Mission

Open Architecture Architecture Collaborative Chicago empowers communities by providing access to creative services and convening architects, designers, civic leaders, and stakeholders to co-create thriving places and futures. Through participatory design, we catalyze sustainable solutions that strengthen social cohesion and build resilient communities.

 
 

Services

We operate through three interconnected domains, integrating Open Architecture Collaborative Chicago's nonprofit work into its creative agencies — Open Spark and Open Futures. These practices address the increasing complexity of the built environment through multisectoral collaboration and innovative design approaches. Open Spark drives brand and business development, while Open Futures facilitates systems change and strategic foresight.

Together, we employ architectural, relational, and cultural design processes to transform communities, spaces, and systems. This integrated approach enables dynamic solutions that address current needs while building capacity for future resilience through participatory design and collaborative planning.

 

Open Architecture Collaborative Chicago focuses on the built environment and delivers community-centered design and construction projects, focusing on sustainable architecture, public spaces, and neighborhood infrastructure that promotes social equity and environmental resilience.

 

Open Spark focuses on brand & business development guiding organizations in developing purpose-driven identities, sustainable business models, and strategic growth plans that align with social impact goals and community needs.

 

Open Futures focuses on systems change & futures facilitating transformative organizational and community initiatives through strategic foresight, participatory planning, and collaborative design processes that build capacity for long-term positive change.