Converge Architecture, a firm co-founded by Illinois Institute of Technology College of Architecture Adjunct Professor Annabell Ren, has received recognition from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chicago. The firm is a finalist for two awards in 2025.
One of the highlighted projects is the “African Heritage Hut,” designed by Ren for Chicago’s North Lawndale Historical and Cultural Society Garden. The project is a finalist for the Roberta Feldman Architecture for Social Justice Award, which honors built projects and design programs that support equitable access to architecture. Established in 2020, this award recognizes designers working pro bono or at below-market rates and includes a $2,500 prize.
Ren explained her motivation behind such work: “A lot of communities don’t have the budget to work with an architect, so I work on a pro bono project every year,” she said. “The Cultural Society wanted an iconic structure for the neighborhood. The design is inspired by a traditional African hut, featuring a skylight to connect visitors with nature and a hearth to serve as a gathering place and resting area. The hut’s plan is based on the Adinkrahene symbol, which consists of three concentric circles symbolizing charisma, leadership, and greatness.”
Ren participated in the Chicago Sukkah Design Festival held at the garden in 2022. When approached by organizers about creating culturally relevant shade for visitors, her team took on the task.
Ren previously opened New Office with Steven Karvelius and Elliott Riggen—both alumni of Illinois Institute of Technology—in 2020. Their renovation project in Lincoln Park earned them an AIA Chicago Citation of Merit award in 2023.
New Office later merged with Bureau Gemmell—founded by Lynsey Sorrell—to form Converge Architecture. While Ren led the African Heritage Hut project, Sorrell and Riggen worked on renovating a century-old warehouse on Chicago’s near West Side. This second project is also recognized as a finalist for AIA Chicago’s Design Excellence Award—Medium.
The AIA Chicago awards will be presented at Designight 2025 on September 18.