Some of This, Some of That

A lecture from Alison Von Glinow and Lap Chi Kwong.

Kwong Von Glinow is an award-winning architecture practice based in Chicago founded on the belief that architecture is meant to be enjoyed. The practice builds the thoroughly enjoyable from the slightly familiar. Kwong Von Glinow’s work translates forward-looking architectural concepts into playful designs with broad appeal. Taking an optimistic and explorative approach, the practice focuses on creating innovative living environments, places for cultural engagement, urban public space, and contemporary workspaces. The office was founded in 2017 by Lap Chi Kwong and Alison Von Glinow and has delivered projects ranging from single-family homes to multi-family residential buildings, public and cultural spaces, exhibitions, and designed objects.

The firm’s current projects include the renovation of and addition to a 13,000 square foot Howard Van Doren Shaw home in Highland Park, IL for art collectors and their family; a rooftop gallery addition to a historic greystone in Chicago; and, a three-flat with commercial storefront in Chicago. They recently completed both Ardmore House—a single family home in Chicago—and the new Swiss Consulate Chicago at the Hancock Center.

Lap Chi earned his Masters of Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and his undergraduate degree from the University of Washington. Before co-founding Kwong Von Glinow, Lap Chi worked with the Pritzker Prize-winning offices of Herzog & de Meuron and Amateur Architecture Studio on cultural projects, single-family houses, and multi-family residential buildings, including the M+ Museum in Hong Kong, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Kramlich Residence & Gallery in California. Lap Chi spent his early life in Hong Kong before moving to Seattle for his undergraduate education.

Alison earned her Masters of Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and her undergraduate degree from Barnard College. Before co-founding Kwong Von Glinow, Alison worked with internationally acclaimed practices around the world including Herzog & de Meuron in Basel, Switzerland; SOM in both Chicago and New York; Toshiko Mori Architect in New York; and Svendborg Architects in Copenhagen, Denmark. Alison is Co-President of the Chicago Architectural Club. Alison is a licensed Architect in the states of Illinois and New York, AIA Chicago member, and a member of New York’s Urban Design Forum.

Lecture made possible by the Jean Labatut Memorial Lectures in Architecture and Urban Planning Fund. The School of Architecture, Princeton University, is registered with the AIA Continuing Education (AIA/CE) and is committed to developing quality learning activities in accordance with the AIA/CE criteria. Members of the AIA can log credits for this event by completing the form on our website.