Ross Barney Architects is a Chicago-based architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture studio.
2021 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award
Ross Barney Architects Receives Cooper Hewitt’s National Design Award. The honor acknowledges the studio’s forty-year commitment to design excellence, community, and the environment.
Read more about the honor.
World’s Most Innovative Company
Fast Company names Ross Barney Architects one of 2022’s Most Innovative Companies for “energizing Rogers, Arkansas, with a new park project and McDonald’s restaurants with a net-zero design”.

Chicago Riverwalk Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Riverwalk’s “success has been instant and electrifying. Genuine new public space, owned by the city and free to use is something we rarely see… The end result is complex, urbane, and intriguing.”
Edwin Heathcote, Financial Times
Now Hiring
Are you passionate about storytelling, thrive in a fast paced environment, and enjoy a culture of inquiry? Check here for open opportunities. Submit resume and work samples to work@r‑barc.com with the position in the subject line.
Promotions
Krista Simons Gliva, AIA and Ryan Giblin, AIA have been elevated to Principal.
“As dedicated leaders of our collaborative studio, Ryan and Krista have invested themselves in our work and vision for leaving the world a better place. I’m looking forward to the future of our firm with their leadership” — Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Hon. ASLA, Design Principal and Founder.

DuSable Park design team selected
The Chicago Park District selected Ross Barney Architects’ joint venture with Brook Architecture (DuSable Park Design Alliance) to design DuSable Park; a 3.5 acre space where the Chicago River and Lake Michigan meet.
McHenry County College
McHenry County College selects Ross Barney Architects to design the new Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation on the Crystal Lake Campus.

CTA Cermak McCormick Place Station Chicago, Illinois
Environmental Stewardship
McDonald’s Global Flagship Chicago receives LEED Platinum Certification, the highest level of achievement from the globally recognized program.
Material Innovation
McDonald’s Global Flagship Chicago becomes first commercial use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) in the city.
Fast Company World Changing Ideas
Fast Company names the McDonald’s Global Flagship at Walt Disney World a 2021 World Changing Idea finalist.
McDonald's Global Flagship Chicago Chicago, Illinois


McDonald's Global Flagship at Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista, Florida
…these deep-green buildings have garnered headlines and helped to change the mindset of what consumers think a fast food joint should look like.
Matt Hickman, The Architect's Newspaper

Railyard Park Rogers, Arkansas
Railyard Park Signifies a Small-Town Renaissance
Addie Broyles of Metropolis Magazine catalogs the recent completion of the Railyard Park in Rogers, Arkansas.
Just the Ticket; New Railside Public Park
Matt Hickman of The Architect’s Newspaper reflects on challenges and opportunities and active train tracks presented for the Railyard Park “…a local trademark worth venerating, not obscuring.”

Ohio State University South Campus Central Chiller Plant Columbus, Ohio
Justice
Ross Barney Architects is dedicated to empowering a sense of place, pride, and belonging; in our work and in our studio.
Environmental Stewardship
Ross Barney Architects designs to preserve the planet for future generations and is a signatory of the AIA 2030 Commitment and Architects Advocate. No matter the scope or scale, each project explores an inventive and integrated approach to stewardship; anything less is not an option.

Lincoln Park Zoo Visitor Center Chicago, Illinois