“It wasn’t until I allowed my past to influence my future that I found my purpose in architecture: Helping individuals from underserved communities recognize
and act on their full potential.”Fabiola Yep
Originally from Lima, Peru, Fabiola joined Wheeler Kearns Architects (WKA) in 2019. She received her Bachelor and Master of Architecture degree from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.
Fabi has worked on several projects for the Elgin Math + Science Academy, including a Masterplan, renovation of their existing Art Barn, Middle School + Gym building, and Administration building. Fabi has also worked on the Ryan Learning Center Renovation for the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Great Lakes Academy Expansion, which renovated a former Catholic Church and connected it to the school’s existing 1911 three-story academic building with a new one-story contemporary glass link.
Fabiola is personally and professionally committed to helping expose people to their full potential. She is an active member of mentoring organizations, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Arquitinas, and the ACE Afterschool program. Additionally, Fabiola spearheaded the launch of the firm’s in-house mentorship program, “WKA-Lift,” an initiative to bolster members of communities historically underrepresented in architecture. Fabiola Yep’s leadership efforts have been recognized with the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Community Design Impact Award (2023) and, more recently, with the 2024 Graduate Of The Last Decade (GOLD) Award from Ball State University.
Fabi is a registered Architect in Illinois, a member of the American Institute of Architects, and is currently on the Young Professional Board of Intuit: The Center for Intuit and Outsider Art.
Fabi enjoys biking and estate sale shopping. She lives in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood with her husband, daughter, and their dog.
Education
| 2015 | Master of Architecture, Ball State University – Muncie, Indiana |
| 2013 | B.S. Architecture, Ball State University – Muncie, Indiana |
Professional Affiliations
| 2017-present | Arquitectos (Chicago) |
| 2022-present | Arquitinas (Chicago) |
| 2019-present | Intuit, Center for Outsider Art |
| 2016-present | American Institute of Architects |
| 2023-present | Chicago Women in Architecture |
| 2002-2023 | Urban Land Institute (Chicago) |
| 2017-present | Big Brothers Big Sister’s Mentor |
| 2017-present | ACE Mentor |
| 2019-2021 | North Lawndale Community Council |
Individual Honors
| 2024 | G.O.L.D. Award, Ball State Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning Alumni Award |
| 2023 | Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Community Design Impact Award |
“As an international school with over 30 nationalities, Fabiola had to lead widely diverse focus groups. Her natural empathy, cultural competence, and ability to deftly switch between English and Spanish quickly established her expertise and enabled her to create a warm, welcoming, non-judgmental environment in which all participants could honestly express their views.”
Matthew Beata, past Director at the Uruguayan American School