Designing a Better Chicago

  An Annual
Celebration

of Design + Impact

Designing a Better Chicago shines a light on our city’s extraordinary design legacy—the local talent, assets and community that have long supported civic good through design.

Launched in 2020 with a Design Impact Grant program, the new initiative showcases individuals and organizations, public art and programs across the city, inviting residents and visitors to consider the many ways design improves civic life.

Design for Impact

Who are the innovators and visionaries helping to design a better Chicago? Our annual grant program awards up to $50K to local leaders using design to make a difference.

Meet the Grantees

Learn About the Grants

Advisors

  • Jessica Davis Global Garden Refugee Training Farm
  • Bridgette Gimpert Gilbane Building Company
  • Sarah Haque Recon Analytics
  • Meg Leary Arts First
  • Vasia Rigou NewCity
  • Lydia Ross Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
  • Ben Schulman a5 Branding & Digital
  • Eva Silverman Chicago Architecture Biennial
  • Eugene Varnado II YoojDesign