The inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial (October 3, 2015 through January 3, 2016) is a global event. With over 60 firms or studios featured—representing more than 30 countries across six continents—it is also drawing attendees from all over the world. Titled The State of the Art of Architecture, the exhibition, curated by Sarah Herda and Joseph Grima, reaches beyond the national conversation to generate a larger discussion about the future of the built environment. But, given Chicago’s long tradition of innovation and innovators, from Louis Sullivan to SOM, we decided to look at some of the city’s own emerging practitioners. Here, we highlight a handful of designers in the Biennial who are, with optimism and humor, broadening the definition of the practice of architecture and what it means to be an architect, in both the Midwest and beyond.

Allison Newmeyer and Stewart Hicks
Design With Company
Founded in 2010, the two-person Design With Company has developed a 'late entry' to Chicago's 1987 Harold Washington Library Competition for the Biennial.