Worn Jerabek Wiltse Architects (WJW) announced that principal Heidi Wang, AIA, is the recipient of AIA Chicago’s 2020 Dubin Family Young Architect Award. Presented by the association’s foundation, the annual award celebrates excellence in ability and exceptional contributions by Chicago-area architects. Wang was recognized for her commitment to inclusive, accessible and evidence-based design in the Midwest.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this year’s Dubin Family Young Architect Award,” said Wang. “From a young age, I’ve been inspired by the built environment and the power of architecture to impact our lives. As my career progressed, I sought out opportunities to design for those people in our community who are most vulnerable. Now, going forward, I’m looking forward to mentoring the next generation of young designers who are also inspired to create healing environments for those who most need them.”
Since joining WJW Architects in 2007, Wang has built a practice that has specialized in research-informed initiatives in memory care and senior living projects, as well as a range of work that includes adaptive reuse, renovation of existing skilled nursing communities, creation of new rehab therapy facilities and both affordable and market-rate housing. Within her firm, she also leads an effort to develop industry-leading design concepts for evidence-based memory care communities.
“Heidi’s dedication to the work of our firm, her clients and the design profession is incredible,” said firm president, Mike Jerabek, AIA. “She is an extraordinary leader and conscious mentor to the next generation of architects both within WJW and the local architecture community.”
