As Founding Principal of bKL Architecture, Thomas Kerwin leads a team of talented architects who share his passion for creating places which positively shape the urban environment. Tom’s leadership and breadth of knowledge have grown bKL exponentially since the firm’s inception in 2010. Since then, Tom has established bKL nationally and internationally, with an impressive portfolio showcasing a variety of project types and scales including: Cirrus and Cascade in Chicago, Hazel and Azure in Arlington, and UBTECH Headquarters in Shenzhen.

With a prolific career spanning over four decades, Tom has established himself as an expert in the design of highly complex, large-scale projects around the globe. His work is also characterized by his commitment to civic endeavors and the wellbeing of surrounding communities. This is best represented in projects like the renovation of the Whitney Young Library in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood, the historic restoration of the House of Tomorrow in Beverly Shores, Indiana, and the design of Refugee One’s new Chicago facility.

Tom is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and a past President of AIA Chicago. He is an active member of the Chicago Sports Commission, The Commercial Club of Chicago, The Economic Club of Chicago, and Urban Land Institute. Tom earned a master’s degree in business administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Ball State University, where he received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2005.

See Complete Biography