Jackie, the firm’s founder, has twenty-five years of experience in Architecture and Design. After graduating with a degree in philosophy from the University of Chicago, Jackie sought to combine this with her interest in aesthetics, and enrolled in the Master of Architecture program at the University of Illinois at Chicago during a theory-focused period in the program.

She started her career at Richard Meier and Partners in New York and founded KOO in 2005 after working for 15 years in corporate firms. During her career, Jackie has developed a strong vision for the firm, and has successfully completed numerous complex projects in a wide range of building types including Hospitality, Residential, Institutional and Planning.

Andrew is Associate Principal at KOO, where he has overseen the design of multiple projects in a variety of sectors including Residential, Hospitality, and Civic over the past nine years.  He was the project lead for the Sable Hotel at Navy Pier, a Hilton Curio, and the Offshore rooftop bar, the “Largest Rooftop Bar in the World” according to the Guinness Book of World Records. During his five-year commitment to this complex project, he saw the project from concept through to construction completion.

Originally hailing from New York, Andrew studied Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received an M.Arch with Honors from Washington University in St. Louis in 2011.  He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects and Urban Land Institute.

Andrew and his family live in Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood. He enjoys Chicago’s vibrant restaurant scene and playing golf when the weather allows.

Ashlen is a gifted designer whose approach is informed by a passion for enriching architectural experiences, particularly within urban communities. While studying architecture at the University of Kansas, it was Ashlen’s internship at Ibos & Vitart in Paris that cemented her taste for international travel and culture. She later spent time living in Madrid, exploring the country. Ashlen’s philosophy is that every new encounter offers critical insight into the human experience, and as a designer, it is her goal to translate this knowledge into architecture that inspires communities. In addition to her love of design and world travel, Ashlen is an artist whose practice includes painting and collage. She is always up for a bit of bowling and enjoys the rich, live music scene for which Chicago is known.

Bruce grew up in Southwestern Wisconsin, a place of rolling meadows dotted with small towns and dairy farms and in the shadow of Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy. His interest in architecture started early, drawing and building with blocks. By junior high, the decision to become an architect had already been made.

Bruce has over 30 years of professional experience, with a focus on Project Management, Building Technology, and Construction Methodology. With a clear understanding of the complexities of the building design process and a focus on the client’s goals, Bruce utilizes his skill and expertise to successfully implement complex projects and programs. He also helps teach and mentor junior staff and contributes to the management of the office in various ways. 

Bruce and his wife Jackie have three boys – Max, Sam, and Leo (and current dog, Bre) – and live in Riverside, Illinois. With the kids all moving into adulthood and striking out on their own, he is trying to figure out what the next phase of life will bring. Bruce has always been a history buff, enjoys researching his own family’s ancestry, and still likes looking at architecture.