First generation Nigerian senior architectural designer passionate about bringing architecture into classrooms
Folarin Ijelu
Senior Architectural Designer
Folarin joined Yu & Associates Collaborative at the beginning of 2025. He earned a bachelor's degree in architectural studies from the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 2015. After graduating, Folarin began working in Chicago, where he focused on affordable multi-family housing and healthcare architecture.
Folarin is a versatile designer with both local and international project experience. He has played a significant role in the design and development of various multi-family housing, civic, and healthcare projects in Chicago and across the country. While at Nia Architects, Folarin worked closely on-site with another architecture firm, emphasizing one-on-one collaboration to help deliver successful projects. Notable projects he has contributed to include the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building at the Rush University Cancer Center, the UChicago Medicine Cancer Pavilion, and the WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Folarin is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He participates in the AIA Chicago Foundation's Architects in Schools (AIS) program, an initiative that brings architecture professionals into Chicago Public School classrooms to introduce middle school students to the field of architecture and to discuss the broader theme of architecture as a change-maker. He is also a member of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association and the University of Pittsburgh African American Council. Additionally, Folarin is involved with the Panther Club, an organization that enriches the lives of Pitt student athletes during and after their time at the university.
Originally from Philadelphia, Folarin has a deep appreciation for the Midwest and a strong passion for nature and hiking. He currently lives in the Sheridan Park neighborhood of Chicago, where he enjoys caring for his houseplants and patio garden. As a first-generation Nigerian with much of his extended family still residing there, Folarin loves traveling back to Nigeria to collect art that reminds him of his family home.
Folarin is a versatile designer with both local and international project experience. He has played a significant role in the design and development of various multi-family housing, civic, and healthcare projects in Chicago and across the country. While at Nia Architects, Folarin worked closely on-site with another architecture firm, emphasizing one-on-one collaboration to help deliver successful projects. Notable projects he has contributed to include the Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building at the Rush University Cancer Center, the UChicago Medicine Cancer Pavilion, and the WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Folarin is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He participates in the AIA Chicago Foundation's Architects in Schools (AIS) program, an initiative that brings architecture professionals into Chicago Public School classrooms to introduce middle school students to the field of architecture and to discuss the broader theme of architecture as a change-maker. He is also a member of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association and the University of Pittsburgh African American Council. Additionally, Folarin is involved with the Panther Club, an organization that enriches the lives of Pitt student athletes during and after their time at the university.
Originally from Philadelphia, Folarin has a deep appreciation for the Midwest and a strong passion for nature and hiking. He currently lives in the Sheridan Park neighborhood of Chicago, where he enjoys caring for his houseplants and patio garden. As a first-generation Nigerian with much of his extended family still residing there, Folarin loves traveling back to Nigeria to collect art that reminds him of his family home.
