May 9, 2024
Growing up, architecture was always part of the backdrop for me — as architect and business owner, my parents had met working in the field, and they’d discuss their projects and the business every night over dinner. I naturally developed an appreciation for beautiful buildings from a young age. Classical music, however, was my true calling. I started with piano and later picked up the violin and viola, growing more dedicated as the years went by. At 13, I told my parents I wanted to be a professional musician and commit to a career as a violist. They were incredibly supportive, providing me with opportunities that really helped catapult my career to the next level.
Some of my musical career highlights include performing at Carnegie Hall over a dozen times starting at age 13, earning my Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from the University of Southern California and working as a session musician in Los Angeles. I was regularly performing on television shows such as The Tonight Show, The Voice and American Idol, while recording for major films such as the recent Star Wars movies, Cars 3 and Toy Story 4.
Teaching was also a significant aspect of my career. I started my own private teaching studio after graduating from college, in which I taught violin, viola, piano and music theory to students ranging from toddlers to adults. I found it incredibly rewarding to work with some families for over a decade, watching my students grow not only in their musical abilities but also as individuals.
In 2014, I had a show with my band, The Rentals, in New York and made a stop in Chicago to visit my family. On a visit to the Art Institute with my mom and dad, John asked me my opinion on a management situation at work. After a long discussion he said, "You get this! What if you joined me at Chipman Design?" I was completely stunned by the question, and yet this felt like a fork in the road. I had committed my life to music, spending at least 6 hours a day in a practice room, playing scales over and over, studying scores, sitting in orchestra rehearsals. How could I possibly make this change? I knew nothing about architecture and, while a successful entrepreneur, I was responsible only for myself. I had never worked a “typical” 9-5 job and was now used to the unpredictability of my schedule.
But it sparked something; the idea of leaving the music world to try something new was tantalizing. I jumped in headfirst, joining the firm July 2015 in the role of Design Strategy. Spending that first year learning the business, I was then named CEO in October of 2016. I absorbed as I went, making friends with colleagues and negotiating a completely new industry. It took me three years, but by the end of 2019 I finally felt comfortable in my role. CDA was making continued strides in the industry, and it finally felt like the firm was running smoothly. And then 2020 hit. With the world being turned upside down, I felt like I was back at day one, not understanding the rules or how I was supposed to lead. Luckily, I had surrounded myself with an incredible, multifaceted, talented team - together we were able to find the path forward. They were truly the light in my darkest days.
It was at this time in 2020 that I realized the next step in my career was to go in reverse and learn the technical craft of architecture. I understood and enjoyed the business and people aspects, but my knowledge of building sciences was only surface level. Additionally, I knew that it was imperative to get licensed as an architect and in some ways, be able to rely on myself again - just as I did as a sole business owner / musician so many years ago. After extensive Google searches and connecting with recent university graduates, I discovered a NAAB-accredited program that seemed tailor-made for professionals like me—an online, Master of Architecture at Lawrence Technological University designed for students without an undergraduate education in the field. It was a significant commitment—three and a half years of year-round study, taking three to four classes every fall, spring, and summer semester. Returning to school can be exciting, but it can also be humbling to do so 20 years after last graduating.
I began by learning Revit, the ubiquitous software I had seen my colleagues at Chipman using for years. As I progressed, I started to grasp the terminology, workflow, and the pitfalls of sloppy modeling. My education continued through architectural studios, construction system classes, and three semesters of structural studies. (And yes, it had been 25 years since my last math class!) What stood out this time was the seriousness with which I approached each class. I completed every reading, took pride in every discussion post, and spent long hours rendering floor plans and elevations. I was not only determined to prove myself as a student but also committed to mastering the craft and art that many before me had honed.
As the daughter of an architect and the granddaughter of an interior designer, I developed a new appreciation for tasks like laying out bathrooms or detailing wall sections. Although I wasn't hand detailing at a drafting board, the connection felt palpable as I spent long hours in front of a computer screen after working an 8 to 10 hour day in my day job as CEO of an architecture firm. And so, after thousands of hours learning the craft and history of architecture and design, I graduated with my M. Arch. I've already passed my first Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and plan to continue studying this year as I work through the remaining licensure exams, aiming to fulfill my professional goal of becoming a licensed architect by the end of 2024.
Reflecting on the nine-year journey since I made a major career change, I often find myself contemplating a question I frequently get asked: "How could you say goodbye to music? How did you walk away from your passion?" While I will always love classical music and continue to play the viola for myself every few weeks, I've realized that music was not my true passion. My real passion lies in developing people and creating extraordinary experiences. These were the aspects of teaching and performing that truly brought me joy. Now, as the leader of a national 140-person architectural firm, I find I can engage in these passions even more.
As a graduation gift, my father gave me three of his favorite books from his days as an architecture student 50 years ago. I'm eager to sit down and read them—not as an assignment or for a graded discussion, but to deepen my understanding and appreciation of the art of architecture. Even though I’ve graduated, the learning doesn't stop. This is just the beginning.
Lauren Chipman, a true multi-disciplinary designer and performing artist, brings a distinct sense of creative leadership to her position as Chief Executive Officer at Chipman Design Architecture. Prior to her work at Chipman, Lauren performed professionally as a string instrumentalist with a resume that includes recording for television, film, and top Billboard artists. Today, Lauren is proud to be part of the third generation to carry on her family’s legacy. Lauren’s unconventional background and innate sense of innovation allow her to bring a fresh perspective to the impact of hospitality, retail, and restaurant spaces. Despite helming a well-established firm that supports national clients like Chick-fil-A, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Ulta Beauty, Marriott, Peet’s Coffee and CVS, Lauren’s entrepreneurial vision often goes beyond traditional industry approaches. From pioneering integration of new technology in the conceptual design process to almost exclusively recruiting multi-hyphenate talent, Lauren directs the company with the future in mind. A holistic leader, Lauren leverages her own experience as an industry outsider to cultivate a unique, forward-thinking environment composed of a team with diverse backgrounds. She pushes the firm to not only solve for present design challenges, but also develop foresight into cultural and behavioral changes. This high level of adaptable strategy allows the firm to keep clients ahead of the curve, and nimble in response industry shifts. Lauren has spoken at numerous conferences, including Globalshop, Google Zeitgeist, design:retail Forum, MUFES, MUFSO and Bitac Luxury. A Professional Affiliate of the AIA, Lauren also holds memberships in such industry organizations as NOMA and RDI and was recently recognized with vmsd’s “40 under 40 award.”
Chipman Design Architecture (WBE) is a people-first, family-owned retail, hospitality, restaurant, and senior living architecture firm composed of innovators, architects, and interior designers who love collaborating, breaking boundaries, and creating spaces for tomorrow. For over forty years, the firm has separated themselves with a focus on the future in regard to organizational structure, customer experience and fostering community. With corporate headquarters in Chicago, and five additional national offices, Chipman Design provides interior design, experiential design, and architectural expertise throughout North America. Today, the firm’s Principal team, led by third generation family member, and CEO, Lauren Chipman, offers innovation and professionalism through complete architectural and interior design services. Through membership in the U.S. Green Building Council, the firm’s commitment to sustainability and lowering energy consumption continues to reinforce recognition of the critical role of architects in today’s world.
