Design excellence is a right, not a privilege
Ross Barney Architects is a Chicago-based architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture studio.
The practice has developed a reputation for creating innovative, environmentally responsible, user focused architecture and civic space that stands the test of time. This work has often centered on overlooked and forgotten buildings and places that form the backdrop to urban life: train stations, power plants, government offices, schools, parks, and fast-food restaurants. The studio’s portfolio is distinguished by an ability to navigate complex histories, tight budgets, and bureaucracy. Challenges and constraints are recast as opportunities; elevating the mundane into memorable and inspiring experiences.
By operating on the principle that the design process must examine the broadest range of options to create excellence, the studio has adopted an extraordinarily collaborative and holistic approach, engaging the client, user, and community. This goes beyond aesthetics to allow a project to grow out of its place, history, and function.
As the architecture industry investigates its role in systemic systems, Ross Barney Architects has continued to be at the forefront of inclusive design. With a methodology that is based on equity, observation, listening, and learning before solutions are developed; the studio has been a model for firms of all sizes. This process of co-creation strengthens design solutions and more importantly nurtures a sense of ownership and pride by the community served.
Design Excellence is a right, not a privilege.
Justice
We are dedicated to empowering a sense of place, pride, and belonging; in our work and in our studio.
Environmental Stewardship
We design to preserve the planet for future generations. Ross Barney Architects is a signatory of the AIA 2030 Commitment and Architects Advocate. No matter the scope or scale, each project explores an inventive and integrated approach to stewardship; anything less is not an option.
Societal Aspirations
Architecture should inspire a contemporary vision of today’s society, emphasizing that design excellence is a right, not a privilege.
Never Commit too Early
We are always in love with three or four ideas, recognizing the fact that there is more than one answer. We never commit to one idea too early.
Urban Sensitivity
We believe that great places and buildings can strengthen community; nurturing economic development and equitable wealth building.
Take Risks
Our diverse portfolio allows us to think holistically and not be tied down by conventions. Instead, we aim to rethink project relationships to maximize potential.
Ross Barney Architects was founded in 1981 by Carol Ross Barney. The studio’s first office was Carol’s living room in Wilmette, Illinois. Early clients were what Carol called “noble” clients; the ones with important cultural or social agendas but not necessarily the most money or high-profile projects.
By the mid 1980’s, Carol was awarded one of her first major commissions, the suburban Glendale Heights Post Office, which became an example of her willingness to rethink architectural conventions. A quick succession of projects followed, including a dual collaboration with the Chicago Public Schools that resulted in the award-winning Cesar Chavez Multicultural Academic Center and Little Village Academy.
In 1997 Carol was chosen as the lead designer for the Oklahoma City Federal Building, the first female architect to head the design of such a commission. The experience with the Chicago Public Schools intrigued the General Services Administration and set up a foundation for tackling more complicated commissions.
By 2005 Carol was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture from the American Institute of Architects. The jury noted that her “career demonstrates a strong sensitivity, care, and compassion for the public. Her projects not only listen and respond to users’ needs, they also dignify them.” That same year the Chicago Architectural Foundation mounted a transformational exhibition: “5 Architects”. The show became one of the first to focus on women Architect’s, presenting the work of Carol Ross Barney, Zaha Hadid, Julie Snow, and Jeanne Gang.
For the past 16 years Carol has been leading a movement to regenerate the Chicago River. Her influence has allowed for the exploration of new relationships between city and river; an interwoven coexistence of nature and man. When the final phases of the Chicago Riverwalk opened Metropolis Magazine declared Carol “Chicago’s New Daniel Burnham” and Chicago Magazine crowned her “The River Queen.”
Read more about Carol’s career in the Art Institute of Chicago’s Oral History Project.
Design Leader, Architectural Record Women in Architecture Awards. 2022.
Notable Leaders in Sustainability, Crain’s Chicago. 2022.
Order of Lincoln, The Lincoln Academy of Illinois. 2021.
Contribution to Architecture, Female Frontier Awards powered by World Architecture News. 2021.
Award for Excellence in Design, Leadership, and Service, Society of Architectural Historians. 2019.
Illinois Medal, School of Architecture at the University of Illinois. 2019.
Honorary Membership. American Society of Landscape Architects. 2018.
Game Changer, Metropolis Magazine. 2018.
Chicagoan of the Year, Chicago Magazine. 2017.
Lifetime of Hipness, Interior Design Magazine. 2017.
Gold Medal, American Institute of Architects Illinois. 2015.
Award of Honor, Chicago Building Congress. 2011.
Chicagoans of the Year for Architecture, Chicago Tribune. 1997 + 2017.
Ross Barney Architects’ ideas and projects have been recognized by organizations from around the world. The studio’s work has been exhibited in Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., and San Francisco; and has received more than 200 design awards.
National Design Award for Architecture and Interior Design, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2021.
World’s Most Innovative Companies, Fast Company. 2022, 2019.
Best Large Midwest Architecture Firm, The Architect’s Newspaper. 2022.
Firm Award, American Institute of Architects Illinois. 2000.
Firm Award, American Institute of Architects Chicago. 1995.
AIA Honor Award for Architecture, American Institute of Architects. 2018, 1999, 1994, 1991.
AIA Honor Award for Regional & Urban Design, American Institute of Architects. 2018.
AIA Honor Award for Interior Architecture, American Institute of Architects. 2002.
COTE Top Ten Award, American Institute of Architects. 2013, 2009.
Decarbonization Award, American Institute of Architects Chicago. 2021.
Distinguished Building Award, American Institute of Architects Chicago. 2021, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011(2), 2010, 2008, 2003, 1999, 1997(2), 1996, 1995, 1992, 1989.
Divine Detail Award, American Institute of Architects Chicago. 2019, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2005, 2003, 1997, 1995.
SustainABILITY Award, American Institute of Architects Chicago. 2013, 2012, 2004.
Interior Architecture Award, American Institute of Architects Chicago. 2009, 2005, 2003, 2002(2), 1997, 1996, 1994.
World Changing Idea, Fast Company. 2021.
International Architecture Award, Chicago Athenaeum Museum and Design Center and the European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. 2020.
North America Special Prize, Prix Versailles with UNESCO and UIA. 2019.
Honor Award, American Society of Landscape Architects. 2017.
Architecture + Urban Transformation (Popular Choice and Jury Honor), Architizer. 2018.
Global Award for Excellence, Urban Land Institute. 2018.
National Planning Excellence Award for Urban Design, American Planning Association. 2016.
Transportation High Commendation, World Architecture Festival. 2013.
Community Buildings High Commendation, World Architecture Festival. 2009.
Architectural Excellence in Community Design, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. 2006, 2002, 2001.
Federal Design Achievement, National Endowment of the Arts. 1992.
From Me to We: Imagining the City of 2050, Chicago Architecture Center. Chicago, Illinois. 2019.
River Edge Ideas Lab, Chicago Architecture Biennial (sponsored by the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development and the Metropolitan Planning Council). Chicago, Illinois. 2017.
50 Designers, 50 Ideas, 50 Wards, Chicago Architecture Center. Chicago, Illinois. 2016.
Fit Nation, The Center for Architecture. New York City, New York. 2013.
Reinventing Ritual: Contemporary Art and Design for Jewish Life, The Jewish Museum. New York City, New York and San Francisco, California. 2009 – 2010.
Thresholds Along the Frontier: Contemporary U.S. Border Stations, General Services Administration. Traveling. 2007.
5 Architects (Carol Ross Barney, Jeanne Gang, Zaha Hadid, Kazuyo Sejima, Julie Snow), Chicago Architecture Foundation. Chicago, Illinois. 2005.
Renewing, Rebuilding, Remembering, Van Alen Institute. New York City, New York. 2002.
Federal Design Now! The 2000 GSA Design Awards, National Building Museum. Washington, D.C. 2001.
Material Evidence: Chicago Architecture at 2000, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Chicago, Illinois. 2000.
People + Places, The Work of Carol Ross Barney, Ispace, Gallery of the School of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. Chicago, Illinois. 1999 – 2000.
