History of bKL Architecture
bKL Architecture LLC is an architectural firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2010 by Thomas Kerwin with the support of James Loewenberg. The firm has grown significantly since its inception and now operates in multiple locations, including Atlanta, Washington DC, and Shanghai.
bKL Architecture is known for its diverse portfolio, which includes residential, commercial, and educational projects. Some of their notable works include the GEMS World Academy in Chicago and the residential high-rise, Coast at Lakeshore East. The firm has received several awards, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chicago Firm of the Year Award in 2020.
Their design philosophy emphasizes creating sophisticated, timeless structures that enhance the surrounding community while meeting the needs of clients and users. They are committed to delivering projects on time and within budget, maintaining a collaborative approach throughout the design and construction process.
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Company Culture at bKL Architecture
bKL Architecture LLC fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture that emphasizes creativity, innovation, and professional growth. The firm encourages open communication and teamwork, ensuring that every team member’s voice is heard and valued. They prioritize continuous learning and development, offering opportunities for employees to engage in professional training and attend industry events.
Our team brings decades of experience designing and building complex projects across the US and around the world. We celebrate diverse perspectives, new ideas and open dialogue, because they make us better and get us all where we want to go – together.
The work environment at bKL is dynamic and supportive, with a strong focus on work-life balance and employee well-being. This culture not only enhances job satisfaction but also drives the firm’s success in delivering high-quality, client-focused architectural solutions.
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Architect-US is proud to work in close contact with bKL and to be able to ensure the firm gets to know and work with amazing young architects like Alejandra Erdozain Vila whom we helped find a job and process her J1 Visa through our Job+J1 Visa Program!
bKL’s Selected Projects
St. Regis Chicago – Chicago, IL
The St. Regis Hotel and Residences is the third-tallest structure in the recognizable Chicago skyline, rising to a height of 101 floors. The program includes 393 luxury apartments and a 192-key, five-star hotel. Penthouses with 360-degree views of the city comprise twenty of the apartments. Hotel guests can enjoy related amenities such as an indoor pool, exercise center, and state-of-the-art spa. An outdoor pool, wine lounge, cinema, golf simulator, indoor/outdoor kitchenette, pool terrace, and fitness center are among the residential amenities. Both residents and guests can enjoy the two restaurants on site, which are operated by the renowned local restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You (LEYE).
Overseeing and managing a team of approximately twenty-five experts, including seven additional architectural and interior design firms, bKL served as the project’s Architect of Record. This intricate, expansive mixed-use project was completed under the capable leadership of bKL and her diversified design team. Studio Gang Architects’ Jeanne Gang created exterior form and material selection.
Photos by bKL
Cirrus and Cascade Chicago – Chicago, IL
Two of the three buildings in the Parcels IJKL at Lakeshore East development are called Cirrus and Cascade. The development is intended to be a cohesive and connected urban area inside the City of Chicago. A continuous glass façade, texture, and form interact with the surrounding natural elements’ tones, the Chicago River, and Lake Michigan. The placement of both towers ensures that every apartment has the best possible access to light and views of the lake, river, and recently constructed Cascade Park.
Cirrus is distinguished from nearby buildings in the master plan by golden brass metal expressive panels that are complementary in texture. There are 363 condominium units in the 47-story tower. Clean lines and exquisite materials serve as the foundation for Cirrus’s sophisticated and airy interior architectural design. The building’s amenities were designed with both privacy and hospitality in mind. Residents have a plethora of options for entertainment and leisure thanks to features including an indoor spa, an internal garden conservatory, an outdoor pool with a large deck, and several lounges. Two terraces also provide broad, open views of Lake Michigan.
The 37-story multifamily rental tower Cascade, which has 503 units, is distinguished by its sleek and contemporary interior design and copper metal expression panels on the outside. Apart from the somber and edgy interior architecture, Cascade’s layout and amenities are centered around community. The pool deck of the tower is six feet above park level and provides some of the most expansive views of the cityscape and the newly constructed park, making it the perfect place for residents and their visitors to enjoy a shared experience. The proposal also includes shared fire pits on the roof deck and numerous public couches that are all centered around interaction.
Photos by bKL
Giordano Dance Chicago – Chicago, IL
Situated across from the well-known Lincoln Park in Chicago, the recently constructed Giordano Dance Chicago building houses dance classes, retail stores, and a rooftop terrace. In order to respect the site’s history and legacy, bKL aimed to create a sleek and contemporary relationship between the passionate Giordano Dance Chicago program and the historic church façade. Inspired by religious buildings’ stained glass windows, the geometric exterior is a contemporary take on this form of artistic expression.
As America’s original jazz dance company, it was critical to design a modern building that reflects the significance of Giordano Dance Company’s standing in the dance world while also honoring the historical structure on which it is based. The façade design responds to the materiality of the new transparent glass shape and the age of brick by creating a contrast between the two.
Photos by bKL
We will be posting more projects by bKL in the upcoming weeks and months, so keep an eye out for more of their incredible work! Every Friday we will be posting a new Featured Company, so join us again next week!
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