Building Better Lives Through Design

Rada Doytcheva was first drawn to architecture by watching her father, Kiril Doytchev, one of the first post-war European modernists and an honorary fellow of the American Institute of Architects.  

Today, Doytcheva, principal and head of design at RADA Architects, describes herself as a messenger of rational design, one that serves a wide segment of people. In doing so, she is continuing her father’s legacy while building her own. That journey has lasted decades and spanned continents. She, too, is a fellow at the American Institute of Architects and also is a member of the Industry Advisory Board (IAB) for Northwestern Engineering’s Master of Science in Executive Management for Design and Construction (EMDC) program. 

“The built environment is facing unprecedented complexity, and I see EMDC as a platform for preparing professionals who can rise to meet those challenges,” she said. “If your goal is to grow and advance within your current field in the built environment sector, EMDC may be the most effective and immediate investment in your career.”  

That stands in contrast to a traditional MBA, Doytcheva said, which is more ideal for those looking to pivot careers or build a foundation for leadership across industries.   

She knows from experience.  

Doytcheva, who earned her MBA from the University of Chicago in 2002, founded RADA Architects in 1997, shortly after emigrating from her native Bulgaria. Growing up, she developed a love for cities, history, and buildings, which fueled her passion for architecture.  

“Some might say it was fearless to launch a firm in the late 1990s as a newcomer to the US, one of the few women architects in leadership, and with limited resources,” she said. “But it was also driven by vision, determination, and the confidence my education and upbringing gave me. I saw an opportunity not just to build practice, but to push boundaries, create new ideas, and champion innovation.”  

Her architectural creations span the Chicago area and include a variety of project types, from labs and clinics to workplaces, academic buildings, and residences. Her ingenuity is showcased through the IDOT District One Testing Labs in Schaumburg, Illinois; North Central and Wheaton College’s student residences; Rush University Women's Health Clinic; and numerous projects for public agencies in Chicago.  

One of Doytcheva’s greatest passions is to help build a spirit of innovation in the next generation. That led her to eagerly accept an invitation to join EMDC’s IAB and help ensure the program’s curriculum remains aligned with what the built environment sector needs from its top graduates.  

It’s a mission close to Doytcheva’s heart. 

“The relationships I’ve built with emerging professionals, interns, and even high school students are all to help nurture the next generation of architects," she said. "Equally important was the desire to mentor young professionals and be a visible advocate for women- and minority-led practices in architecture."  

Doytcheva gets to do that with EMDC. While she believes the program is better suited for professionals staying within their given industry, she thinks one of the program's strengths is its ability to introduce students to all facets of the built environment sector. She believes that breadth opens students' eyes to broader perspectives and can help solve challenges facing the industry today. 

“The program's structure – through intensive, in-person weekends, combined with online courses – offers a uniquely valuable setting for learning, networking, and reflection,” she said. “It’s a rare opportunity to step back from daily demands and refocus.”  

That opportunity is what makes it possible for students to graduate and have a significant impact across the built environment sector. Doytcheva's seen it firsthand — and she's looking forward to continuing to see that influence from future EMDC graduates. 

“EMDC is where ambitious professionals can get a glimpse of what’s possible and start building their own vision,” she said. “The program has the potential to plant those seeds of transformative knowledge.”