People’s Architect

For her dedication to design of noble, everyday projects, Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Honorary ASLA, is the recipient of the 2023 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal. A renowned Architect for public and civic space design, she has spent her career creating exceptional public spaces that have made a lasting impact. Her designs have become cultural icons, showcasing her belief in the transformative power of the built environment on our daily lives. A recognized urbanist, mentor, and educator, she firmly advocates that excellent design should be accessible to all, emphasizing that it is a right rather than a privilege. For almost two decades, her studio was involved in projects along Chicago’s rivers, including the design of the iconic Chicago Riverwalk.Carol is a graduate of the University of Illinois and has served as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica, where she contributed to nationalpark planning. She has taught an advanced Design Studio at the Illinois Institute of Technology for over thirty years, sharing her expertise and shaping the next generation of architects. With her focus on design excellence, social responsibility, and generosity, Barney is an unrivaled architect for the people.