Teaching Studio Culture

Our studios are laboratories for innovation and we frequently ask questions that go against the status quo. We require our buildings and spaces to excel, not just comply. Because of this, we foster a collaborative, integrated design process with our clients, consultants, and contractors. If not everyone fits at the table, we get a bigger one.

We also expect our staff to be in-tune with both best practices and new methods. Therefore, we support leadership and membership in a wide range of industry organizations, advocacy at the state and federal level, and growth opportunities within the firm.

Leadership: AIA Chicago, AIA Illinois, ASHRAE, Climate Action Museum, Women in Planning & Development, Chicago Parent’s Forum

Our certifications include: NCARB, CPHC® (Phius), LFA (International Living Future Institute), WELL AP (International WELL Building Institute), LEED AP (USGBC)

Our memberships include: AIA, Illinois Housing Council, Landmarks Illinois, Illinois Green Alliance, Strong Towns, Incremental Development Alliance, American Marketing Association, Society for Commercial Archaeology, American Planning Association

A Growth Mindset

Farr Associates currently employs eight staff, including five licensed architects. The firm’s teaching studio, the Farrside, recognizes the leadership potential in even the most junior designers and aims to advance the industry through modeling compassionate mentorship and family-friendly practices.  

We offer the following benefits to all full-time staff to achieve their professional goals:

  • Licensure or accreditation support in their field

  • Annual conference attendance or continuing education support

  • Flexible work policies and remote working options

  • Policies which promote internal growth and hiring

Additionally, we participate in mentorship programs inside and outside of Farr Associates to provide access to those wishing to explore the field:

Len and Echo editing a Phius sustainability presentation

Len and Echo editing a Phius sustainability presentation

Topping Out Celebration for Lawson House with the Ownership, Design, and Construction Team

Topping Out Celebration with the Lawson House Ownership, Construction & Design Team

LOFAs (Ladies of Farr Associates) on-site for field observation at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club

  • Featured Project: Lawson House Case Study

    Fifteen years, $128M, and five substantial completions later, Lawson House finished construction fully leased and with a waitlist.

    We’re collecting the lessons learned from design and construction and will be adding more as we look at one year of occupancy data and surveys. Learn more here.

  • Featured Project: Academy for Global Citizenship

    The Academy's high-performance successes can be attributed to its dual Phius and Living Building Challenge (LBC) certifications. Only the 34th building in the world to achieve LBC, the campus sets the bar for high-performance. Learn more about LBC and AGC's benchmarks here.

    Please note that LBC is a living certification that requires updating over several years. The playbook here reflects that continuous monitoring of progress.