How cities can save the world | Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, HASLA | TEDxChicago
Renowned architect Carol Ross Barney reveals how cities, while being humanity's greatest achievement, are also one of the biggest contributors to climate change. Click here to watch her talk.
Through compelling examples from Chicago's transformation, she demonstrates how urban spaces can be reimagined for radical sustainability. She challenges us to take responsibility for our urban futures, proving that sustainable cities aren't just possible—they're essential for human survival. Her vision redefines urban spaces as solutions to our climate crisis.
'I remember the day': OKC Federal Building architect weighs in amid possible sale
The Federal Building in Oklahoma City, designed by Ross Barney Architects to replace the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which was destroyed in a 1995 domestic terror attack that claimed 168 lives, may be put up for sale.
Click here to watch the interview, as Carol Ross Barney speaks on why it’s important to maintain the building’s current use as a Federal Office Building, stating, “I Remember the Day Vividly”… ”After the bombing, they didn't want... to be chased away. They wanted a building that represented openness, solidity, symbolizing our resilience."
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA has joined the Dezeen Awards judging panel
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, has joined the judging panel for the 2025 Dezeen Awards. The Awards in partnership with Bentley, seeks the best architects and designers from around the world, recognizing the individuals and studios producing the most outstanding work across architecture, interior and design.
Click here to read more about the 2025 Dezeen Awards and judges panel.
The Chicago Network / HerStories Podcast — Carol Ross Barney: Architect, Chicagoan, and Optimist
HerStories is a podcast that brings to light the inspiring lives of Chicago Network members who are leaders in the professions, business, cultural nonprofits, and educational institutions. Their stories uncover who they are, their paths taken, and the challenges encountered along the way.
Carol Ross Barney joins the host of the podcast, Maria Doughty, to discuss her life story and more.
Click here to listen to the full episode.
The Chicago Riverwalk Announced as a Finalist for the U.S. Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia
Ross Barney Architects has been selected as a finalist for PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity, the U.S. Pavilion exhibition at the 19th International Architecture Biennale di Venezia. Organized by the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas in collaboration with DesignConnects and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, PORCH represents the United States’ exploration of civic engagement, community building, and social and environmental resilience through architecture and design.
As part of the exhibition, Ross Barney Architects work will be featured within the U.S. Pavilion, contributing to the broader dialogue on the role of architecture in fostering generosity, connection, and cultural exchange. Click here to visit Open Call — Porch: An Architecture of Generosity at the link below, and follow @porchusa2025.
"Tension and compromise are essential parts of the creative process"
During a sold-out event at the Chicago Architecture Center's Architect Talk and Book Signing, Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Founder and Design Principal of Ross Barney Architects, addressed a question from Reed Kroloff, Dean and Rowe Family College of Architecture Endowed Chair at IIT College of Architecture:
Carol shared an insight on the often idealized view of architectural projects, stating, “There is a misconception that great projects happen harmoniously with deliriously happy clients and designers… that’s a myth. Tension and compromise are essential parts of the creative process.”
Carol Ross Barney | Design is a Superpower; IIT's Beyond the Surface Podcast
Architecture students at IIT present “Beyond the Surface”, a podcast that illuminates the stories, personalities, and philosophies of architects and designers. This series engages guests in conversations that explore what shapes their identities and beliefs, and how these influences appear in their work.
To listen to the episode featuring Carol Ross Barney, click here.
Architect Talk: Carol Ross Barney, January 23, 2025
Declared The People’s Architect by the Chicago Tribune for her dedication to design of “noble” everyday projects, Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, AIA 2023 Gold Medal recipient will join Reed Kroloff to talk about the future of public spaces and places and what It truly means to advocate for excellent design for all.
Pre-signed copies of The People’s Architect are available for purchase at the CAC Design Store or online. Get your copy signed by Carol at the conclusion of the program.
Click here to register. Light bites and refreshments will be served at 5 pm, with the event beginning at 6 pm.
Gift-Worthy Reads: The People's Architect Carol Ross Barney
AIA Chicago has included The People's Architect: Carol Ross Barney on the 2024 list of Gift-Worthy Reads: Publications by AIA Chicago Architects. Click here to view the full selection of books.
METROPOLIS Circular Future Hackathon, December 17, 4 PM ET
Pari Agaral, AIA AP BD+, CPHC, and Barrett Peterson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C of Ross Barney Architects, were among our industry’s critical design thinkers for the ‘METROPOLIS Circular Future Hackathon’—a pioneering initiative to challenge typical design and construction methods with circular design principles.
On Tuesday, December 17, join METROPOLIS Editor in Chief, Avi Rajagopal online as he shares these valuable resources.
Click here to register for the online event.
Architectural Record Selects The People's Architect as a Recommended Book for the Gift-Giving Season
“Barney’s gift for designing places and spaces where people congregate en masse truly does run the gamut.” Matt Hickman
Architectural Record has selected The People’s Architect Carol Ross Barney as one of their recommended books for the gift-giving season.
Click here to read the full post. Click here to order a copy of The People's Architect.
Chicago YIMBY—Work Progresses On CTA Blue Line Substation At Kimball And Barry In Avondale
“What looks like it could be an uber-modern single-family home you see rising on the corner of Kimball and Barry Avenues in Avondale is a CTA substation for the Blue Line trains, designed by Ross Barney Architects to look less like a piece of infrastructure, and more like part of the Avondale neighborhood.”
Click here to read the full article by Daniel Schell for Chicago YIMBY.