Alumnus and Renowned Chicago Architect Thomas Roszak Joins Illinois Tech Board of Trustees

CHICAGO—Thomas (Tom) Roszak (ARCH ’89), alumnus and renowned Chicago architect with more than 30 years of experience designing some of the most prominent new buildings in Chicago, has been elected to the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) Board of Trustees.

“It’s a great honor to be appointed as an Illinois Tech trustee. As an alum of the College of Architecture, Illinois Tech gave me my start; after graduation I made connections in the industry thanks to this university,” says Roszak. “I’m grateful for those opportunities, and as a trustee, I hope to develop similar life-changing opportunities for Illinois Tech students. I’m particularly looking forward to using my expertise to create spaces that build on the incredible legacy of Mies Campus and Illinois Tech’s iconic existing buildings to fill the needs of a world-class university."

Since graduating from Illinois Tech in 1989, Roszak has left an astounding imprint on Chicago’s built environment, including the Clark Family Welcome Gallery at Adler Planetarium, the Burnham Pavilion in Millennium Park (a collaboration with world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid), the Bruce M. Kohen Courtroom at Conviser Law Center, and the recently completed 20-story commercial office building at 145 South Wells Street.  

“Tom’s vision has not only shaped the city of Chicago through his design and development expertise, but also through his unwavering commitment to inspiring and providing opportunities for the next generation of innovators,” says Raj Echambadi, president of Illinois Tech. “I look forward to working with Tom as we continue  Illinois Tech’s legacy as a true opportunity engine for all.”

Since founding his practice, TRA | Thomas Roszak Architecture, Roszak was named among world’s top architects in May 2005 by Architectural Digest and won an American Institute of Architects 2008 National Award for Interior Design of glasshouse, his own residence in Northfield, Illinois. In 2020 Roszak was elevated to fellow of the AIA (FAIA).

“It is an honor to elect one of our prominent alumni to the board,” says Michael P. Galvin (LAW ‘78), chair of Illinois Tech’s Board of Trustees. “Tom embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and leadership that we aim to cultivate in all of our students. I am excited to welcome Tom as one of our newest board members.”

As an alumnus, an architectural design and construction studio adjunct professor at Illinois Tech’s College of Architecture (from 2008–2013), and now as a trustee, Roszak continues to play an active role in stewarding student experience and the campus into the future in various ways including lending his experience and expertise to serving on committees that will facilitate the creation of spaces, buildings, and infrastructure. In 2022 Roszak created the Thomas A. Roszak Endowed Scholarship in Architecture with a six-figure contribution to enhance the lives of the students at Illinois Tech. He was presented with the John J. Schommer Honor Award in 2015.

“Tom’s experience and expertise in integrated project delivery will bring a unique perspective to the board,” says Ernie Iseminger, vice president of advancement at Illinois Tech. “Tom has been a tireless advocate for Illinois Tech students, and I am looking forward to working with him to shape the student experience of the future."

Currently, Roszak leads as principal in four companies headquartered in Chicago: Thomas Roszak Architecture, SteelGrass construction management, TR Management + Consulting, and Moceri + Roszak development. Over the last 32 years, Roszak and his companies have designed, built, and developed more than $3 billion in real estate. 

Illinois Institute of Technology

Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the collective power of difference to advance technology and progress for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the living lab of the city, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.

Media contacts

Petra Kelly
Communications Director
Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 773.771.1064
pkelly6@iit.edu 

Howard J. Lee
Director, Advancement Communications 
Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 202.487.5722
hlee122@iit.edu