Architects Julie Michiels and Jacob Chartoff have joined MAS Studio as partners. Along with founding partner Iker Gil, they will lead this new phase of the Chicago-based architecture practice MAS Studio.

“After working as a sole practitioner since the founding of MAS Studio in 2006, I am thrilled now work alongside Julie and Jacob, two architects that I have known for two decades and with whom I have collaborated several times in the past,” said founding partner Iker Gil. “We have all developed our design skills and experience on diverse projects independently over the last two decades and now it felt like the right time to join forces. We can’t wait to work together on new projects.”

A graduate of IIT, Julie has extensive experience leading teams focused on developing innovative yet timeless design solutions from the inside out. Since 2000, she has practiced in offices in Chicago, most recently as the Interiors Practice Leader and Senior Associate Principal at SOM Chicago. She previously held roles at Perkins&Will and Environ (now HED). As a recognition of her contributions to the field, in 2020 she was a finalist of Interior Design Magazine Interior Designer of the Year Award.

“I have had many great experiences both locally and around the world over the course of my career and I am excited to use that experience to strengthen and expand the work that MAS Studio has been doing for more than fifteen years,” said Julie Michiels. “Iker, Jacob, and I bring a together a unique combination of skill sets that I believe will set our work apart from others.”

Jacob has worked on multiple residential, educational, and institutional projects over the last two decades. His work ranges from design to management of project documentation, technical design guidance, materials research, full construction administration services, and team management, training, and professional development. Most recently, Jacob joined Julie to co-lead the Interiors Studio at SOM where he served as Associate Principal and the Interiors Technical Design Lead. He previously held roles at Landon Bone Baker, GLUCK+, Wheeler Kearns Architects, Columbia College Chicago, and Civic Projects.

“I am thrilled to join MAS Studio and bring my more than twenty years of client-centered, detail-oriented design to the partnership,” said Jacob Chartoff. “Our work focuses on design excellence and relationship building, stemming from listening, reciprocal trust, and developing a true understanding of our clients. I have had the privilege to work at a number of excellent firms in my career, and the ones that did the best work were also the best places to work. I am excited to partner with my good friends, Iker and Julie (a formidable pair) and help grow our firm into one that is respected for the work we do and for the way we do it.”

You can learn more about MAS Studio and each of its partners mas-studio.com/studio.