Juan Gabriel Moreno

Juan Gabriel Moreno, AIA, is an award-winning architect and President/Founder of JGMA (Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects). Mr. Moreno was born in Bogota, Colombia and studied architecture at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. He also lived in Florence, Italy where he studied under Superstudio founders Christiano Toraldo di Francia and Gianni Pettena.

Mr. Moreno has been creating provocative works for more than 30 years. His portfolio includes having worked on projects throughout the United States and internationally. These projects represent a diverse portfolio of public and private work in typologies ranging from education, government, research, commercial, urban planning, product design and graphic design. However, in 2010 he launched JGMA with the sole purpose of transforming disadvantaged and underserved communities with his architecture. Since then, JGMA has become one of the most highly acclaimed design firms in the nation, and continues to grow, establishing offices throughout the country.

JGMA’s work has captured the attention of some of the most respected voices in architecture and design, earning recognition from both national and international institutions. From the Architecture MasterPrize to Architizer and Architect Magazine, the firm has been consistently celebrated for its innovative design approach. Institutions local to its headquarters as Crain’s Chicago Business, the Chicago Architecture Foundation, and the Chicago Architecture Biennial have highlighted JGMA’s impact on the city’s evolving architectural identity. Esteemed professional organizations including AIA, the Association of Licensed Architects, and the Society of American Registered Architects have acknowledged the firm’s design excellence and leadership.

In addition, honors from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, CBC, ULI, and HACIA underscore JGMA’s
commitment to community-driven development. Internationally, the firm’s influence has reached as far as the European Centre for Architecture, World Architecture News, Rethinking the Future, and the Colombian Diaspora Architectural Awards, affirming JGMA’s place as a leader in shaping a more inclusive and inspiring built environment.

Juan Moreno’s personal dedication to community and social justice has been recognized both locally and
internationally. He was recently awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Northeastern Illinois University in
recognition of his accomplishments. Mr. Moreno also had the honor of being recognized by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos as one of the “100 COLOMBIANOS” for 2013 and was a recipient of the 2013 “PIECE” Award for International Excellence which recognizes Colombians working outside of the country and making a difference in the lives of children and communities.

This widespread recognition reflects the vision and leadership of founder Juan Gabriel Moreno, whose deep
commitment to civic life has shaped both the firm’s ethos and his professional journey. Mr. Moreno has served on the City of Chicago’s Design Excellence Committee since its launch and was an inaugural appointee to the Committee on Design by the Department of Planning and Development. He is currently a board member of the Chicago Architecture Center and the National Museum of Mexican Art. His past board appointments include the Chicago Architecture Biennial, the Metropolitan Planning Council, and the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Additionally, Mr. Moreno has served on design juries for AIA chapters and universities both nationally and internationally, reinforcing his belief that design should be in constant dialogue with public service, education, and community.