Established in 2023 by Chicago architect Josh Mings, AIA, Aggregate Studio focuses on projects of many different varieties and scales, specializing in affordable and multi-family residential, and community-based design. Our design process is reflected in our name, Aggregate: forming cohesive projects and designs by combining and linking many disparate, separate, and often contradictory elements, embracing the messiness of the design process to create innovative and effective projects.
This process, and Josh’s experience on many government-funded and other projects with many stakeholders, allows Aggregate to create the best possible projects through teamwork, critical engagement, and consensus building. We strive to positively impact cities, housing, and residents through dignified architecture for all.
Aggregate Studio is proud to be a signatory of AIA’s 2030 Commitment.
Design Philosophy
At Aggregate Studio, we don’t focus on style – we focus on process. This considers the history and context of the site and surroundings and combines it with an overarching concept that considers program, codes, budget, sustainability, and more – to serve the community. Aggregate describes our process and a vital piece of our favorite material – concrete. The process, much like aggregate in concrete – creates a sum greater than its parts. We utilize the following core tenets in our process:
- Connection – between public and nature, bringing the outdoors in and striving for sustainability
- Inclusivity – connecting the public and built form, residents and the greater neighborhood
- Dialogue – allowing the city to shape our projects and the projects to impact the city
- Optimism – looking to the future and the next steps in pushing materials, buildings, and programs forward.
News | Press
2024
- Josh leads a Local Social Design Tour for Landmark Columbus Foundation showcasing Columbus’ influence on Josh and Aggregate’s practice.
- Josh joins AIA Chicago panel discussions with local small firm leaders to get real-time insight into managing a successful business in the design industry.
- Panel for Meet the Alumni Council event for Tulane School of Architecture
- Josh is selected to co-chair the new AIA Chicago Housing and Community Development Knowledge Community.
2023
- Josh speaks at AIA Housing as a Human Right Forum
- Josh selected as part of jury for the Association of Licensed Architects’ Napkin Sketch Contest
- Lecture “Material Is Ornament” at PechaKucha Night Chicago Volume Ornament Is
- 10 Art Shows to See in Chicago This Fall | Hyperallergic | Zoe Lescaze
- Josh advocates for the saving of the Brutalist Will County Courthouse at a Joliet City Council meeting
- Design ideas for Standard 6-3 and Standard 8-3 multiunit buildings | Chicago Cityscape | Steven Vance
- Exploration: How a “Standard 8-3” could be designed and built today | Chicago Cityscape | Steven Vance
- Josh speaks as a panelist for Underserved But Resilient: Issues in Native American Housing panel at Illinois Housing Council Affordable Housing Forum
- Invites to be on juries at UIC School of Architecture, SAIC, and IIT
- Josh participates in AIA Chicago Transform Leadership Program
2022
- Josh moderates Career Paths in Architecture panel for Tulane School of Architecture
- Labor Parti | Architect’s Newspaper | Zach Mortice
- The Burnout Problem in Architecture | Architect Magazine | Katherine Flynn
- Josh contributes to Welcome to the Grind, a pamphlet of advice for recent architecture school graduates.
- The Thompson Center’s Sbarro Super Fans Held A Pizza Party To Save The Famed Building | Block Club Chicago | Colin Boyle
- Josh elected as Director on AIA Chicago Board of Directors for a Three Year Term
2019
2015