic year in Barcelona, Lindsey’s favorite field trip was to Andalucía, Spain. Her favorite drawing assignment was at the Plaça Margarida exercise, and her favorite city to visit was Paris!
Lindsey has loved our built-in independent study travel periods, where students take photos and make analyses of buildings and spaces throughout Europe! “Studying abroad has been so special because I have gotten to see so many historic places that I have learned about. Sophomore year, I did a precedent study of the Villa Savoye, watching videos of interior tours, learning it inside and out to make a series of drawings and build a model. This spring, I got to walk through it myself, which was amazing.
I have also loved talking to locals in Spain, France, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, and the UK. Getting to hear about their lives, experiences, and recommendations is such an amazing way to learn about any country I visit. I am so grateful for all the lifelong memories I’ve gained in my time abroad!”
Student Spotlight⭐️🎤 on Jake Chi!
Jake is a junior in architecture with a minor in urban planning.
During the 2024-25 academic year in Barcelona, Jake’s favorite field trip was to Andalucía, Spain. His favorite drawing was at the ‘Grupo Cántico’ Public Library in Córdoba, Spain, and his favorite city to visit was Amsterdam.
Jake’s favorite part of studying abroad has been seeing diverse architectural styles ranging from historic to modern, and local to international. He also enjoys seeing cool cars that we don’t get in the United States.
Thanks for sharing, Jake!
Today, students enjoyed the semester’s last drawing session at Barcelona’s Plaça Margarida.
First, they produced a study perspective, then worked in pairs for a larger exercise where they practiced large scale drawing and free media exploration.
Happy Easter weekend to all who celebrate! 🐣🌷
Students are enjoying holiday and the Easter festivities with a picnic and egg painting in the residence.
Student Spotlight⭐️🎤 on Khrystyna Dutchak!
Khrystyna is a junior in architecture who, like Professor Raimon, is left-handed!
During the 2024-25 academic year in Barcelona, Khrystyna’s favorite field trip was to Seville, Andalucía, Spain. Her favorite drawing was at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy, and her favorite city to visit was London. In her time abroad, Khrystyna has loved trying new dishes in every place she visits, including paella in Spain, chicken pie in London, schnitzel in Germany, and Sweden’s famous meatballs. She especially loves seafood and olives, which are popular favorites in Barcelona!
Keep it up, Khrystyna!
