Founded in 2006 by Iker Gil with the curation and design of the exhibition Synchronizing Geometry at the Mies van der Rohe-designed S.R. Crown Hall at IIT, the studio develops its work with an emphasis on built work, exhibitions, research, and publications. Some of the recent work of MAS Studio includes several unit renovations in Bertrand Goldberg’s iconic Marina City, the artistic intervention Geometry of Light (in collaboration with Luftwerk); co-curating Exhibit Columbus 2020–2021 and being the associate curator of Dimensions of Citizenship, the US Pavilion at the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale; designing the websites for Rojkind Arquitectos (with Normal) and Schweikher House (with Segura), and co-editing the books Radical Logic and Art in Chicago Neighborhoods as part of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) “Year of Public Art.”

In 2009, the studio started the nonprofit organization MAS Context in order to instigate the conversation about the built environment through the active participation of people from different fields and different perspectives. MAS Context takes its content into formats such as publications, lectures, art installations, and exhibitions.

In 2024, architects Julie Michiels and Jacob Chartoff joined the firm as partners. They bring over twenty years of experience each, leading interdisciplinary teams and working on residential, commercial, institutional, cultural, and educational projects of diverse scales and complexity. Julie has extensive experience developing innovative yet timeless design solutions from the inside out. Meanwhile, Jacob has developed a well-rounded career that includes design, technical expertise, management, and administration. Together they have worked closely with public and private clients on a wide range of projects, including private residences, multiple award-winning projects at 800 Fulton Market in Chicago, and on the interior renovation of Vanderbilt University’s iconic 150-year-old Kirkland Hall.

• 2023 AIA National Interior Architecture Award, 800 Fulton Market
• 2020 Interior Design Magazine Interior Designer of the Year Finalist, Julie Michiels
• 2018 President’s Citation, AIA Chicago, Dimensions of Citizenship
• 2018 People’s Choice Award, AIA Chicago Small Project Awards, bLUMEN
• 2015 Citation of Merit, AIA Chicago Small Projects Awards, Elemental Kitchen

• 2012 Cut. Join. Play. included in the U.S. Pavilion at the 13th Venice Architecture Biennale
• 2012 Cut. Join. Play. included in the 7th International Festival of Architecture Eme3, Barcelona
• 2010 Emerging Visions Award, Chicago Architectural Club, Iker Gil
• 2010 First Prize at the Architecture for Humanity Chicago Street Furniture Competition

• Architecture for Humanity Chicago
• Art Institute of Chicago
• Blue Crow Media
• Chicago Architecture Biennial
• City of Chicago
• Graham Foundation

• Landmark Columbus Foundation
• Oneida Nation of Wisconsin
• Rojkind Arquitectos
• Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
• SOS Children's Villages
• topology, llc

Throughout the projects developed in the studio, several designers and companies have been directly involved with their effort, ideas, and support:

300.000 Km/s, Andrew Clark, André Corrêa, Andreas E.G. Larsson, Andrew Dribin, Andrew Obendorf, Antonio Petrov, Cody Hudson, Danrui Xiang, David Schalliol, Ellipsis Architecture, Eugenia Macchia, Future Firm, James Florio, JNL Graphic Design, John Preus, Josh Cooper, Juan de Dios Pérez, Lara Rivero, Lawton Stanley Architects, Luftwerk, Mateu Baylina, Matt Stegmaier, Michelle Benoit, Mimi Zeiger, Normal, Norman Kelley, Paul Mougey, PORT Urbanism, Robert Casasús, Segura, Sharon Haar, SOM, Span, and Xavi Ayala