Kurt Volkman, AIA, LEED AP BD+C has joined Legat Architects as director of corporate and commercial architecture. The newly created position tasks him with leading design of a variety of projects and developing partnerships with organizations and developers across the nation. Volkman, based in Legat’s Chicago and Oak Brook studios, will also support the firm’s growing interiors and hospitality practices across the firm.
Volkman’s local and global experience spans many commercial market segments such as technology, office, multifamily, retail, hospitality and performing arts. It is this diverse experience that equips him with the resources to help clients achieve successful developments, including those that incorporate a mix of uses.
“Kurt’s history of delivering strong projects on time and on budget fits well into our core practices and our approach,” Legat president and CEO, Patrick Brosnan, said. “Whether our clients are looking to reposition their property or develop a major high-rise, they will benefit from Kurt’s consensus-building abilities, transparency and design talent.”
Volkman has advised organizations through the entire design process. Clients have profited from his change management experience to refine their processes both internally and externally. Among the industry leaders that have benefited from Volkman’s cross-market approach and design insights are eBay, PayPal, Vornado Realty Trust, Yelp, Hines, Northwestern Mutual, Live Nation Entertainment, Oxford Hotels and Resorts, Kairoi Residential, Juniper Networks, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Westfield and many others.
“I don’t just walk in and tell clients a design solution,” said Volkman. “I am there to listen, then craft the design with them. Every challenge is an opportunity to elevate my clients’ businesses and give them the best rate of return on their investment. I’m excited to join Legat and contribute to its reputation for repeat business from clients.”
Volkman received a master of architecture from the University of Florida and holds an M.S. in architectural studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a member of many local and national organizations such as the Urban Land Institute, CoreNet, Chicago Building Congress and the Chicago Real Estate Council. He also volunteers locally by supporting youth sports, fair access and STEAM education.
