Join AIA Chicago’s Design Knowledge Community and Young Architects Forum Affinity Group on Thursday, June 26, to tour three award-winning architecture firms in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood.

The tour begins at the Ross Barney Architects studio, and afterward heading to JGMA and Krueck Sexton Partners. Each firm will open their doors for a rare opportunity to see the inner workings of their projects and studio environment. Following the tour, there will be a social hour at the Green Door Tavern.

Click here to register for the event.

The opening weekend of the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale drew thousands of visitors eager to explore a variety of innovative architectural approaches and to engage with the global community of architects, students, and enthusiasts.

During the event, five recipients of the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal—Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Deborah Berke, FAIA (TenBerke), Angela Brooks, FAIA, Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA (Brooks + Scarpa Architects), and Marlon Blackwell, FAIA (Marlon Blackwell Architects)—celebrated the U.S. Pavilion exhibition titled “PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity” with an on-the-porch dialogue on design.

We had an amazing time playing and connecting with our fellow colleagues at AIA Chicago Guess A Sketch 2025! The buildings and sketches were tough, but all teams brought creative flair with their team outfits, from train conductors to full denim ensembles, and our own "8 Shades of Grey" (mixed with a set of drawing pencils).  We’re ready for next year!

Renowned architect Carol Ross Barney reveals how cities, while being humanity's greatest achievement, are also one of the biggest contributors to climate change. Click here to watch her talk.

Through compelling examples from Chicago's transformation, she demonstrates how urban spaces can be reimagined for radical sustainability. She challenges us to take responsibility for our urban futures, proving that sustainable cities aren't just possible—they're essential for human survival. Her vision redefines urban spaces as solutions to our climate crisis.

Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, has joined the judging panel for the 2025 Dezeen Awards. The Awards in partnership with Bentley, seeks the best architects and designers from around the world, recognizing the individuals and studios producing the most outstanding work across architecture, interior and design.

Click here to read more about the 2025 Dezeen Awards and judges panel.

During a sold-out event at the Chicago Architecture Center's Architect Talk and Book Signing, Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Founder and Design Principal of Ross Barney Architects, addressed a question from Reed Kroloff, Dean and Rowe Family College of Architecture Endowed Chair at IIT College of Architecture:

Carol shared an insight on the often idealized view of architectural projects, stating, “There is a misconception that great projects happen harmoniously with deliriously happy clients and designers… that’s a myth. Tension and compromise are essential parts of the creative process.” 

Declared The People’s Architect by the Chicago Tribune for her dedication to design of “noble” everyday projects, Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, AIA 2023 Gold Medal recipient will join Reed Kroloff to talk about the future of public spaces and places and what It truly means to advocate for excellent design for all. 

Pre-signed copies of The People’s Architect are available for purchase at the CAC Design Store or online. Get your copy signed by Carol at the conclusion of the program.

Click here to register. Light bites and refreshments will be served at 5 pm, with the event beginning at 6 pm.

Pari Agaral, AIA AP BD+, CPHC, and Barrett Peterson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C of Ross Barney Architects, were among our industry’s critical design thinkers for the ‘METROPOLIS Circular Future Hackathon’—a pioneering initiative to challenge typical design and construction methods with circular design principles. 

On Tuesday, December 17, join METROPOLIS Editor in Chief, Avi Rajagopal online as he shares these valuable resources. 

Click here to register for the online event.

The SHARE Architecture Awards highlights individual achievements and showcases Eastern Europe’s growing influence in the global architectural scene.

“I’m happy to be the jury Chair at the SHARE Architecture Awards on October 8th in Athens, Greece.  We’ll be celebrating remarkable works from Central and South-Eastern Europe, with a focus on sustainable and community design. Looking forward to seeing you all at the SHARE Architecture Awards 2024!”  said Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Jury Chair

The Ross Barney Architects studio at 10 W. Hubbard St. Chicago, IL will be open to visitors for Open House Chicago 2024, Saturday, October 19, from 3 to 5 pm. 

For more information on visiting the Ross Barney Architects Studio, click here.

Friday, September 27, TedxChicago will take place at the Harris Theater, featuring thought-provoking talks from Carol Ross Barney and eight other speakers, exhilarating performances, and a fully immersive experience.

Lighting the Way: Rooted in the vibrant and dynamic city of Chicago—a hub of innovation, culture, and resilience—TEDxChicago 2024 celebrates the city’s unique spirit and its history of fostering groundbreaking ideas and movements. Together, we honor those Lighting the Way toward a brighter tomorrow.

To purchase tickets, click here.

Barrett Peterson of Ross Barney Architects, Ryan Culligan of Skidmore Owings and Merrill and Juan Moreno of JGMA Architects presented an informative, and entertaining panel discussion on the new Satellite Concourses at O’Hare International Airport this past Friday at the Chicago Architecture Center.