Evanston Ecology Center Achieves LEED Gold Certification
28 July 2026
The Evanston Ecology Center has officially achieved LEED Gold certification, marking a significant milestone for one of the first projects completed in support of the City of Evanston's Climate Action and Resilience Plan.
Join Our Team: Associate Architect
14 November 2025
Nurture is seeking an experienced Registered Architect (15+ years) to join our team as an Associate. This role blends design leadership, project management, and technical oversight with a focus on existing buildings and high-performance design.
Gwen Stricker to Present at the 2026 Indiana Landmarks Preservation Conference
28 July 2026
Nurture is excited to announce that Junior Associate and Preservationist, Gwen Stricker, will present at the 2026 Indiana Landmarks Preservation Conference, taking place September 29th through October 2nd in Franklin, Indiana.
Join Our Team: Associate Architect – Sustainable Design
20 April 2026
Nurture is seeking an experienced Registered Architect (12+ years) to join our team as an Associate. This role blends design leadership, project management, and technical oversight with a focus on existing buildings and high-performance design.
Nurture Honored at 2025 AIA Illinois Annual Conference
03 December 2025
Nurture was honored that AIA Illinois recognized the South Shore Beach House with the 2025 Honor Award for Greatest Impact, Project Construction Value Below Five Million Dollars. Designed for the Chicago Park District, the 2,500 SF seasonal pavilion blends lifeguard, concessions, and restroom spaces into a harmonious environment that engages the shoreline and strengthens the connection to the golf course.
In addition to this recognition, Nurture President April Hughes and Principal Kelly Moynihan presented their session at the AIA Illinois Annual Conference, “Retrofit to Regenerative Habitat: A Commitment to a PHIUS Forward Future,” exploring how LEED, PHIUS, and Living Building Challenge strategies can transform existing buildings and landscapes into carbon-neutral, regenerative environments.
Grand Reopening Marks a New Chapter for the Evanston Ecology Center
07 November 2025
The Evanston community gathered on October 29th to celebrate the grand reopening of the Evanston Ecology Center, a milestone that coincides with its 50th year as a trusted hub for environmental education and community engagement.
Nurture Breaks Ground on the Yannell Conservation Habitat
01 November 2024
Nurture is proud to announce the groundbreaking of the Yannell Conservation Habitat, a visionary project on the shores of Lake Michigan designed to set a new standard in climate-resilient, net-zero energy living. Slated for completion in 2025, this residence aims to achieve full International Living Future Institute (ILFI) Living Building Challenge and Passive House Institute US (PHIUS) certifications.
Groundbreaking for Elgin Sports Complex
23 October 2024
Local officials, community members, and sports enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the highly anticipated $17.3 million expansion of the Elgin Sports Complex. The project, led by SmithGroup and supported by Nurture, drew state and city leaders, including State Senator Karina Villa, State Representative Anna Moeller, and Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain, alongside Parks and Recreation staff and neighborhood residents. The expansion project will transform the complex, adding three state-of-the-art synthetic turf fields, a new playground, restroom facilities, a concessions building, walking trails, and a shade pavilion. The improvements are designed to meet the growing demand for recreational spaces and attract high-profile sports tournaments, further positioning Elgin as a regional sports hub.
Evanston Ecology Center Breaks Ground with Nurture Architects
19 April 2024
The Evanston Ecology Center's 50th-anniversary groundbreaking ceremony on April 19th was a vibrant celebration, drawing in residents and city officials to revel in this pivotal moment. Amidst the jubilation, attention was turned towards the renovation efforts of Nurture Architects. April Hughes, President of Nurture, took to the podium to share insights into the transformative vision guiding the Center's redesign. Hughes highlighted how the renovation, targeting LEED Gold, aligns with Evanston's Climate Action and Resilience Plan.
The renovation incorporates a redesigned public entryway, featuring a welcome desk crafted from donated lumber, and a dynamic map of North Shore trails and waterways. A revamped children's classroom, with a new flooring design aiding programmatic zoning, was designed to provide a functional and harmonious space for their frequent educational programming. The successful event commemorated the Center's five decades of service and ushered in a new chapter of environmental stewardship.
Riya Desai Achieves LEED Certification
25 March 2024
Riya Desai, Assoc. AIA, a Junior Associate at Nurture, has earned LEED AP BD+C certification, showcasing her proficiency in sustainable design and commitment to advancing her career in green building. With a Bachelor of Architecture degree specializing in Art & Architectural History and Landscape Design, Riya brings a unique perspective to her work, creating harmonious, sustainable designs that consider both built and natural environments. Additionally, Riya is actively involved in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the architecture industry, serving as Co-Chair for the AIA Chicago Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Her achievements align with Nurture's values of inclusivity and social responsibility.
April Selected for Jury AIA Honolulu Design Awards
15 March 2024
April Hughes, AIA has been selected by AIA Honolulu Design Awards Committee to participate as a juror for this year’s 2024 Design Awards Jury. The AIA Honolulu’s Annual Design Awards is Hawaii’s oldest program of its type—held annually since 1958. Built and unbuilt projects submitted by local AIA members are judged on their merit by a distinguished jury of AIA architects. All project types are eligible for submission by members—from small home renovations to multi-million-dollar resorts. The Annual AIA Honolulu Design Awards Program provides an avenue for AIA Honolulu architects to be recognized by their peers for their effort and dedication to excellence in architectural design. In doing so, AIA Honolulu hopes to raise public consciousness, awareness of design excellence and the special role of AIA architects in the community. The 2024 Design Awards Gala will be held Friday, July 26, 2024.
Nurture Awarded Honorable Mention at PhiusCon 2023 in Houston, Texas
11 November 2023
Nurture was awarded Honorable Mention at the Phius Passive Projects Design Competition for the Yannell PHIUS+ Residence, presented at PhiusCon 2023 in Houston, Texas. The prestigious award highlights Nurture's commitment to innovative, energy-efficient design and its leadership in sustainable retrofitting. The Yannell PHIUS Residence is a pioneering project, being the very first certified single-family Passive House Institute US (PHIUS 2018+) Retrofit in the Midwest. This milestone achievement sets a new standard for sustainable renovation in the region and serves as a model for future projects seeking to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption.
Nurture Receives Recognition from Preservation Magazine for Jackson Lake Lodge Restoration
11 October 2023
HPZS/Nurture was featured in the 2023 Fall Issue of the National Trust for Preservation’s (@savingplaces) Preservation Magazine for our recent award-winning restoration at Jackson Lake Lodge. About 40 percent of the building’s 75,000-square-foot concrete surface underwent repairs. Replicating the original acid stain wasn’t an option—the existing concrete’s chemical composition had changed over the years, and the acid would no longer properly react with it. The team overcame many challenges, including a remote location, difficult and often uncooperative climate, and a requirement that the lodge remain open throughout the restoration.
Nurture Transforms Historic River North Space into Vibrant New Office
10 October 2023
Nurture is thrilled to announce its relocation to 314 W. Institute Place in May 2023, transforming a historic River North lot into a dynamic 2,000 square foot office space. The new location boasts abundant natural light and overlooks a newly landscaped city park, creating a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. Collaborating with local muralist Emmy Brown, Nurture has adorned the office with captivating murals celebrating woman-owned companies. The space features industrial-inspired aesthetics with refinished concrete floors and interior black finishes, complementing the historic elements of the building. The office includes two well-appointed conference rooms, ample collaboration spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and eco-friendly choices such as low VOC and recycled products Nurture hosted an Open House in October 2023 to showcase their new office space, further solidifying their presence in the vibrant River North neighborhood.