Kwong Von Glinow is an architecture practice based in Chicago founded on the belief that architecture is meant to be enjoyed. The practice builds the thoroughly enjoyable from the slightly familiar. Their work translates forward-looking architectural concepts into designs with broad appeal. Taking an optimistic and explorative approach, Kwong Von Glinow’s work focuses on creating innovative living environments, places for cultural engagement, urban public space, and contemporary workspaces.
Kwong Von Glinow was founded in 2017 by Lap Chi Kwong and Alison Von Glinow and has delivered projects ranging from single-family homes to multi-family residential buildings, public and cultural spaces, exhibitions, and designed objects. The firm’s current projects include the renovation of an 18,000-square-foot historic landmarked home for art collectors and their family; a multi-family with commercial building; an addition to a penthouse unit and conversion into an artist residency; the renovation and adaptation of an early Chicago bow-truss building into a photo studio; and a library renovation. Kwong Von Glinow recently completed: Ardmore House, a single family home in Chicago; the Swiss Consulate Chicago at the John Hancock Center; and, Logan Boulevard Residence - a renovation of an historic single-family residence.
Lap Chi Kwong
Lap Chi earned his Masters of Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington. Before co-founding Kwong Von Glinow, Lap Chi worked with the Pritzker Prize-winning offices of Herzog & de Meuron and Amateur Architecture Studio on cultural projects, single-family houses, and multi-family residential buildings, including the M+ Museum in Hong Kong, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Kramlich Residence & Gallery in California. Lap Chi spent his early life in Hong Kong before moving to Seattle for his undergraduate education. Lap Chi has taught at Princeton University and Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
Alison Von Glinow
Alison earned her Masters of Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and her undergraduate degree from Barnard College. Before co-founding Kwong Von Glinow, Alison worked with internationally acclaimed practices around the world including Herzog & de Meuron in Basel, Switzerland; SOM in both Chicago and New York; Toshiko Mori Architect in New York; and Svendborg Architects in Copenhagen, Denmark. Alison has taught at Princeton University and School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Alison is co-President of the Chicago Architectural Club and is a licensed architect in the states of Illinois and New York.
This lecture series is made possible through the generous support of the Betty R. and George F. Pierce Jr., FAIA, Fund; the William B. Coleman Jr. Colloquium Fund for Architecture; and the Wm. W. Caudill Lecture Series Fund. Rice Design Alliance (RDA) programming is made possible by the generous support of its members and underwriters: Harvey | Harvey Cleary, Lovett/Inwood Homes, Page, Anslow Bryant Construction, Elliott Electric/Eaton, Gensler, KenMor Electric Co., MAREK, Scott and Judy Nyquist, Tellepsen, Turner Construction Company, Walter P Moore, Wholesale Electric | ABB, and W.S. Bellows Construction Corporation.