Ross Barney Architects is featured in Dezeen for the Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation at McHenry County College.

The industrial-style building exposes ducts and mechanical systems—turning the very infrastructure students study into a learning tool, writes Ben Drieth of Dezeen.

“I like this term, noble space,” said Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Design Principal and Founder. “They couldn’t just fulfill the purpose of being a lab. The client wanted it to be aspirational.”

Read the full story here: Ross Barney Architects exposes industrial elements at technical school

The November issue of Architectural Record is out — and it features a fantastic story on our Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation at McHenry County College.

A single, flexible hub unites technical programs with hybrid-learning environments built for real workforce needs.

High-impact, low-carbon, and on track for LEED Gold, the center powers the future of advanced manufacturing, robotics, welding, digital media, and more.

Bold, forward-looking design—delivered on a real-world budget.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to realizing this thoughtful, high-performance building for MCC. We’re proud to see it recognized among outstanding contemporary designs.

Tips from the Top: Architects Share Their Advice for Success features insights from over sixty architects worldwide, including Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Founder and Design Principal of Ross Barney Architects. Renowned for earning the admiration of their colleagues, these professionals share their expertise on building a successful and meaningful architectural career. 

Whether you're an aspiring architect, a student, or passionate about architecture, pick up your copy here.

“Design always matters. Not just when it’s affordable or convenient.” – Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Founder and Design Principal, Ross Barney Architects, and the 2023 AIA Gold Medal recipient

Built on the concrete remains of the century-old Bloomingdale Line—an abandoned industrial structure—the 606 has become a vibrant rails-to-trails destination, celebrating 10 years.⁠
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In 2012, architect Carol Ross Barney of Ross Barney Architects led community engagement that produced the Bloomingdale Trail and Park Framework Design Plan and contained the basic design for the 2.7-mile park. Brooklyn-based landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh later refined the design, and the park opened in 2015.⁠
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This week, The 606 marks its 10th anniversary. During planning, community members raised concerns about gentrification and displacement. Barney recalls: “One of the main issues was the disparity in income and amenities between the west and east sides of the trail. We aimed to design a space that brought neighborhoods together.” She adds, “Architecture, planning, and landscape architecture are vital, but they don’t solve social issues alone.”⁠
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Edward Keegan of the Chicago Tribune notes: “There was nothing obvious about this old Bloomingdale Line that led to its revival as a park. Yet, many residents recognized its potential and dedicated years of effort, now rewarded with its enduring beauty.”⁠

Click here to read the column by the Chicago Tribune.

Ross Barney Architects has been ranked 46th on Architizer’s list of the top 100 Architecture firms in the United States. We are honored to be recognized for our meaningful contributions to the built environment through innovative and sustainable design solutions. Click here to read the full list.

"Chicagoans already enjoy one of the world’s best urban shorelines—Navy Pier, the Lakefront Trail, and other assets make for impeccable destinations, at least during the warm months. Now, Ross Barney Architects is improving upon existing Chicago green space."

Click here to read more.

"The 3.5-acre park at 401 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive is on a small peninsula east of Lake Shore Drive. It has been in the works since 1987, when former Mayor Harold Washington gave the land to the Park District to develop a park in honor of Jean Baptiste Point du Sable.

Ross Barney Architects and Brook Architecture, selected as the lead design firms for the park in 2022, submitted their plans this month, two years after being awarded the project."

Click here to read more.

"We last covered the park in 2022, when a joint venture between Ross Barney Architects and Brook Architecture was selected to design the 3.5-acre site. Now, new renderings and design details have been released by [Ross Barney Architects]."

Click here to read the full article.

Chicago Sun-Times Critic Lee Bey gives an update on the DuSable Park design, stating, "At just 3.4 acres, the long-awaited $15 million Jean-Baptiste Point DuSable Park won’t be the city’s largest public green space, but it has the potential to be one of the best.” 

Click here to read the full piece. To learn more about the DuSable Park project, a collaboration between Ross Barney Architects, Brook Architecture, and the Chicago Park District, click here.

"'The investments we are seeing today on the South Side will ensure that Chicago continues to grow and thrive, not just today, but for generations to come,' Mayor Brandon Johnson said. 'We want to continue to attract people, businesses and jobs to Chicago, particularly to our South and West Sides, and these projects in Auburn Gresham are an important step forward for our city.'"

Click here to read the full article.

"Ross Barney Architects has always advocated for quality design that serves the people of Chicago. It has been a privilege to collaborate with our dedicated team, including lead developers Evergreen and Imagine, to create transformative new homes for the Auburn Gresham community," said Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Founder and Design Principal of Ross Barney Architects.

Click here to read the full article on the Block Club Chicago website. To learn more about the INVEST South/West project, click here.

AIA Chicago has included The People's Architect: Carol Ross Barney on the 2024 list of Gift-Worthy Reads: Publications by AIA Chicago Architects. Click here to view the full selection of books.