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In this episode, Cherise is joined by Yugene Cha, AIA, Partner, and Luke Haas, Senior Associate/Principal at Krueck Sexton Partners in Chicago, Illinois. They discuss the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Center (CME) Lobby (or CME Center), also in Chicago. Pedestrian circulation became the primary design generator.

The CME Center renovation transforms an aging commercial lobby into a vibrant, public-facing environment, repositioning one of Chicago’s largest office complexes for a new generation of tenants and visitors. By studying how people naturally moved through the complex, the new glass envelope traces these movement patterns, its curved geometry guiding visitors through the space while softening the building’s scale.

In this episode, Cherise is joined by Jon Williams, Associate at R3A Architecture in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They discuss the University of Pittsburgh Crawford Hall Renovation, also in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The renovation of Crawford Hall at the University of Pittsburgh reimagines a mid-century academic building for the next generation of life sciences research. As part of the interconnected Clapp/LangleyCrawford complex, the project seeks to transform an aging facility into a contemporary research environment while preserving its role within the broader campus fabric. Central to the intervention is a five-foot building addition that accommodates new MEP risers, creating the capacity necessary to support sophisticated laboratory systems without compromising the building’s functionality or spatial organization.

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In this episode, Cherise is joined by David Bagnoli, Principal at StudioMB Architects in Washington DC. They discuss the 13th Street Sanctuary, also in Washington, D.C.

Originally constructed in 1917, the 13th Street Sanctuary stands as a compelling example of how adaptive reuse can breathe new life into forgotten structures while addressing urgent urban needs. Once a neglected church severely damaged during the 2011 Mid-Atlantic earthquake, the building was ultimately deemed unsafe and faced an uncertain future. Through an ambitious transformation, the former place of worship has been reimagined into eight co-living residential units, creating a bold new model for affordable housing in Washington, D.C. The design embraces a deliberate contrast between historic and contemporary elements. New slotted window openings punctuate the heavy masonry exterior, bringing natural light into the units while creating a distinct visual dialogue between old and new.

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In this episode, Cherise is joined by Leann Crist, AIA, formerly with Graham Baba Architects, while this project was designed and completed, and now with her own firm, Leann Crist Design Studio. Cherise is also joined by Anjali Grant, Principal at Anjali Grant Design. They discuss the Giddens School & Lake Washington Girls Middle School in Seattle, Washington.

Situated between Seattle’s Beacon Hill and Central District neighborhoods, the Giddens School & Lake Washington Girls Middle School campus reimagines what an urban educational environment can be when collaboration, flexibility, and community are placed at the center of the design process. The tightly integrated campus balances individuality with shared purpose. Each school maintains its own dedicated entrance and organizational structure, reinforcing a sense of identity for students and faculty.

Click here for the extended length interview on YouTube