Sustainability is not Optional: Big Ideas and Small Solutions in Everyday Architecture

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 1:00pm – 2:30pm CT

Description

Public spaces and places are essential and shape the livability and vibrancy of our cities. They embody our history, reflect our values, and inspire our future aspirations. Serving as communal hubs, these areas bring together diverse cultures and backgrounds while celebrating shared principles. Thoughtful design unlocks the full potential of public spaces, with architects playing a crucial role in fostering community and driving societal progress. Design is our superpower.

This talk will explore how even the unassuming designs for public spaces require the integration of architecture and multiple disciplines; all guided with sustainability in mind. Participants will learn about the complex delivery and construction models used to develop public buildings and infrastructure, and how well-designed public spaces can enhance quality of life. Outstanding public areas strengthen community bonds, promote diversity, address climate challenges through sustainable practices, and foster unity through shared culture and values. Achieving design excellence in public projects relies on strong advocacy from clients, users, and design teams alike.

Project examples will showcase a variety of creative ways to achieve sustainability. Case studies will include the Riverwalk Design in Chicago, Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston (LEED Platinum), Civil Engineering Building at the University of Minnesota, Flagship McDonalds in Chicago, and the new NASA Aerospace Communications Center in Cleveland.

Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, HASLA
Ross Barney Architects
Design Principal and Founder
crb@r-barc.com
312-832-0600
www.r-barc.com

Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, HASLA, was honored with the 2023 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal, recognizing her as a visionary architect, urbanist, mentor, and educator. Throughout her career, she has relentlessly advocated that excellent design is a right, not a privilege. Dedicated to design of public buildings and spaces, her exploration into the power of how the built environment can improve our daily lives has produced distinctive structures and places that have become cultural icons.

Notable projects include the design of the Oklahoma City Federal Building, replacing the bombed Murrah Federal Building, the Chicago Riverwalk, flagship restaurants for McDonald’s in Chicago and Disney World, the Searle Visitor Center at Lincoln Park Zoo, JRC Synagogue, CTA Cermak and Morgan Street Stations, the University of Minnesota Duluth Civil Engineering Building, and the Multi-Modal Terminal at O’Hare International Airport. She also designed the NASA Aerospace Communications Facility, Railyard Park in Rogers, Arkansas, and Chicago’s new DuSable Park.

Her work has earned over 200 major awards, including the AIA Gold Medal, Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, fourteen National American Institute of Architects Honor Awards, two AIA COTE Top Ten Project Awards for sustainability, and more than 45 AIA Chicago Awards. Carol is a graduate of the University of Illinois and served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica planning national parks. She has taught an advanced Design Studio at the Illinois Institute of Technology for over thirty years.

Krista Simons Gliva, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Ross Barney Architects
Principal
ksg@r-barc.com
312-897-1762
www.r-barc.com

Krista Simons Gliva, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is a principal architect with experience in all phases of the design and construction process, along with her versatility working in many project roles has made her a valuable team leader. Her intrinsic optimism coupled with her technical skills and natural ability to decipher and solve complex problems is indispensable when working on the wide variety of challenging projects at Ross Barney Architects.

Krista’s approach to architecture involves seeing ideas become reality by tenaciously working to maintain design integrity and project goals throughout the design and construction process. From reimagining a new gateway to the Lincoln Park Zoo to master planning and modernizing a mid-century girls’ school for Regina Dominican High School, Krista’s dedication to good design along with her commitment to her clients has guided and readied them as they build towards the future.

At Ross Barney Architects, Krista leads by example; guiding, encouraging, and mentoring her teams. She enjoys all aspects of the architectural process and loves to share her experiences and provide learning opportunities to enhance the growth of younger staff. Krista is a graduate of the University of Illinois School of Architecture and membership committee member for the Professional Women in Construction (PWC) Chicago chapter.

Webinar Partner: Professional Women in Construction Chicago Chapter