GSD Alumni and Friends
Daniel P. Coffey, MArch '80
For the leading role Daniel P. Coffey & Associates, Ltd. played in the revitalization of Chicago's downtown State Street corridor - and for a rich portfolio of award winning new buildings, interiors, and preservation projects - the firm has recently been named "Firm of the Year" by the American Institute of Architects in Chicago. This year, the 20th for the firm, has also seen a great deal of attention focused on Mr. Coffey's work. After winning a local chapter AIA design award, his much-praised restoration and adaptive re-use of Chicago's landmark Medinah Temple, now home to a Bloomingdale's Home+Furnishing store was awarded Retail Traffic's Superior Achievement in Design and Imaging (SADI) Grand Award this May as the finest retail design project of the year. Coffey was also named a finalist in this years' Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards competition for Illinois, a distinction achieved by few architects. It focused on the integrity of his design work and expanding involvement and expertise in spurring civic, arts and not-for-profit, mixed-use design projects that often combine innovative conventional and tax-exempt financing methods. The firm has recently been chosen to design the New Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago. Mr. Coffey is also celebrating his 10th year as Chairman of the Chicago International Film Festival as it celebrates its 40th season.