Meet the Architect Who’s Helping Build Our Future Home

Monica Chada

Monica Chada is the founder of Civic Projects Architecture, a Chicago-based practice advancing a participatory model of design that expands architecture’s role in civic and cultural life.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and why you founded Civic Projects?

I’m first-generation Canadian, and I originally came to Chicago for a job that was supposed to be for four months, but it stuck … I found a mentor and group of people in Chicago that are committed to socially-engaged design, and I just loved it here. 

Throughout my career I’ve been lucky to work with architects who are civic and community minded, including women like Carol Ross Barney and Jeanne Gang here in Chicago. And, in undergrad at the University of Waterloo in Canada, I was able to study with Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi, the first and only Indian architect to win the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. It was a truly transformational experience; it helped me connect with my Indian roots and it showed me how you could put people first in architecture. In traditional practice, there wasn’t always the opportunity or time to work with community and stakeholders directly on projects; I decided to create a firm that was truly grounded in that purpose.

Civic Projects Architecture was founded with the belief that every person and every community should have access to well-designed spaces; and that starts with listening. Our approach is based in community engagement, collaboration, and transparency. Allowing everyone to be part of every aspect of the project, from funding to construction, creates an inclusive design process. 

Design isn’t transactional for me or my team, it’s really about the relationships we build with our community and clients, so that we all have a hand in building something beautiful.

Why did you want to work on this project? What was your vision for Steep’s new theater?

We started working with Steep before you even purchased the building at 1044 West Berwyn. There was mission alignment from the very beginning, in that we both truly care about our communities and neighbors. We felt invited in as a partner, and we spent a lot of time discussing the space, how it should feel and function. 

The cheese plate became central to our planning process, because that’s such an important part of what makes Steep unique. Bringing the audience and the artists together after a show to have conversation, to engage and connect through storytelling. In the end we wanted to create a space that exudes warmth and welcomeness.

What are you hoping audiences will feel when they walk into the new space?

Steep’s former storefront space was described as a living room. There was something about the space that brought you in and made you feel like you were at home. In the new theater, I want people to feel like it’s always been here, that it’s very much part of the Edgewater community, while also feeling delighted and grateful to have such an important cultural destination in their neighborhood. 

What other projects are you currently working on or recently completed?

Steep entrusted us when we had some theater work, but not extensive, and it allowed us to grow, learn and build our portfolio of work. Because of our partnership with Steep, we’ve been approached by other theaters and community organizations. 

Most recently, we completed work on a ‘little’ project you may have heard of - the Obama Presidential Center Museum. Ralph Applebaum and Associates invited us to be part of the team not because we are centuries deep in museum experience, but because they know we’re a strong community partner. It’s been a real “pinch me moment” to bring this vision to life - it’s so much more than a museum, a public library, a park, a basketball court … It's truly a beacon in the South Side of Chicago, a welcoming space for all.

That’s what ties all of our projects together - community - it is at the center of all our work; it’s what inspires the spaces we create, and we take such pride in that. From the Obama Center to Steep to the Yocalli Arts Center … It's such a privilege to reflect back the mission, vision, the integrity, and excitement of an organization. To be the hands that help build and share it.

Construction continues on our new home at 1044 W. Berwyn.