CRISTINA GALLO
President & Design Principal - Via Chicago Architects & Diseñadores
Cristina Gallo, AIA is the president and co-founder of Via Chicago Architects + Diseñadores. As a Colombian immigrant and dual-resident of Panamá, Cristina drives the firm’s focus on projects in Latin America and within the Spanish-speaking communities of Chicago. She acts as a translator—oftentimes literally—between the client, architect, contractor, and DOB officials, and brings a lifetime of cross-cultural experience to the design process.
As a member of the Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee of AIA Chicago, Cristina spends her “fun time” organizing events, fundraising, and developing community outreach efforts to advocate for a more just and representative architectural profession in Chicago. She also participates as a mentor in “Arquitinas,” a leadership and licensure initiative for Latina/x women in Architecture, working to reach above and beyond the current 1% mark of licensed Latina architects in the US while creating equitable and inclusive opportunities in the profession.
Cristina‘s Fun Facts
I was born in Cali, Colombia - the city of salsa dancing
I dream in Spanish
I had never heard the word “furnace” nor did I know what it was until freshman year of Architecture school - we don’t have furnaces in Colombia or Panama
I lived in Rome for a year while studying classical architecture
Chicago Pop Up Boombox - Courtesy of Cristina Gallo.
What inspired you to study architecture?
While growing up in Panama City, Panama, I was captivated by the Panama Canal Zone. It was designed and built by the (then American) Panama Canal Authority as supporting structures for the Canal in the early 1900’s. I was too young to understand that I was in love with “architecture” and wanted to be an architect, but something about these concrete buildings kept me distracted during English class. My high school was inside an old US military dormitory within the Zone and overlooking the Canal, and I would stare out the window and marvel at the massive overhangs with concrete brackets skirting around every floor (to provide as much shade as possible), the dutch gable roofs (allowing the blistering heat to escape), and the buildings on stilts (to protect against the torrential rains that flashed multiple times a year). It took me a while to understand that these carefully crafted buildings designed to help people survive in the hot humid jungle would one day inspire me to pursue a career in architecture.
Portales - A Historic Renovation Project in the Historic District of Casco Antiguo, Panama - Courtesy of Cristina Gallo.
Which Latina/x architect/artist influenced you the most as an emerging professional?
Alicia Ponce, owner and lead Principal at AP Monarch, is not only an incredible designer but also a true leader. Influenced by nature’s resilient systems, Alicia is out to make a lasting impact in the built world by making sustainability and absolute priority. Her long career has lead her to work with Calatrava as a sustainability consultant while also designing a CPS Elementary School. She has time for everything and everyone and is a leader to latina women who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
Interior of Stitch (Tiny Home Project in West Town, Chicago) - Courtesy of Cristina Gallo.
Name a favorite project completed by a Latina/x Architect. Why is it your favorite?
Although Alicia’s AP Monarch projects within the built environment are extraordinary, I think one of the most notable projects she’s embarked on is ‘Arquitinas’ - a professional leadership and licensure initiative for emerging Latina/x Women in the field of Architecture. I am a proud member of this multicultural group of Latina/x women passionate about architecture and the built environment. We proudly contribute to the profession as architects, engineers, planners, construction managers and sustainability professionals. The Arquitina mission is to reach above and beyond the 1% mark of licensed architects in the United States while creating equitable and inclusive opportunities in the architectural profession.
Initial Sketch of Casa Luker in Las Catalinas (Completed in 2020) - Courtesy of Cristina Gallo.
Are there any organizations that helped you grow in architecture?
AIA Chicago has been an amazing organization to be a part of during my career as an Architect in Chicago. Through them, I’ve gotten to know so many peers in the industry who over time have become mentors and friends and have been incredibly supportive in my business ventures. As the owner of a small architecture studio, I’ve learned to lean on others, ask for help as often as you need it, and enjoy the ups and downs of life as a small business owner.
Tiny Townhomes 2015 Competition Winner (Interior Photo of the Constructed Mockup Home) - Courtesy of Cristina Gallo.
How does your culture affect the way you design?
Everything about being a multi-cultural & bi-lingual Colombian / Panamanian immigrant living in Chicago affects the way I see design and the role design can play in communities. As architects, we must be willing to dive in headfirst, listen intently, and truly absorb the seemingly minor attributes that contribute to a holistic, lasting community. We understand the limits of our role as architects when we practice in another community — we’re not here to impose our design, but to provide a platform for the local community to define themselves and their surroundings.
Square Roots Campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan (Completed in 2019) - Courtesy of Cristina Gallo.
If you would talk to your younger self, what advice would you give yourself?
Don’t ever answer the question “what do you want to do when you grow up?” with a singular profession. It stifles your creativity and makes you wonder what the “right” answer should be, as if there is one. Don’t be afraid to not answer it at all. Use it as an opportunity to reflect on yourself, what makes you curious, what type of challenges or problems do you enjoy solving, what makes you excited and hopeful.
Cristina Gallo & Marty Sandberg at Stitch (Tiny Home Project in West Town, Chicago) - Courtesy of Cristina Gallo.
What do you want to say to the next generation of Latina/x architects?
Embrace your culture as a way to stand out. Being bold and brave and beautiful is what makes us powerful.
Conceptual Sketch of the Viking Fishing Lodge in Pearl Island, Panama (Under Construction) - Courtesy of Cristina Gallo.
