Business Details
46 Years
experience
Community-Centered Architecture in Chicago
Established in 1980, MKB Architects has dedicated itself to creating spaces that serve people, celebrate community bonds, and prioritize environmental stewardship. Our firm collaborates with non-profits, religious organizations, and community-driven initiatives to deliver architectural solutions tailored to housing, health and wellness, social services, and sacred spaces. With expertise in permanent supportive housing, special needs facilities, and master planning, we align our design process with client goals through deep listening and engagement with end-users. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through certifications like LEED Gold, Enterprise Green Communities, and participation in the AIA 2030 Challenge. Recognized with awards such as the Chicago Building Congress Merit Award and Pritzker Traubert Foundation Chicago Prize, we combine technical precision with a mission-driven approach.Our team, including principals with decades of experience, emphasizes collaboration, diversity, and equity in both practice and mentorship. Projects like the Healthy Lifestyle Hub in Auburn Gresham and Saint Clement Parish exemplify our ability to merge historical context with modern functionality. As a Women-Owned Business Enterprise, we champion underrepresented voices in architecture while maintaining rigorous design standards across renovations, restorations, and new constructions. Our long-standing client relationships reflect trust in our ability to transform missions into impactful physical spaces.
Services
Community-Based Architecture
Sustainable Design
LEED Certification
Housing Solutions
Health & Wellness Facilities
Master Planning
Historic Renovations
Religious Architecture
Commercial Renovations
Non-Profit Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in community-focused architectural design.
- Our projects include LEED-certified and Enterprise Green Communities buildings.
- We are a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE).
- We specialize in complex renovations and adaptive reuse of historic structures.
- Our team includes principals with decades of non-profit sector expertise.
Associations and certifications
- LEED Gold
- LEED Silver
- Enterprise Green Communities Certified
- AIA 2030 Challenge Participant
Services
Community-Based Architecture
We create spaces that reflect community needs through collaborative design processes. Our approach prioritizes input from end-users, especially vulnerable populations, ensuring functional and meaningful outcomes. Projects like the Healthy Lifestyle Hub in Auburn Gresham demonstrate our ability to integrate social services, retail, and healthcare into cohesive urban environments.
Sustainable Design
Our firm pursues environmentally responsible solutions through certifications like LEED and Enterprise Green Communities. We incorporate energy-efficient systems, material reuse, and climate resilience strategies while maintaining aesthetic integrity. The Lincoln Park Community Services facility exemplifies our commitment to reducing environmental impact without compromising design quality.
Historic Renovations
We specialize in restoring and adapting historic buildings while respecting their architectural legacy. Projects such as St. Francis of Assisi Monastery combine modern functionality with preservation of cultural heritage. Our expertise includes navigating complex regulatory requirements for historic structures in urban contexts.
Housing Solutions
We design permanent and interim housing for vulnerable populations, including special needs facilities and transitional shelters. Our work with organizations like Covenant House Illinois demonstrates our ability to create safe, dignified environments that support recovery and community integration through thoughtful spatial planning.
Religious Architecture
We craft worship environments that balance spiritual significance with practical needs. Projects like the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University and Saint Clement Parish showcase our ability to create spaces that honor tradition while accommodating contemporary usage patterns for diverse congregations.
People
Geri Kelley
Principal, Owner
Recipient of Crains 2020 Notable Women in Construction, Geri has resolved complex architectural challenges for 25+ years. Her passion for underserved communities drives MKBs mission to create socially impactful spaces through design excellence.
Jack Kelley
Principal, Owner
With 35+ years leading MKBs vision, Jack specializes in master planning for non-profits. He has taught architecture internationally and directed award-winning projects that transform institutional missions into physical realities through strategic design solutions.
Allison Collins
Project Architect
Bringing expertise in residential and commercial architecture, Allison applies rigorous attention to detail across project types. Her background in urban design enhances her ability to create context-sensitive solutions that integrate with surrounding communities.
Andrew Johnson
Project Manager
Specializing in multi-unit housing, Andrew manages complex development projects for non-profit clients. His expertise ensures projects meet budget and schedule requirements while maintaining high design standards through effective stakeholder coordination.
Jocelyn Wong
Architectural Associate & Marketing Coordinator
Combining architectural practice with marketing expertise, Jocelyn creates compelling narratives about MKBs projects. Her dual role bridges design communication with visual storytelling, enhancing how the firms impact is shared with broader audiences.
Questions
What types of organizations does MKB Architects typically work with?
We primarily partner with non-profits, religious institutions, and community organizations focused on housing, health services, and social equity initiatives.
How does MKB Architects approach sustainability in design?
We integrate green building standards like LEED certification, energy-efficient systems, and material reuse strategies while maintaining design integrity across all project types.
What makes MKB different from other architectural firms?
Our deep expertise in community-focused design, long-standing non-profit partnerships, and commitment to equity through Women-Owned Business Enterprise certification set us apart in socially impactful architecture.
Can MKB handle complex historic renovation projects?
Yes, our team has extensive experience with historic preservation, including navigating regulatory requirements and combining modern functionality with heritage conservation in urban environments.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Chicago, we work throughout the Midwest with particular expertise in urban neighborhoods like Little Italy, Auburn Gresham, and Lincoln Park.
