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Robert Svaia ︎︎︎



Robert Svaia is a Chicago-based interdisciplinary designer working at the intersection of the urban environment and digital experience. He is interested in the multitude of ways people experience the city through the built environment and digital interfaces and how design may solve some of the most important global challenges. He currently practices as an architectural designer at the international architecture studio Sheehan Nagle Hartray in Chicago, where he is deeply involved in the design process, working with a global technology company to prototype, develop, and scale data centers and offices worldwide. Working with the research arm of the office AR+D, he is also involved in workplace strategy and preplanning directly with internal client teams.

With over five years of experience, he has also worked in a variety of other sectors including the design of large-scale affordable housing infill developments for community organizations, neighborhood and site planning, conceptual competition work, interiors and high-end commercial office towers for major developers. He is equipped in the full process from conceptualization, strategy and planning to design development to construction and brings this deep knowledge of the built environment and client relationships to the forefront in his strategic thinking for major companies, institutions, and organizations. Robert has practiced at an array of other notable architecture offices including Snow Kreilich Architects in Minneapolis, Pickard Chilton in New Haven, and Urban Power in Copenhagen, among others, and has also consulted for emerging design studios, urban design consultancies, and public media organizations as a researcher and visual designer.

Work Experience:

Sheehan Nagle Hartray Architects, Chicago, IL
Designer 2, 01.2020 - Present

Nia Architects, Chicago, IL
Architectural Designer, 09.2018 - 12.2019

Thomas Shafer Architects, Evanston, IL
Architectural Designer, 09.2017 - 08.2018

Snow Kreilich Architects, Minneapolis, MN
Designer, 01.2017 - 05.2017

Pickard Chilton Architects, New Haven, CT
Intern Architect, 06.2016 - 08.2016

Urban Power, Copenhagen
Student Intern, 02.2016 - 05.2016


Education

University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
B.S. Architecture, 09.2013 - 12.2016
Minor: Urban Studies

Danish Institute for Study Abroad, Copenhagen, DK
Architecture and Design Program, 01.2016 - 05.2016


© 2023 Robert Svaia