Abby Happel, Assoc. AIA

Abby Happel is a marketing and communications professional, architectural designer, and digital content creator serving as the Manager of Marketing at AIA Chicago. Bridging the worlds of architecture, storytelling, and community engagement, Abby leverages her design background and industry experience to support AIA Chicago’s continuing education programs, member communications, and public-facing initiatives.

At AIA Chicago, Abby leads content logistics and communications that support AIA Chicago’s continuing education learning programs and ongoing service to members, as well as the AIA Chicago Foundation’s grants, scholarships, and awards. She focuses on connecting architects, industry professionals, and the broader public through strategic content development and program communications that strengthen engagement across AIA Chicago and the AIA Chicago Foundation.

Abby’s background combines architectural training with experience across design practice and digital media. Prior to AIA Chicago, she worked at Goettsch Partners, contributing to large-scale international residential, hospitality, and office projects. She also previously interned at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in Chicago and ThoughtCraft Architects. Alongside her professional work, Abby has built a growing online presence through architectural content shared on Instagram and TikTok, where she highlights design, education, and life in the architecture profession.

Abby holds a Master of Architecture from University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture from North Carolina State University.