AISHA means life in Swahili, she who lives
Janeen has always enjoyed the arts and math and realized at a young age that architecture and interiors seemed the perfect marriage of her scientific and creative sides. Over the years, she has made it a priority to balance academia and creative expression. Janeen’s work in the community seeks to encourage diversity and exposure within the design professions, as well as, performance arts.
As both an architect and interior designer, Janeen approaches her work with a unique and thorough perspective. She is responsible for the design, management, and successful completion of a broad range of projects including: high profile corporate renovations in Chicago skyscrapers such as the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), the Illinois Center, the Franklin Building, and the Hancock Building; residential projects ranging from affordable developments with the Chicago Housing Authority to high end single and multifamily homes/towers; classroom and student services buildings at HBCUs and community colleges; and hotels, and cultural heritage museums. Janeen has extensive experience in varied phases of projects and consistently delivers thoughtful, contextual, well-crafted design solutions to the built environment, while maintaining excellent client and consultant relationships.
Janeen is a native of Durham, North Carolina and has enjoyed living and practicing in Chicago, Illinois since 2007.
EXPERIENCE BRIEF
Academics
Interior Design Studio Instructor, Fall 2006
Cornell University
Master of Arts in Interior Design, 2006
Cornell University
Bachelor of Architecture, 2001
Hampton University
Professional Registration
Licensed Architect – Illinois
Licensed Architect – North Carolina
NCARB Certified
LEED Accredited Professional
Professional Leadership and Community Service
Illinois Representative - American Institute of Architects National Strategic Council, 2021 - 2023
President - American Institute of Architects Illinois Board of Directors, 2020
Treasurer/President-Elect - American Institute of Architects Illinois Board of Directors, 2019
Secretary - American Institute of Architects Illinois Board of Directors, 2018
Chicago Delegate - American Institute of Architects Illinois Board of Directors, 2013 – 2017
Honoree - Trailblazing Woman Architect - National Organization of Minority Architects Illinois, 2015
Active Member - National Organization of Minority Architects, 2001 - Present
Active Member - American Institute of Architects Chicago 2030 Working Group, 2011 - 2018
Honoree - Hampton University Forty Under 40 Inaugural Class, 2016
Co-chairman - Environmental Stewardship Committee – Chi Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., 2016 – 2018
Co-chairman – The Arts! – Chi Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., 2018
Treasurer and Choreography Chair - Trinity United Church of Christ Adult Dance Ministry, 2009-2014
Choreography Leader - Trinity United Church of Christ Adult and Youth Dance Ministries, 2008-2018