Chicago-based architecture firm bKL Architecture has promoted Danielle Tillman to managing director. In her new position, Tillman will continue to work closely with bKL founding principal, Thomas Kerwin, on the firm’s strategic direction and in leading creative design projects that respond to the needs of clients, users and surrounding communities.
At bKL Architecture since 2011, Tillman specializes in built environments that naturally integrate into their communities and she has a vast portfolio of education and institutional projects. Most recently, she led the renovation of the Whitney Young Library in the Chatham neighborhood that just re-opened in early January 2019. By incorporating flexible seating, a media space, music studios and more into the design scheme, Tillman created a communal gathering space and social setting that has reignited interest and resonated with the local community.
“Danielle’s level of collaboration with her fellow designers, practitioners and community groups makes her an integral force at bKL and we could not be more thrilled to offer her this new role as managing director,” said Kerwin. “She has a strong passion for designing sophisticated, inspiring spaces and structures that are timeless, yet forward-thinking. I have full confidence that she is the right person to help lead the charge at our firm.”
That passion has resulted in many standout projects for Tillman, including numerous Chicago Public Schools projects, as well as GEMS World Academy in Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood. Beyond education and institutional projects, Tillman will continue to expand her mixed-use and residential experience, as exemplified by past notable projects such as Wolf Point West and Exhibit on Superior.
Tillman first joined forces with Kerwin in 2006 when the two worked together in the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Their long-standing collaboration began then serving as the master planners for Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics.
Tillman earned a bachelor of science in mathematics from Spelman College and a master’s in architecture from the University of Michigan. She is a member of Chicago Women in Architecture, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), CREW Chicago, Chicago Urban League’s IMPACT Leadership Development Program and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is a licensed architect in the state of Illinois.
