“I’ve found that the spaces I enjoy most are the ones where I feel truly welcome, safe to express myself, and part of a community. I want my work to carry that same feeling forward, creating places where others can feel they belong, regardless of background or circumstance, and are inspired to share it with others.”
Emmanuel Garcia
Manny graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies and obtained a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Since joining Wheeler Kearns Architects in 2016, Manny has created spaces that highlight communal spirit and bold visions. Notably, he led the adaptive reuse of a former bank into the North Lawndale Employment Network headquarters, providing second chances for the formerly incarcerated and others facing financial hardship. He directed the award-winning transformation of a 1937 gymnasium into the Chapel of St Joseph at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, using modest materials and thoughtful interventions to elevate the spiritual experience for Chicago’s immigrant Latino community. Manny guided Chicago’s oldest food pantry, Common Pantry, into its first permanent home, creating a dignified space for food and counseling, and has also led projects including the Purple Llama Coffee & Record Shop in West Town and schematic designs for several Ednovate campuses in Los Angeles, CA.
Manny demonstrates a strong commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, both through his work as an architect and as a member of the Latino community. Outside the office, he is an active member and past president of the Chicago Chapter of Arquitectos, the largest chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Architects in the nation, where he focuses on strengthening diversity in the profession through advocacy and networking with students and professionals.
Manny is a registered architect in Illinois. When he’s not at the studio, he enjoys biking to work, playing volleyball and soccer, and being an active dad in his Chicago Pilsen neighborhood.
Education
| 2014 | MArch, University of Illinois at Chicago |
| 2007 | Bachelors Degree in Architectural Studies (BSAS), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Professional Affiliations
| 2018-present | American Institute of Architects, AIA Chicago |
| 2022-2024 | Arquitectos, Immediate Past President |
| 2022-2024 | Arquitectos AIA National Conference Chair |
| 2020-2022 | Arquitectos Vice-President |
| 2019 | Arquitectos Chicago Arch Biennial Chair |
| 2017-present | Arquitectos Member |
| 2015 | UIC Architecture Alumni Association, Media Chair |
Individual Honors
| 2023 | Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Community Design Impact Award |
| 2023 | Contributing Author, “Latinas in Architecture and Allies, Vol. II: Stories of raising the 1% one Latina at a time” |
| 2020 | SAY IT LOUD – Illinois People’s Choice Award |
“Manny has been an exceptional partner in understanding and enhancing our educational ambitions through thoughtful and innovative design solutions. From the outset, he listened deeply and engaged collaboratively with our team, sharing previous design experiences and insights. His ability to comprehend our unique curriculum and translate it into physical spaces has been remarkable.”
Oliver Sicat, CEO & Co-Founder at Ednovate