Archeworks is an alternative design school with a difference. In place of a traditional curriculum, students work in multidisciplinary teams with nonprofit partners to create design solutions for social and environmental concerns.

Archeworks was founded in 1993 by internationally known architect Stanley Tigerman, FAIA and award winning designer Eva Maddox FIIDA. Archeworks is located in the heart of River North, Chicago’s cultural arts district.

Over the years, Archeworks has worked with over 80 partners and have completed more than 40 design projects. Student teams have addressed subjects ranging from eldercare, elementary school education, and universal design to micro-enterprise, sustainable food systems, and homelessness.

Students are supervised by faculty from Chicago’s design community. Past program facilitators include Douglas Garofalo, AIA, Ammar Eloueini, Michael Newman, Jason Pickleman, Jeanne Gang, Brad Lynch, Ben Nicholson, Sarah Dunn, and Martin Felsen.

Archeworks is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and receives funds from grants from foundations and corporations, tuition fees, and donations from individuals.

Archeworks welcomes students from a broad range of disciplines, both design-related fields and otherwise. The one-year program meets evenings and offers a postgraduate certificate in sustainable urban design.