“Behind the Screens” is a series developed by AIA Chicago’s Editorial Advisory Committee to highlight the members of the chapter. Throughout the year, the series will showcase Fellows, Architects, Associates, and Affiliate members.
Name: María José Tasada
Affiliations/Credentials: AIA, NCARB, LEED Green Associate
Title: Technical Director at Gensler / President of Arquitectos Inc / Vice President of Chicago Women in Architecture
Company: Gensler
Degree: Master of Architecture, UIC Bachelor of Architecture, Universidad Abierta Interamericana
AIA Chicago involvement: 2023 AIA Jury Development Task Force, AIA Chicago Guess-A-Sketch Task Force
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
The thrill of shaping the built environment gets me out of bed in the morning.
Every day presents new opportunities to learn and grow alongside Gensler’s talented team, which fuels my enthusiasm. I thrive on collaboration and am inspired by the collective energy of varied perspectives and working together to find design solutions.
Architecture allows me to combine my skills with my desire to help others. I’m passionate about becoming a role model for aspiring architects and feel immense satisfaction when my peers and mentees succeed. Growing up with the support of a strong community, I’m committed to giving back. This led me to collaborate with nonprofits, including Arquitectos Inc and Chicago Women in Architecture (CWA).
What has been the most valuable resource to you in your career?
After graduating from college in 2007, I embarked on a life-changing six-month internship at José María Saez Vaquero’s office in Quito, Ecuador. Immersing myself in a different culture and collaborating with a skilled architect broadened my understanding of international architectural standards. The experience also exposed me to diverse perspectives on the field, shaping my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Upon returning to Argentina in 2008, I joined Diego Arraigada’s studio. His mentorship was invaluable. Inspired by his stories about his master’s degree at UCLA, I decided to follow a similar path and enrolled at the University of Illinois at Chicago. My academic journey was significantly enriched by a semester abroad in Barcelona during my master’s program. Immersing myself in a city renowned for its architecture and design allowed me to explore new perspectives and expand my design vocabulary. Along with my previous experiences abroad, my travels have provided me with a comprehensive global outlook. This combination of international experience and strong mentorship have been instrumental in my professional growth, providing me with a solid foundation for my career in design.
I’ve been in Chicago since 2012, working on a variety of projects from small-scale urban interventions to large mixed-use projects with an emphasis on retail, office, and hospitality uses. Some recent highlights of my career at Gensler include 360 N Green, a new tower in Fulton Market focused on professional services tenants, and 1229 W. Concord, a hospitality-infused laboratory workplace building in Lincoln Yards.
What is the most effective step you’ve taken in your work or your firm toward a more equitable profession?
I continue to work towards fostering a strong sense of community and support within the architecture industry through my involvement with two DEI-focused architecture organizations.
As the Vice President of Chicago Women in Architecture (CWA) and President of Arquitectos, I’ve dedicated my efforts to creating platforms where underrepresented architects can connect, collaborate, and thrive.
CWA and Arquitectos were founded on the principle of providing a supportive network for architects facing systemic barriers. By expanding our membership and offering a range of resources, we’ve empowered countless individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their professional goals. Our organizations have become catalysts for change, advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the industry.
What is one actionable way that young designers can positively impact climate change in their firms?
One of the most impactful ways young designers can combat climate change within their firms is to champion embodied carbon reduction. By focusing on material selection and construction methods, we can significantly decrease the environmental impact of our buildings. This involves researching and specifying low-carbon materials, exploring opportunities for reuse and recycling, and advocating for design choices that minimize resource consumption.
Additionally, young designers can deepen their knowledge of climate change by researching and taking Continuing Education Units (CEUs) on sustainable design practices. This will equip them with the tools and expertise to propose innovative and effective solutions within their firms.
What is your favorite quote about architecture?
“People ignore design that ignores people.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
By centering design on the needs of people, architects can create spaces that enhance quality of life, foster community, and promote equity for all. Wright’s quote is a powerful reminder that architecture is not merely about aesthetics but also about creating environments that serve the human experience.
Why should architects and designers – at any stage in their career – get involved?
Architects and designers at every career stage should get involved with nonprofit organizations to advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the industry.
I am currently part of the Executive Boards of CWA and Arquitectos. Involvement can start small with event attendance and grow to offer invaluable opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development. By joining, individuals can connect with like-minded professionals, gain access to resources, and positively impact the industry.
Whether you’re already established in your career or a recent graduate, these organizations provide a platform to share knowledge, advocate for equity, and shape the future of architecture. For later-career professionals, involvement offers a chance to mentor the next generation, contribute to industry-wide change, and leave a lasting legacy. Early-career architects can benefit from the mentorship and support of experienced professionals, build a strong professional network, and gain valuable insights into the industry.
Chicago Women in Architecture (CWA) is dedicated to supporting women architects throughout their careers. By joining CWA, members gain access to a supportive network, professional development opportunities, and advocacy efforts focused on gender equity in the architecture profession.
Arquitectos is committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable architecture profession with a focus on the Latinx community. We welcome architects and designers from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. The organization provides a platform for professional growth, mentorship, and community building. By joining Arquitectos, members can connect with a diverse group of professionals, access resources, and contribute to positively impacting the industry. We aim to empower architects through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy.
I’m incredibly excited about two pivotal initiatives for CWA and Arquitectos Inc this year. CWA’s 50th Anniversary exhibit at the Chicago Architecture Center, “Disruptors: 50 Years of Chicago Women in Architecture,” which opened with our awards gala on September 19, is a historic milestone, celebrating the organization’s impact on the industry. The planning committee has done an extraordinary job curating a truly special celebration. The exhibit is a testament to the progress our industry has made, and I encourage everyone to visit the Chicago Architecture Center and experience it. The display is a remarkable opportunity to reflect on our history and inspire future generations of women architects.
Arquitectos is embarking on a strategic planning process to solidify our organization’s direction and enhance our mission. This process fosters alignment among members, strengthens programs such as our annual fall Arquitectos Colectivos Symposium, optimizes resource allocation, and ultimately enhances Arquitectos’ ability to serve the architectural community effectively.
Additionally, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the National Latinx Design Achievement Award, a prestigious recognition that will support and celebrate the talents of Latinx architects with a $10,000 prize. This award will recognize the achievement of outstanding Latin architects and champion diversity in the industry at a national level, providing financial support to early and mid-career professionals. The award was unveiled at the Colectivos Symposium in September, with the winner to be announced in mid-2025.
