We design for social impact
Design can transform both the people and communities that surround it. At Canopy, we believe that architecture can have a positive social impact, developing thoughtful architecture that creates conversations between the end user, place, community and environment.
We’ve seen design live up to its potential to shape a better society. That’s why we choose to use design for good. Whether it’s affordable housing, a family home or a community center, our goal is the same. Canopy creates places where people live, meet, learn and come together.
Canopy takes so much pride and ownership over their work that you can't help but feel that same pride and ownership. It’s not just another project to them, they really own it.
Aly Stein, Preservation of Affordable Housing
Our Team
Advocating for social change through accessible design
Canopy was founded in 2009 on the principle that good design can be achieved in any context and available to everyone. Like our name Canopy suggests, the individuals in our practice and project stakeholders work collectively to create spaces that provide safety, wellbeing and comfort. Everyone brings a unique perspective—owner, end user, architect, contractor, etc.—to inform a collaborative, thoughtful design. This interconnectivity is the heart of our design philosophy.
Certificates + Registrations
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Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) Certified Firm
Cook County, Illinois and Illinois Department of Central Management Services
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Registered Professional Design Firm
Illinois
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Registered Architect
Illinois
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Self-Certified Architect
City of Chicago
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Registered Energy Professional
City of Chicago
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Certified Residential Energy Assessor
Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program
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Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional
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National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate
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Certified Passive House Consultant® (CPHC)
Passive House Institute US (PHIUS)
Awards + Recognition
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2024
Architizer A+Awards, Affordable Housing, Special Mention
Oso Apartments
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2024
Architizer A+Awards, Sustainable Multi-Unit Residential Building, Special Mention
Oso Apartments
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2023
CNDA Polk Bros. Foundation Affordable Rental Housing Preservation Award
Salud Center
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2022
Brick in Architecture, Craftsmanship Award
Enlace
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2022
Brick in Architecture, Gold, Commercial
Enlace
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2022
Masonry Advisory Council Excellence in Masonry Award, Industrial/Commercial
Enlace
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2022
CNDA Polk Bros. Foundation Award for Affordable Rental Housing Preservation
Casa Veracruz
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2022
Illinois Real Estate Journal Affordable Housing Project of the Year (Finalist)
Salud Center
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2021
CNDA Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Award for Architectural Excellence in Community Design
OSO Apartments
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2020
AIA Chicago Distinguished Building Award
OSO Apartments
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2020
ALA Design Excellence Award (Silver)
OSO Apartments
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2020
llinois Real Estate Journal, Affordable Housing Project of the Year
OSO Apartments
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2020
ALA Design Excellence Award
Enlace
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2020
Architect's Newspaper Best Facade Award
Enlace
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2020
Illinois Real Estate Journal Architecture Firm of the Year (Finalist)
Firm Award
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2019
Territory NFP Non-Profit Design Partner Award
Albany Park People Spot
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2017
Driehaus Award for Outstanding Multi-Family Real Estate Project
Chicago Metropolitan Housing Development Corp. (Scattered Sites)
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2014
Driehaus Award for Outstanding Multi-Family Real Estate Project
The Resurrection Project, Back of the Yards NSP2 Project (Scattered Sites)
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2010
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Baker Fellowship
Research grant for study of the building envelope in Germany
Professional Affiliations
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Leadership
City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development, Design Excellence Committee
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Member
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
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Member
United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Chicago Chapter
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Member
Chicago Architecture Center
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Member
Gargoyle Historical Honor Society
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Member
Illinois Housing Council
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Leadership
University of Illinois School of Architecture Alumni Advisory Board
Our Partners
We’re proud to partner with other organizations that put social impact first
- U.S. Green Building Council
- Passive House Institute US (PHIUS)
- Urban Land Institute
- Congress for New Urbanism
- Elevate Energy
- Chicago Sustainability Policy Standard
- Rebuilding Exchange
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Neighborhood Opportunity Fund
- Enterprise Green Communities
- Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation
- Chicago Community Loan Fund
- Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE)
- Illinois Housing Development Authority
- Cook County Land Bank
- Illinois Facilities Fund
- Chicago TOD Calculator
- Chicago Housing Authority
- Chicago Department of Housing
- Illinois Housing Council
- National Council of Registration Board
- National Organization of Minority Architects
- Arquitectos Chicago