People

We believe that creative design is derived from diversity of experience. Our team dedicates itself to being a collaborative and learning environment. Meet the people who are driven to pursue meaningful work with MKB serving Chicagoland’s communities through architecture.

Geri Kelley is the recipient of the 2020 Crain’s Notable Women in Construction, and the owner of MKB Architects as a WBE-certified firm. In her twenty-five years as an architect, Geri has successfully resolved construction issues and technical details on the firm’s most complex renovation projects. Her passion for the underserved is the foundation that inspires MKB Architects’ mission & design.

Jack Kelley has directed MKB Architects’ vision & mission for over thirty-five years, working on numerous complex master plan projects for non-profit and institutional clients- several of which are national award-winning projects. He has also served as an adjunct instructor for The University of Illinois Department of Architecture’s Overseas Program in Barcelona, Spain, and a guest instructor at Drury University’s Hammons School of Architecture Summer Travel Program in Venice, Italy.

Allison Collins has experience in high-end residential architecture, urban design, and commercial tenant improvements, bringing a rigor to detail towards delivering architectural solutions.

Andrew Johnson has extensive project manager experience on large, multi-unit housing projects for both for-profit and non-profit housing developers. He uses his expertise in housing and construction at MKB Architects, where he oversees all internal and external daily communication, coordinates activities to meet budget and schedule, and manages progress and project decision-making.

Omar Rodriguez has gained experience at MKB Architects through documentation, site visits, and producing architectural drawings for multiple projects for both non-profit and places of worship.

Jim Lear is a long-time partner in MKB Architects as a registered architect. He also manages the firm’s IT needs and software troubleshooting.

Jocelyn Wong balances a full-time Architectural Associate role and as MKB’s full-time marketing coordinator. She has a passion for creating stories through design, visual content, and graphics. Jocelyn’s extensive exposure to marketing roles within college while pursuing architecture has proven to be a unique asset. Her skillsets inside the architectural world and in other creative realms has allowed her valuable experience to grow in her dual position.