AltusWorks

AltusWorks is looking for a senior level Architect experienced in navigating complex public-sector projects who will collaboratively lead projects with our growing staff and offer our clients detail-oriented and technical solutions.

For this role we are seeking someone with a minimum of 10 years’ professional experience and strong design and client relation skills to lead architectural design, rehabilitation, and improvement projects. This role combines technical leadership, project management, design expertise, and client collaboration to support the continued operation and improvement of transportation and other public-sector projects throughout the region.

Learn more about our work on our website (altusworks.com) and apply here: Contact - AltusWorks

Please join us in welcoming Nick Welch to AltusWorks!

As AltusWorks' Marketing Coordinator, Nick helps share the stories behind the firm's projects, highlighting the people, ideas, and communities that shape our work. Through thoughtful and engaging storytelling, he shares the histories and cultural narratives that define communities.

Nick earned his bachelor’s in business administration with a minor in leadership from the University of North Florida. Drawing on his educational background and experience in the civil engineering and landscape architecture industries, he excels at translating complex projects into interesting and accessible narratives.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys going to festivals, new restaurants, and experiences across the city.

Welcome, Nick!

School is back in session and so is the Beasley Academic Center pool. The center was originally built for the Chicago Public Schools in 1978 and currently provides a free Child Parent Center preschool program along with a selective enrollment gifted program and regular education magnet school programs for K-8. As the Architect for the swimming pool renovations AltusWorks completed a detailed leak assessment of the pool facility and designed the comprehensive repairs to bring the pool back into operation.

The project focused on renovations to the swimming pool basin and filtration system which included regrouting the original mosaic tile pool liner, incorporating a new stainless steel surge tank into the pool equipment room, a new main drain, and adding two new main drain sumps in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. To complete the renovation interior finishes and systems were replaced and refreshed.

As trusted advisors to Chicago Public Schools who have worked on more than 20 aquatic facilities, we love to see the community get excited over new developments. AltusWorks is honored to have a hand in bringing back this centerpiece to Beasley Academic Center.

You can read more about the community’s efforts to reopen the pool, their excitement around its rehabilitation, and the new swim curriculum in Block Club Chicago’s article, linked below.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/08/21/beasley-academic-centers-pool-a-rarity-among-chicago-elementary-schools-has-reopened/

Last week, AltusWorks had a company outing at Rate Field, where we watched the Chicago White Sox take on the Atlanta Braves in a rescheduled match after the last one was rained out. This time the weather was clear, and America’s favorite pastime took center stage!

From watching the players, enjoying great ballpark treats, and having great conversation; it was a fun and entertaining time.

Here’s to spending time with wonderful people on a nice summer day.

AltusWorks is looking for a senior level Architect experienced in navigating complex public-sector projects who will collaboratively lead projects with our growing staff and offer our clients detail-oriented and technical solutions.

For this role we are seeking someone with a minimum of 10 years’ professional experience and strong design and client relation skills to lead architectural design, rehabilitation, and improvement projects. This role combines technical leadership, project management, design expertise, and client collaboration to support the continued operation and improvement of transportation and other public-sector projects throughout the region.

Learn more about our work on our website (altusworks.com) and apply from the link on our page.

Please join us in welcoming Sam Malnati to AltusWorks!
Sam has a background in architectural history and a passion for the diverse stories that connect people and places. She earned dual masters' degrees in Urban Planning and Heritage Conservation from the University of Southern California to gain the tools necessary to uplift culturally significant places and ensure they continue to benefit their communities for years to come.
She has diverse experience in archival research, photogrammetry, conditions assessments, preservation planning, Historic Structures Report and HABS/HAER documentation, and virtual tours for cultural institutions.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys oil painting, exploring new cities, and tinkering with broken clocks.
Welcome, Sam!

Façade inspection season is underway in Chicago.

As the November 1 reporting deadline approaches, building owners across the city are scheduling the inspections required under the Chicago Department of Buildings’ Exterior Wall Program. While these evaluations support code compliance, they also assist owners by reviewing exterior wall conditions and guiding planning for maintenance and repair programs.

For more than 20 years, AltusWorks has partnered with The Habitat Company to perform biennial façade evaluations at Columbus Plaza, the 48-story residential tower at 233 E. Wacker Drive. Our familiarity with the building's cast-in-place, post-tension concrete structure and repair history allows us to identify changes, prioritize maintenance needs, and provide recommendations that support long-term stewardship.

At AltusWorks, we believe successful building envelope management is built on continuity. Understanding how a building has performed over time, not just how it appears today, helps owners prioritize repairs, maximize their investment, and extend the life of their buildings.

Join us in celebrating a major milestone for Melissa Smith. She's officially a licensed architect!

Since joining AltusWorks in 2022, Melissa has become an integral member of our staff, contributing to assessment, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse projects while bringing thoughtful design, technical expertise, and a passion for historic preservation to every project.

Melissa is actively involved in the preservation and architecture community in Chicago. She serves on the Easement Committee for Landmarks Illinois, the Emerging Professionals Committee for the Association for Preservation Technology, and is a member of Chicago Women in Architecture. Outside of architecture, Melissa is a Co-Leader of the Chicago chapter of November Project, a free global fitness community.

We are incredibly proud of Melissa's accomplishment and look forward to her continued contributions to our clients, projects, and communities.

Congratulations, Melissa!