Drafting New Blueprints

Linda Kanoski (EMDC '19) had no idea she would be making a major career announcement when she initially agreed to speak at the most recent BuiltX event for Northwestern Engineering’s Master of Science in Executive Management for Design and Construction (EMDC) program.  

But by the time the seasoned architect took the stage, she had decided to leave her role as project director at CBRE Design and launch her own firm.  

“The universe has a way of kicking you in the pants sometimes,” Kanoski said. “And this was the universe’s way of kicking me in the pants and saying, ‘It's time to do your own thing.’” 

Kanoski was a panelist discussing "Blueprints for Leadership: Developing the Next Generation of Executives in the Built Environment Sector." The event was hosted in partnership with The American Institute of Architects Chicago (AIA Chicago) and The Goldie Initiative. 

The timing and event could not have been more perfect for Kanoski. She checked all three organizational boxes as an EMDC graduate, a Goldie Initiative scholar, and a longtime AIA member. When the opportunity arose to share her expertise alongside other industry leaders, she saw it as both a professional obligation and a chance to “shamelessly self-promote” her career transition in a room full of like-minded professionals.  

The panel, moderated by EMDC adjunct professor and Industry Advisory Board member Karen Layng, also featured Tamakia “TJ” Edwards from the Illinois Capital Development Board, Jen Masengarb from AIA Chicago, and Regina Stilp from Farpoint Development. 

“It was exciting to sit alongside these powerhouse women,” she said. 

Kanoski’s 35-year career in architecture speaks for itself. At CBRE, she led transformational projects, including the relocation of Ace Hardware Corporation into 250,000 sq. ft. of space at the former McDonald's headquarters in Oak Brook, Ill. 

“We pulled them into a whole new environment,” Kanoski said, "a much more open environment and collaborative environment.”  

ACE employees said the space had transformed their company’s culture, which made the project one of Kanoski’s most meaningful achievements.  

EMDC was Kanoski’s own transformational experience. She decided to pursue an EMDC degree after recognizing a critical gap in architectural education. Traditional architecture programs focus heavily on design but often neglect business fundamentals, she said.  

“Architects are notoriously bad business people just because we spend our entire training and professional lives practicing the art of architecture,” Kanoski said. “We don't really have an opportunity to learn the business side of things.” 

The EMDC program filled those gaps. One course, Systems Thinking for Sustainable Design, proved particularly meaningful. 

“It changed my life,” Kanoski said. “It changed how I think about community and the world.” 

Now, as she builds her own firm, Kanoski aims to address what she sees as architecture’s credibility crisis. Despite public fascination with the profession, many clients view architects as “a necessary evil.” 

“One of my goals is to help to rebuild that credibility by not just delivering high levels of service and excellent designs,” she said. “I also want to make the client experience very seamless."  

Kanoski believes events like BuiltX are crucial for elevating the built environment sector and the EMDC program's profile.  

“The more people who know about the EMDC program and the amazing work that all of the instructors and the administration are doing to create a world-class program can only help all of us,” she said. “EMDC has been a pivotal part of my growth as an architect and a leader. It's a pleasure and honor to help promote the program in any way I can."