{"id":39221,"date":"2024-12-13T15:00:24","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T14:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/?p=39221"},"modified":"2024-12-13T13:59:13","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T12:59:13","slug":"wheeler-kearns-architects-third-selected-projects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/2024\/12\/wheeler-kearns-architects-third-selected-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Wheeler Kearns Architects’ Selected Projects #3"},"content":{"rendered":"

History<\/strong> of Wheeler Kearns Architects<\/span><\/h4>\n

Wheeler Kearns Architects<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/a>, is a collective practice of architects headquartered in Chicago and\u00a0was founded in 1987 by <\/span>Dan Wheeler<\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/strong> In 1988 Larry Kearns<\/span><\/strong><\/a> joined the studio then called Daniel Wheeler Architects<\/em><\/span> and in 1990 became a founding partner and the firm was rebranded to Wheeler Kearns Architects<\/span><\/strong>. They work with individuals who seek to improve their lives in spaces that embody their passion, vision, and mission.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wheeler Kearns Architects<\/span> is dedicated to maintaining an environment that encourages lifelong learning. Every worker shares the responsibilities of manager, technician, and designer equally. From project conception to post-occupancy evaluations, every employee is fully engaged in a project and receives cross-training across various market sectors in order to exercise the firm’s comprehensive model. Their goal is to create projects that are cherished, cared for, and ultimately maintained; they want to make intelligent use of their resources and combined efforts.<\/p>\n

They believe that instead of losing their significance, the ideas and principles of sustainability have the potential to enrich and expand the architectural language as well as our culture. Due to this, WKarch<\/span> is a participant in the AIA 2030 Commitment<\/span><\/strong>. They have made a significant number of steps towards this pledge, including creating an Integrated Design Process <\/em><\/span>where all team members are encouraged to develop skills related to sustainability and the integration of sustainable principles into the design process. More than that, WKarch has established a Green Team<\/em><\/span> which is in charge of identifying, organizing, and implementing sustainable strategies for all aspects of the office’s operations and design process.<\/p>\n

In its current form, the company is led by six owners: founding partners Dan Wheeler<\/span><\/strong><\/a> and Larry Kearns<\/span><\/strong><\/a>, Mark Weber<\/span><\/strong><\/a> (principal since 2001), Joy Meek<\/span><\/strong><\/a> and Jon Heinert<\/span><\/strong> <\/a>(both principals since 2006), and Chris-Annmarie Spencer<\/span><\/strong> <\/a>(principal since 2019).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dan Wheeler, Founding Principal of WKarch<\/span><\/h4>\n

Mr. Wheeler works and practices to educate colleagues, clients, students, and himself about the limitless potential for architecture to improve everyday life, as well as the responsibility that comes with such an optimistic endeavor. He studied for two years in Rome as part of his education at the Rhode Island School of Design and<\/span><\/span>\u00a0worked as an Associate and Studio head at Skidmore Owings and Merrill<\/span> in Chicago from 1981 to 1987 before starting his practice. Now he is also an architecture professor at the University of Illinois<\/span>, Chicago.<\/p>\n

Dan has held the position of Interim Director<\/em> at the UIC School of Architecture<\/span> and the Graham Foundation<\/span>. Since 2002, he has worked as a consultant architect and educator for the Rural Studio<\/span>. In addition to writing and lecturing, he frequently serves on academic and professional juries. His prolific work and influence encompass a wide range of project types, including public institutions, non-profit organizations, and private commissions.<\/p>\n

As a testament to his excellent work Dan has received numerous awards including the NEA Traveling Fellowship<\/span> (1979), the CCAIA Young Architect Award<\/span> (1984), the AIA Fellowship<\/span> (1998), the Chicago Tribune\u2019s \u201cChicagoan of the Year\u201d in Architecture<\/span> along with Lawrence Kearns (2008), and the AIA Illinois Nathan Ricker Clifford Award for Architectural Education<\/span> (2017).<\/p>\n

Larry Kearns, Founding Principal of WKarch<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Mr. Kearns is drawn to projects with lofty social, economic, and environmental objectives. Lawrence Kearns (Larry) regularly gives talks on culture, education, and community-building topics to professional and academic audiences.<\/p>\n

Among many others, he gave presentations at the Great Ideas conference of the ASAE<\/span> in 2017 and the Asian Carp Challenge<\/span> in Michigan in 2018. In 2016, he participated in a panel discussion at the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario<\/span> and gave a presentation at SXSWedu<\/span>. On top of that, Larry Kearns was named Chicago Tribune\u2019s \u201cChicagoan of the Year\u201d in Architecture<\/span>, and in 2016, he was elevated to a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects<\/span>.\u00a0 He is a LEED Accredited Professional and holds an architecture license in eight states.<\/p>\n

Larry has won thirteen InnoCentive Challenges<\/span> across a variety of disciplines. He was a finalist in the third round of the DOE’s Solar Prize for TrackerSled<\/em><\/span><\/span>, which aims to stimulate rural economies with locally produced renewable energy, and he is currently a grantee of the Department of Energy<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Mark Weber, Principal at WKarch<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

After working for Wheeler Kearns since 1989, Mark was promoted to principal in 2001. He has finished a wide range of projects, from multiple single-family homes to small custom furniture pieces. In addition to serving on multiple juries, Mark has taught graduate-level studio and furniture design courses at the University of Illinois<\/span> at Chicago. Additionally, he has completed a number of exhibit installations, such as the “Turn of the Century Home” display at the Renaissance Society<\/span> and an international exhibition supported by Formica Corporation.<\/p>\n

In 1982, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University<\/span>, and in 1989, he earned his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago<\/span>. In 1987 and 1988, Mark was given departmental awards for Excellence in Design<\/span> while he was at UIC. His varied professional background includes work on low-income housing, co-ownership of a construction\/development company, furniture design and construction, and carpentry.<\/p>\n

Mark is a member of the American Institute of Architects<\/span> and a registered architect in the state of Illinois. In the past he coached hockey at St. Ignatius High School<\/span> and served as vice president of the Beverly Area Local Development Corporation<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Joy Meek, Principal at WKarch<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Ms. Meek joined Wheeler Kearns Architects in 1998, and in 2006, she was promoted to principal. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies with Honors from the University of Illinois<\/span> in 1995, Joy went on to study at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design<\/span>. In 1998, she earned her Master of Architecture<\/span> degree.<\/p>\n

Joy is a licensed architect in Illinois, a LEED accredited professional<\/span>, and a member of the American Institute of Architects<\/span>. She has also worked with high school students interested in architecture on a year-long research project as a mentor for the Illinois Math and Science Academy’s Student Inquiry and Research Program<\/span>.<\/p>\n

She has experience working on both residential and institutional projects, such as the expansion and adaptive reuse project for Marwen<\/span> – a nonprofit arts organization that offers free art classes to Chicago’s students. Joy also helped facilitate a 50\u2032 dynamic, colorful mural in collaboration with students at Marwen<\/span> that embodies hope and healing. The project has received five awards, including an AIA Illinois Honor Award<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Jon Heinert, Principal at WKarch<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Mr. Heinert’s love of architecture stems from his creative process when building things. Wheeler Kearns hired Jon in 1999, and in 2006 he was promoted to principal. After graduating from the University of Virginia<\/span> with a Master of Architecture<\/span>, he was given the AIA Certificate of Merit and the Design Excellence Award<\/span>. He won several student design competitions during his academic career, including the ACSA wood competition<\/span>.<\/p>\n

He has experience in a wide range of real estate development projects, with a particular emphasis on solutions centered around shared or public community spaces. Heinert has worked on two mixed-use, transit-oriented development (TOD) high-rise structures in Chicago, along the CTA blue line and Milwaukee Avenue. He has also worked on multiple award-winning projects such as the Lakeview Penthouse<\/em>, the Orchard Willow Residence<\/em>, and the Southwest Women Working Together<\/em>, a nonprofit organization serving the West Englewood community on the Southwest side of Chicago.<\/p>\n

Jon is a member of the American Institute of Architects<\/span> and an architect registered in the state of Illinois. He is also a Registered Energy Professional<\/span> and a Self-Certified Architect with the City of Chicago<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Chris Annmarie Spencer, Principal at WKarch<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Ms. Spencer was born and raised in Manchester, Jamaica, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies<\/span> from the Caribbean School of Architecture at the University of Technology<\/span> in Kingston. After graduation, Chris-Annmarie and her family moved to the US, where she pursued further education at the University of Illinois<\/span> at Chicago, where she graduated with a Master of Architecture. She joined Wheeler Kearns Architects in 2004, and was promoted to the position of firm principal in 2019.<\/p>\n

Chris-Annmarie has overseen a number of notable projects, with an emphasis on adaptive reuse and community-driven work. These projects include Wolcott School<\/span>, the first school in the Chicago area created especially for students with learning differences, Mansueto High School<\/span>, and The Alice<\/span> at the Goodman Theatre<\/span>. Most notably, she assisted in converting three abandoned, overgrown lots and a century-old factory building on Chicago’s west side into the well-known community asset that is Inspiration Kitchens Garfield Park<\/span>. This nonprofit organization has received ten national and local awards, including the 2013 Rudy Bruner Gold Medal Award for Urban Excellence<\/span><\/strong>. It provides job training to unemployed and underemployed people.<\/p>\n

She is a member of both the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)<\/span> and the American Institute of Architects (AIA)<\/span>. She assisted in starting the Diversity Scholarships program<\/span> and currently serves as the AIA Chicago Foundation<\/span>‘s board president.<\/p>\n

[Do you want to keep up to date with new job opportunities with Architect-US Partner Companies like Wheeler Kearns Architects? Leave us your contact info<\/span><\/strong> here<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.]<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Company Culture at Wheeler Kearns Architects<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

When a space designed by WKarch<\/span> resonates with your deepest intention, it has a long-lasting and powerful effect. They focus all of their efforts on comprehending your mission, the change you want, and your fundamental purpose while they work with you. They wish to witness your challenge as you see it. By doing this, you lead them to the core of your project\u2014the “emotional center,” as they\u00a0refer to it. Wheeler Kearns<\/span> keeps coming back to that main idea while they develop concepts, assist you in making decisions, and hone their responses to those decisions. Everything flows from that emotional core, from the grand perspective to as small a detail as the style of a door handle. As a result, you have a place that reacts specifically to your life and mission.<\/p>\n

Their clients refer to them as “partners” just as frequently as “architects.” They take great pride in that. It reflects WKarch<\/span>‘s belief that, in addition to a grand vision, you also need someone who is willing to tackle the ordinary.<\/p>\n

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One mind focused on solving your problem is good; many are better.<\/em><\/h5>\n<\/blockquote>\n

As a “collective practice of architects,” they leverage their unique structure to gather several ideas from a team early on in the design process. It provides a more expansive range of options. And that may result in solutions that no one had thought of, such as converting a closed lumberyard into a model 21st-century school.\u00a0 They always try to provide fresh perspectives on how you can fulfill your dreams.<\/p>\n

[Let us take on the work of finding your dream job for you and\u00a0join us<\/span><\/a> today!]<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Architect-US<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is proud to work in close contact with Wheeler Kearns Architects <\/strong>and to be<\/span> able to ensure the firm gets to know and work with amazing young architects like Cristina Asla Ortiz<\/em><\/span>, whom we helped process her Visa and get a position at Wheeler Kearns Architects<\/strong> through our Job+J1 Visa Program<\/a><\/span><\/strong>! <\/span><\/span>Cristina also took full advantage of our <\/span><\/span>Portfolio Report Plan<\/span> <\/strong><\/a>to improve her portfolio and as a result improve her chances of getting a job as an architect!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Cristina Asla Ortiz de Latierro<\/span><\/h4>\n

She is a Spanish architect who joined Wheeler Kearns Architecs<\/span> through our Job+J1 Visa Program<\/span> as a Trainee. Cristina is a junior architect who loves to take on ambitious and new projects that incorporate design, construction, technique, and ethics from start to finish. Her lifelong love of art and history served as her inspiration for pursuing a diploma in Curatorial Studies.<\/p>\n

She pursued her Bachelor’s Degree at The University of Navarre Pamplona<\/span> in Spain and graduated in 2019. Over the course of her architectural career, Cristina has accomplished a great deal, including having her work chosen for the COABU Exhibition<\/strong> at the<\/span> Official Architects Association<\/span> in Burgos, Spain.<\/p>\n

She has a vast working experience despite her young career including but not limited to being part of IDOM<\/strong> Architecture, Engineering and Consulting.<\/span> She was a member of the group in charge of the difficult and ambitious process of planning and building a museum in Colombia. Cristina collaborated with the team from the beginning of the project, helping with research, space design, and photo production.<\/p>\n

Wheeler Kearns Architects‘<\/span>\u00a0Selected Projects<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Lakeview Penthouse – Chicago, Illinois<\/span><\/h4>\n

With public living areas on the lower level and private spaces above, the apartment’s J-shaped floorplan maximizes its breathtaking 270-degree views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. The exterior is surrounded by gently curved, vaulted walls that acknowledge the ornamental structure while reinterpreting it in a modern manner. The kitchen, bathrooms, and additional storage areas are contained within a central service core, which is defined by gray lacquer panels.<\/p>\n

Lacquered panels, walnut, and oxidized black metal are used to create a rich and varied palette, while polished-white venetian plaster runs throughout and unifies the duplex apartment home. The polished surface’s reflective properties give the spaces indirect lighting and create a dynamic interaction between the occupants and their environment. During the day, a well-planned lighting scheme reduces window glare, and at night, it casts a gentle, warm glow on the curved walls.<\/p>\n

The project won the 2021 – IIDA Illinois RED Awards, Residential Winner<\/span>, the 2020 – AIA Chicago Interior Architecture Award<\/span>, Honor Award<\/span>, and the 2019 – Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Awards, Interior Residential “Editor’s Pick”<\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"Photos by WKarch<\/span><\/p>\n

Granor Greenhouse – Michigan<\/span><\/h4>\n

A multipurpose, creatively programmed glass structure that can be used as a farm, social condenser, and teaching tool, Granor Greenhouse is situated on Southwest Michigan’s first certified organic vegetable farm. It uses the highly configurable Dutch Venlo greenhouse kit-of-parts system and divides its varied programming into three zones. Clear glass in the center zone, which was created to allow for the greatest amount of program flexibility, offers unobstructed views of the sky and surrounding fields. The perfect growing conditions are provided in the eastern and western zones by translucent glass and automated venting, which also include an experimental garden and a space for production seedling\/germination. There is “Farmall” red paint on all access doors serves as a visual link to the other farm buildings.<\/p>\n

Granor’s expansive kitchen in the center zone supports food and bakery production using farm-grown ingredients. This capacity will accommodate Granor’s wildly popular farm dinners, featuring movable furniture and a sturdy polished concrete floor that make it simple to convert the area from a production site to a gathering spot for food and conversation. To separate the zones, two wood-clad volumes are inserted, housing functions such as the kitchen, pantry, office, and “mudroom”\/washrooms. The galvanized steel structure, surrounding glass elements, and stainless-steel commercial kitchen are all softened and complemented by the visual warmth of vertical Douglas Fir slats, which screen and absorb sound.<\/p>\n

Granor Greenhouse was a finalist in the 2023 – Architizer A+ Awards, Mixed Use (S <25,000 sq ft.)<\/span> and received the 2022 – AIA Chicago Honor Award, Small Category<\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"Photos by WKarch<\/span><\/p>\n

Residence for Two Collectors – Chicago<\/span><\/h4>\n

The brief called for making room for a large number of pieces of art, sculpture, and furniture from the mid-1900s to the present. It was to be comfortable for the couple and their dog, their immediate family, and 75 people attending philanthropic events.<\/p>\n

The process was truly collaborative, with the owners intimately familiar with, and fascinated by, construction; the way buildings, and things are made. Discussions frequently led to Jean Prouve and Pierre Chareau, who provided a precedent of machined elements that could operate and transform spaces with long views and openness to those that were contained and in between.<\/p>\n

The non-directional end-grain walnut floor was the first crucial choice because it gave the room the durability and visual weight of a factory. Acoustic absorption is provided by plastered perimeter walls, perforated metal, slatted wood, and floating planes of fabric.<\/p>\n

Then, as operational or functional components, machined and patinaed steel fabrications were “inserted,” including doors, jamb liners, shelving, storage, mezzanine loft, and barn\/pocketing doors. This was done to strengthen the area. Since the client’s father worked as a machinist, choosing the appropriate fastener size and drive\u2014countersunk, of course\u2014could be seen as a greater show of respect.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"\"\"\"\"Photos by WKarch<\/span><\/p>\n

We will be posting more projects by Wheeler Kearns Architects <\/span><\/strong><\/span>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<\/strong>, so join us again next week!<\/span><\/p>\n

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