Honoree Profile

Cara Fields

IA Interior Architects

Title: Senior Designer and Senior Associate
Tenure at Firm: 10 Years
Nominating Principal: John Hopkins, Design Director
School: School of the Art Institute Chicago
Major: BA in Architecture. Masters of Architecture with Emphasis in Interior Architecture

Inspired By:

Podcasts in a variety of fields (anthropology, psychology, etc) provide a different perspective and insight on research and mentorship skills. Armchair Expert and Smartless are 2 of my favorites. My son, Noah. His curiosity and excitement are contagious and remind me to enjoy the little moments. Travel. Being immersed in new environments, cultures, and communities challenge my preconceptions and inspire new ways of thinking about design.

Keys to a Successful Project:

Alignment on the overall vision and goals for the project with the extended project team. A positive team dynamic where all contributors are working together to deliver an amazing project.

Interests Outside of Work:

Spending time with family and friends, exploring the city, travel, going to concerts/shows, and trying new restaurants.

“Cara started working with us as a summer intern. At the end of that summer, we were all so impressed with her maturity, her skills, and her natural talent. Now, 10 years later, after numerous promotions, she is now a Senior Designer and Senior Associate. And, she continues to impress us with her ability to connect and engage any client, her juggling skills of working on multiple projects and her effective mentoring of young colleagues. Cara has been integral on many of IA’s major Chicago workplace projects for clients such as MCDonald’s, Bank of America, BMO and Kirkland & Ellis.”

John Hopkins
Design Director