by Iman A. Jefferson
Chicago undoubtedly has one of the most breathtaking skylines in the world, thanks to brilliant architects such as Daniel Burnham, Louis Sullivan, and Dina Griffin. You may not know Griffin by name, but you know her work—the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago for instance. As president of the Chicago-based firm Interactive Design, Inc. (IDEA), her team won the assignment of Architect of Record and the opportunity to work with renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano to construct the 264,000-square-foot building. With more than 20 years of experience and as one of the less-than-300 African-American women architects in the U.S., Griffin, 48, is already a legend in her own right.
THE ANTI-REAL HOUSEWIFE
The Chicago native admits her initial introduction to architecture in high school was a result of avoiding a home economics course. “It was either home economics or industrial education. My knowledge of home economics was limited to all things related to the kitchen, of which I had no interest. Fortunately for me, and my future, the curriculum for the year was architectural drafting. I knew then what would be my major and my career.”
SIZE DOESN’T MATTER
Despite her groundbreaking work with the Modern Wing project, Griffin cites her work on two small multiunit projects for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago— designed for senior citizens in African-American neighborhoods—as one of her most gratifying professional experiences. “My goal was to provide the residents with a space they could call home, with their needs in mind. I wanted the same attention given to them that is also paid to the likes of the Art Institute or other high-profile clients.”
MOVING ON UP
Griffin, a former president of Illinois Chapter of National Organization of Minority Architects, pushes for diversity to remain a priority in the architectural industry. “We are all shaped by our environment. Each of us, no matter the background, has a contribution to make to the process of creativity ad ideas.” Griffin also notes that her dream project would be constructing a downtown high-rise. “Every morning during my commute on Lake Shore Drive to downtown, I admire our slowly changing skyline, while always envisioning a high-rise designed by IDEA.”
Photography by Taylor Castle