OUR HISTORY 

It started with a group of students taking an inter-professional class with a simple goal: creating a system that engages the local community with story telling. We felt that giving back to the community was needed but how can this be done? We created a prototype that included a physical and web platform for story telling to be possible. With the infrastructure in place, it is now possible for the community to both read and share their stories. Sharing a story is possible via typing, voice recordings, or video recordings.

Their mission was to develop a platform for individuals within Chicago neighborhoods to share their story and ultimately provide local insight and personify neighborhoods in the city.

ABOUT US TODAY

We are a Chicago-based architecture practice with a focus on social impact. Our approach to design is highly participatory, going beyond architecture to engage in grant-writing, strategic planning, pre-development, and revitalization on several scales. Civic Projects works closely with clients and local organizations to develop work that invigorates neighborhoods. Through visioning sessions, community workshops, and in-depth research, we facilitate a process that brings all of our stakeholders to the table.

Our team is skilled in architecture and other design practices, providing us with breadth and depth of experience. For each project, we bring collaborators well-versed in strategy development and stakeholder engagement, as well as problem-solving. We are currently engaged in a wide variety of projects: including our collaboration with Ralph Appelbaum Associates on the Obama Presidential Center Museum, the strategic planning and programming of the Chicago Torture Justice Center, and the development of quality housing on the South Side of Chicago.

Civic Projects believes in each project’s potential to catalyze activity and strengthen local bonds. Our unique approach to design results in projects that are deeply embedded in communities, long after construction has ended. Read more about our process here.

(Civic Projects is a Certified Minority and Woman Owned Business)

CURRENT TEAM

Monica Chadha — AIA, Founder, Civic Projects

Ian Miley — Architect, Civic Projects

Smitha Vasan — Architect, Civic Projects

Amanda Mauser — Architectural Designer, Civic Projects

Tukesha Hill — IIT CoA Student and Intern, Civic Projects

Eli Harrell — U of C BA Student and Research Fellow, Civic Projects

Hasnain Khundmiri — Education Consultant, Civic Projects

FOUNDERS

Reya G. — IIT Psychology Student

Clayton K. — IIT Architecture Student

Daniel T. — IIT Architecture Student

Isaac L. — IIT Civil Engineering Student

Isabel F. — IIT Architecture Student

James T. — IIT Architecture Student

Pranathi M. — IIT Psychology Student

Timothy K. — IIT Cyber Security Student

Monica C. — AIA, Founder, Civic Projects, Adjunct Professor IIT

Questions? Suggestions? Or Don't see your neighborhood?

Email us at:

urbanactivators@gmail.com