Defining Success: Chris-Annmarie Spencer on a New Life, Work Ethic, and Empathy
Chris-Annmarie Spencer is a principal at Wheeler Kearns Architects, where she has worked on numerous award-winning projects including Inspiration Kitchens, “The Alice” at Goodman Theatre, and Mansueto High School. Named one of 25 Young Architects to Watch in 2019, she also participates in the Architects in Schools (AIS) program, Green Apple Day of Service, and serves on the board of AIA Chicago Foundation where she helped establish the AIA Chicago Foundation Diversity Scholarship.
Most recently, Chris-Ann is a Leadership Greater Chicago Class of 2019 Fellow, one of 40 accomplished and diverse individuals joining a legacy of building and strengthening the pipeline of civic leaders who will influence the future of Chicago. In her interview, Chris-Ann talks about starting over in a new country and empathizing with her clients, advising those just starting out to know what their purpose is in the field.
JG: How did your interest in architecture first develop?
CS: Ever since I was young, I’ve always loved to sketch – objects, spaces, portraits. Transitioning from sketching to architecture was really a push aided by my mother– she is my inspiration. In high school, when considering my core courses, she encouraged me to think about a career I could be passionate about that was beyond what was socially acceptable for someone from our socioeconomic status.
I was lucky - a technical drawing teacher, Mr. Brown, accepted me into his architecture mechanical drawing class and opened a whole new world for me. I saw that our home was designed and constructed as part of the Caribbean vernacular and that the brightly painted walls were tied to our culture as African descendants. So, I think architecture emerged for me from an interest in visual arts, to technical drawings, to then understanding, appreciating and creating cultural space in built form.
Family time - Chris-Ann and her mom and children in Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory
How did you then get your start in the field?
My family immigrated to Boston in 1998 with limited resources and opportunities for our new life. I had completed my undergraduate studies in architecture, but I was unemployable as an intern architect – I had a degree from a university in a third world country, I had no experience, I couldn’t use the computer, and I had no connections in the local architecture community. I quickly realized two things - I had to attend graduate school if I wanted to lead a creatively fulfilled life and we - my family- had to become financially independent.
For three years, I worked as an administrative assistant in a medical practice and saved what I could for graduate school. I applied to and was accepted at the University of Illinois at Chicago – honestly, I think this was part of a last-ditch effort to boost enrollment, as my acceptance letter arrived in August. I moved to Chicago in September 2001 – I had never visited Chicago before, so I didn’t know anyone. It all seems crazy to me now. In my final semester my studio professor, Dan Wheeler, not only saw potential in my work but listened to where I felt my efforts might be best served. This opportunity is often not available to everyone especially those of us who are in the minority. Dan encouraged me to apply for a position in his firm and the rest is history. He continues to be one of my most highly valued mentors and champions, guiding my career forward.
“I empathize with those using the spaces I’ve created, as some communities and situations are very similar to those I grew up with.”
What have been the main milestones for you professionally, and during your time with Wheeler Kearns?
Immigrating to the US was a life changing event that has trickled down to subsequent milestones. Being offered a position at WKA where I’ve been mentored by several experienced architects, is also a highlight. The office culture supports young designers to become project leaders on a variety of project types with autonomy, which I’m very grateful for.
2010 was pivotal both professionally and personally, coinciding with the birth of my daughter and the design and construction of Inspiration Kitchens in Garfield Park, a project that has helped physically transform the community and how they think about food and employment opportunities. Another milestone was being awarded AIA Chicago Dubin Young Architect award in 2017. This recognition opened new doors for me including an offer to join AIA Chicago Foundation Board where I lead the development of an annual Diversity Scholarship for graduate and undergraduate students attending an accredited local university. I am extremely proud of this initiative, providing financial support and mentorship. We awarded our first recipients in 2019.
Community Garden, Inspiration Kitchens in Garfield Park, Chicago, IL. Photogrpahy by Steve Hall, Hall + Merrick
Zurich Esposito and Chris-Ann Spencer at Inspiration Kitchens in Garfield Park. Photography by Darris Lee Harris.
Congratulations! Where would you say you are in your career today?
I am currently working on a project with the Inner-City Muslim Action Network on a Fresh Market corner store in Englewood, one of Chicago’s impoverished neighborhoods. The project will become a prototype for what a neighborhood corner store could be – providing fresh meat, fruits and vegetables in food deserts across Chicago. Completing this project will be another significant milestone for me. I empathize with those using the spaces I’ve created, as some communities and situations are very similar to those I grew up with. I am determined to help others improve their situations through mentorship and the built environment.
In 2019, I became a part of the ownership at Wheeler Kearns Architects. As a firm principal, I’ve never been more excited about the work we do and the future of our firm. I am honored to be able to work with a talented group of colleagues and on such inspiring and mission-driven projects and establishing new partnerships with organizations such as North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN), Care for Real, the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) and Distinctive Schools: Art In Motion. I care deeply about elevating the next generation and volunteering with programs such as Architects in Schools, which introduces architecture and design thinking as a change agent to Chicago Public School 8th grade students.
Stair of a Private Residence on the Gold Coast in Chicago.
Entry to Goodman Theatre's education and engagement space at The Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement. Photography by Steve Hall, Hall + Merrick.
How do you define success in your current role?
I measure success in two buckets – as a wife and mother, and as an architect. My partner - who I met in graduate school is also an architect and professor – we support and encourage each other’s career while negotiating balance between our responsibilities as parents and architects. Our children are happy and thriving. I am carefree with them in a way my parents couldn’t be with me and my sister and brother – probably because they were constantly worried about our financial instability.
Our children attend design and construction meetings with me and studio lectures with Grant; they are integrated into our practice as architects. I’ve made a conscious effect to walk them through every project I’ve completed and to explain the problem, the solution, and the possible impact to the users of the space. We are trying to be a positive example for them – this is our measure of success.
“I measure success in two buckets – as a wife and mother, and as an architect.”
I also have a great support system of my partners and colleagues inside and outside our firm. Recently, after completing Care for Real, our client emailed to say, “Our staff attitudes and how they speak of the organization has changed – we are no longer a bubble gum and duct tape Care for Real, we’re a professional community support agency. There is not a day that goes by that we are not thankful for the new space.” Helping an organization realize their full potential is also how I measure success.
Looking back at it all, what have been the biggest challenges?
My biggest challenge has been overcoming misperceptions. I’ve sometimes felt overlooked and underestimated, perhaps because I am female, or a person of color? I’m not sure. My hope is that my work and work ethic forces others to really see me.
The design and construction team at the Mansueto High School groundbreaking. The Mansueto High School is part of the Noble Network of Charter Schools.
Chris-Ann at the construction site of the Mansueto High School.
Who are you admiring right now and why?
Interesting question - Brené Brown. I am reading her book Daring Greatly and I’m inspired by her work which exposes the myth that vulnerability is weakness, and, her message that as leaders, it’s important to create a safe culture where vulnerability is key to the creative process.
I’ve also recently been fascinated by Francis Kéré’s work in Burkina Faso. His use of indigenous building techniques and materials to create a new vernacular is delightful.
What is the impact you’d like to have in the world? What is your core mission?
Years ago, I was walking in Soweto, South Africa - I could’ve been walking through a rural town in Jamaica. What I saw - shanty towns, backyard shacks, formal and informal outbuildings made from wood, zinc, and plastic - is resourcefulness as a way of life. How could we use this lifestyle and this thinking in architecture to facilitate change? This is the question I’d like to answer and the impact I’d like to have.
“...as leaders, it’s important to create a safe culture where vulnerability is key to the creative process.”
Finally, what do you wish you knew when starting out that you know now? What advice do you have for those starting their career?
For those starting their careers I would say take the time needed to really understand yourself and your core values. You’ll need them at critical points of decision-making and moving forward. Architecture is a slow career path with a lot of upfront investment, so find purpose in your work to help you along. Lastly, be brave and don’t hesitate to seek out new experiences – you’ll never know where something will lead.