Francesca Oliveira, FAIA, Elevated to College of Fellows

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Technical Principal Francesca Oliveira, FAIA, to its College of Fellows—a prestigious honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession. Beijing Poly International Plaza A commitment to serve is at the forefront of her ethos and is reflected in her contributions to SOM—from research … Continued

Lee Bey Highlights 400 Lake Shore Drive’s Construction Start for the Chicago Sun-Times

The 75-foot-deep hole near the mouth of the Chicago River is being filled with concrete as the first tower of 400 Lake Shore Drive begins construction. “The end is here for the infamous manmade crater at Lake Shore Drive and Grand Avenue,” wrote Lee Bey for the Chicago Sun-Times about the site, which has sat … Continued

SOM Contributes to 20-Minute Neighborhood Study

Continuing its work with SPUR, a nonprofit public policy organization, a team of urban designers and planners from SOM has contributed to a case study exploring the potential of San José’s Alum Rock neighborhood to become a model of sustainable urbanism. Titled “Building Blocks Toward 20-Minute Neighborhoods,” the publication envisions a future for San José … Continued

Xuan Fu Named to Crain’s Chicago Business Women of Note List

SOM Managing Partner Xuan Fu, FAIA, has been named as one of Crain’s Chicago Business’ Women of Note, among some of the city’s most influential women. SOM Managing Partner, Xuan Fu, FAIA, named as one of Crain’s Chicago Business 2024 Women of Note The annual Women of Note program recognizes women leaders in Chicago’s business … Continued

Kansas City International Airport Wins Civil Engineering Award

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has named the new terminal at Kansas City International Airport as one of 11 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement award winners in 2024. The program honors projects across the globe that represent significant advancements in the engineering profession and enhance their local built environments. Kansas City International Airport is … Continued

Applications Open for 2024 Year One Career Accelerator Program

SOM is now accepting applications for Year One—a comprehensive career development program that allows our newest team members to get the most of their first year in the profession. Students completing a degree in 2024 in architecture, engineering, urban planning, or interior design are invited to apply. Launched in 2018, the Year One program is … Continued

Aurelia Residences in Manila Tops Out

The Aurelia Residences—a sophisticated, multifamily high-rise development coming soon to Manila, Philippines—celebrated a major milestone with its topping-out ceremony on January 24. “Today is a momentous day for Aurelia Residences, and we are thrilled to share this milestone with everyone,” said Atty. Karlo Marco P. Estavillo, President of Shang Robinsons Properties, Inc. “The Topping-Off Ceremony … Continued

Ellen Lou Envisions the Future of Downtown San Francisco in The Urbanist Magazine

In the winter issue of The Urbanist, the nonprofit public policy organization SPUR invited community leaders to envision the future outcome of downtown revitalization efforts. Urban Design and Planning Principal Ellen Lou was among the local Bay Area leaders invited to respond to the question: “What would it look like if cities were to get … Continued

Pedestrian Bridge in Atlanta Wins Innovation Award from American Institute of Steel Construction

The pedestrian bridge at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown has won a 2024 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel (IDEAS²) Award. Presented by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), the award recognizes projects that push the boundaries of design and construction with structural steel.  Designed and engineered by SOM and … Continued

Georgi Petrov to Discuss Space Architecture at SXSW Conference

On March 9, Senior Associate Principal Georgi Petrov will participate in a panel discussion—“Space Architecture for Spaceship Earth”—as part of the South by Southwest Conference (SXSW) in Austin, Texas.  While space exploration has historically been seen as a separate endeavor from the issues we face on Earth, it has become increasingly apparent that innovations and … Continued