We transform the built environment to foster sustainability and equity within communities.

HUSarchitecture collaborates with the communities we serve to develop actionable solutions that improve the sustainability of the built environment. Our work goes beyond a single building portfolio to address larger, systemic issues within programs that shape our society.

Founded in 2010, our firm’s comprehensive expertise cuts across the design and construction including architecture, assessments, audits, planning, certifications, and workforce training. We make our data-driven process transparent and accessible.

We’re proud to be a women-led, WBE business and an active Section 3 architecture firm in Chicago. We extend industry opportunities to those from underinvested communities.

At the core of our mission, we create analytical tools to advocate for sustainable and equitable communities.

Chyanne husar, AIA, LEED BD+C, BECxP
Principal of Architecture and Sustainability

Chyanne's vision of building a more sustainable future is reflected in the firm's collective goals of enhancing building portfolios through energy efficiency and accessible strategies. Chyanne has expanded upon her architectural foundation through specialization in building envelope commissioning, energy auditing, and certifications in ICC Accessibility and SWPPP. She is most interested in how her expertise can be used to implement systemic change to increase the sustainability of building programs.

Chyanne leads her team to develop forward thinking solutions by cultivating a collaborative working environment. She strives to create new entryways into the profession through workforce development that will foster an equitable environment for the communities she serves. Chyanne advances this mission through her chair positions on Springboard to Success, CASL, and the AIA Small Firm Exchange. Beyond this, Chyanne advocates for food equality across Chicago with her regular volunteering with the Chiditarod foundation and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. 

Restaurant Recommendation: Almost anywhere in Chinatown, especially, Taipei Cafe’s BBQ Pork Bento Box & Chiu Quon Bakery and Dim Sum 

Bruce Weber, AIA, leed ap
DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE

At HUS, Bruce oversees Architecture and Assessments focusing on project management and mentorship. His determination to improve communities through design has sustained his passion for architecture through the last few decades of his career. Primarily working in the public sector, he believes empathy is fundamental to the work of the architect to positively impact communities. He is adaptable and dedicated to both his work and the growth of the team members. In return, the HUS team inspires his interest to discover how our work transforms the world we share.

Restaurant Recommendation: Miru, an upscale Japanese restaurant in the St. Regis

Jan concepcion, leed ap bd+c
architectural and Sustainability LEAD

Jan is a collaborative leader at HUSarchitecture who integrates his expertise as an architect and engineer with his commitment to sustainable practices. Jan has developed a specialized expertise for material analysis and energy efficiency through his work on LEED Administration and Energy Auditing projects at HUS. He believes sustainability is transformative work that makes a large-scale impact and fosters healthier communities. Jan is an inspiring mentor to emerging architects both internally at HUS and externally in local high schools. Through his leadership and advocacy, he champions a vision where every structure embodies environmental responsibility, influencing both present and future generations.

Restaurant Recommendation: Jollibee, nostalgic Filipino “fast food”

MAC Carroll, ICC Accessibility Plans Examiner
architectural AND SUSTAINABILITY LEAD

Mac uses his technical expertise in engineering forensics, material science, and value for sustainability to foster community wellbeing. He finds tangible solutions to a building’s structural accessibility and sustainability while coordinating the HUS teams to conduct the assessment work on-the-ground. Mac is integral to our work in public housing, dedicated to bringing timely revisions and always taking initiative to solve problems before they arise. Patient and kind, Mac is considerate of the impact his work has on the community and the project team.

Restaurant recommendation: JERK. Great Jamaican BBQ

NEHAA BHAVARAJU, LEED AP, IGBC AP
architectural AND SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR

Nehaa combines her architectural background with a commitment to sustainability, bridging assessments and sustainable solutions to create buildings that prioritize occupant wellbeing and environmental impact. She thrives in HUSarchitecture’s small-firm setting, where she can work hands-on and engage closely with each project’s on-the-ground needs. With a focus on both the big picture of sustainability and the nuances of each unique site, Nehaa ensures every project integrates lasting, eco-conscious practices. Considering her work from a place of connection and care, she’s dedicated to fostering spaces that serve both people and the planet, helping clients create buildings that feel good to live and work in.

Restaurant Recommendation: Big Bowl

Joi cottle
Facility Assessor and Architectural Staff

Joi has an unyielding curiosity for addressing housing issues that brings maximum benefit to people in need. Joi brings an eye for equity to her inspections, reports, and energy auditing. She strives to incorporate sustainability into equity, prioritizing sustainable building practices across a socioeconomic spectrum. Her adaptability and organizational skill make her an asset to achieving project goals. Joi is resourceful and accurate in her work as she helps create accessible and equitable community spaces for current and future occupants. 

Restaurant recommendation: Home of the Hoagy

DAMAKO RANSOM
Facility Assessor

Damako’s enthusiasm for project management and community building aligns with his assessment work where he addresses community needs on-the-ground. He is conscious of the direct influence accessibility has on individuals within communities, and is quick to recognize accessibility improvements on and off the job. As a volunteer bringing positive change to children in underserved communities, Damako is dedicated to the betterment of individual lives. Reliable and resourceful, Damako is an indispensable member of the HUS team. 

Restaurant Recommendation: Andy’s Jazz Club for the great jazz music and food.

mCkENNA hANSEN, LEED GA
SUSTAINABILITY AND ARCHITECTURAL STAFF

McKenna is committed to fostering better building conditions for people to live healthy, comfortable lives, everyday. Her background in both agriculture and sustainable design gives her a well-rounded understanding of sustainability from the ground-up. This comprehensive view fuels her LEED work where she hopes to carve out a LEED specialty through her collaboration on Husarch’s range of projects. With a mix of the analytical and the creative, McKenna strives to go beyond minimum requirements, advocating for accessibility that considers the comfort and equity of the user, and sustainability that enhances the wellbeing of people and planet alike.

Restaurant Recommendation: Fontano’s Subs

Shonita Lawrence
Office LEAD

Shonita’s reliability in financial matters, authenticity in customer service, and adaptability in managing the HUS office makes her an essential member of the team. In addition to her dedication to HUS, Shonita volunteers to help the unhoused, embraces new experiences with an open mind, and is committed to evolving the best version of herself to bring happiness, peace and comfort to everyone she encounters.

Restaurant Recommendation: Oooh wee! It Is! Soul food in Hyde park displaying the vibrant musical history of the south side. 

Emma Husar
Marketing Staff

As a member of the marketing staff, Emma enjoys collaborating with the team and witnessing the huge impact a small firm can make across many communities. With a background in creative writing, Emma is excited to adapt her writing style to support the firm’s needs and values. She is inspired by the determination the HUS team has to the mission for sustainability and equity. Her work continues to uplift the voices of this team so their impact can be made even greater. 

Restaurant Recommendation: Skylark, it’s kiddie corner to HUS! Best atmosphere & tater tots