“From early on, I was drawn to ceramics, to the making of common vessels with their promise to hold, and to architecture—likely for the same reason.”
Dan Wheeler, FAIA
Dan works and practices to educate colleagues, clients, students and himself about the never-ending potential for architecture to elevate every-day experience, and to the responsibility that comes with this ever optimistic endeavor.
Dan is a founding principal of Wheeler Kearns Architects, and is a Professor of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He received his education at the Rhode Island School of Design, including two years study in Rome. Prior to establishing his own practice in 1987, he was an Associate and Studio head at Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM) Chicago (1981-87).
Dan is the recipient of a NEA Traveling Fellowship (1979), the CCAIA Young Architect Award (1985), AIA Fellowship (1998), the Chicago Tribune’s “Chicagoan of the Year” in Architecture along with Lawrence Kearns (2008), and the AIA Illinois Nathan Ricker Clifford Award for Architectural Education (2017). Among numerous design awards of the firm, he is most proud of the two AIA Chicago Firm of the Year Awards WKA has received (1996, 2016), for overall significance and legacy of the practice.
Dan has served as Interim Director for both the Graham Foundation and the UIC School of Architecture. He has been a consulting architect / educator to the Rural Studio since 2002. He writes, lectures, and frequently sits on professional and academic juries. His prolific work and influence spans project type; public institutions, non-profit organizations, and private commissions. He draws to see, to test, to explain, and to build places of authenticity.
Dan loves his wife Julie, their two children, their grandchildren, and what he does. He is indebted to his teachers, colleagues, partners, respected peers in all disciplines and trades, for their help in guiding the way.
*In February 2023, Iker Gil recorded an oral history with Dan Wheeler, reflecting on his background, career, projects, and teaching. Read ‘Dialogues: Dan Wheeler’.
*Read ‘Relections on Practice’ by Dan Wheeler here.
Education
| 1981 | BArch, Rhode Island School of Design/Rome (EHP) European Honors Program |
| 1980 | BFA, Rhode Island School of Design |
Professional Affiliations
| 2009-present | Elected CCAIA Bridge Program Mentor |
| 2007-present | AIA National Committee on Design |
| 1998-present | American Institute of Architects, Fellow |
| 2002-present | The Rural Studio, Auburn University, Visiting Architect |
| 2004-present | Chicago Architectural Club, Advisory Committee Member |
| 2000-present | Marwen Foundation, Architecture Program Advisor |
| 2000-2006 | Graham Foundation, Trustee, Grant Review Committee |
| 2005-2006 | Graham Foundation, Interim Director |
| 2002-2005 | Architecture and Design Society, Board Member |
| 1995-1998 | Architecture Alliance – Chicago Historical Society, Trustee and Director |
Individual Honors
| 2025 | G.O.A.T. Award for Mentorship, AIA Chicago Bridge 15-year anniversary event |
| 2017 | Nathan Ricker Clifford Award for Architectural Education, AIA Illinois |
| 2008 | Chicagoan of the Year, Chicago Tribune |
| 2006 | UIC Flame Award, Outstanding Teaching |
| 1998 | AIA Fellowship |
| 1990 | Ten Graduates, 1980-1990, RISD |
| 1985 | Young Architect Award, AIA Chicago Chapter |
| 1984 | Appointed Associate and Studio Head at SOM |
| 1983 | Steedman Fellowship – Second Place, Washington University |
| 1980 | Traveling Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts |
| 1980 | Published, “The House at the Juncture of History and Now”, Japan Architect |
“Dan oozes generosity and responsibility. With extraordinary respect for context, legacy and with a critical mind, Dan selflessly, and modestly, nurtures, encourages and equips the next generation of citizen architects.”
Peter Exley, FAIA, RIBA, 2021 National AIA President