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Founded on the ethos of designing healthy environments, APMonarch creates radically better architecture for people and the environment.

About Us

We are an Architecture and Design firm with a laser focused approach to discover solutions that are economically, socially, and environmentally just.

Our commitment to design excellence is reflected in our portfolio of projects, which includes the highest levels of Green Building Certification. Notable examples include:

  • University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, Keller Center
  • Exelon Corporate Headquarters
  • Midway International Airport Concessions
  • The Field Museum
  • Bally’s Casino Chicago

APMonarch is a women and minority owned firm that reflects the richness of our society and the diversity of the communities we serve. We harness varied perspectives to deliver design excellence.

ALICIA PONCE

Founder & Principal

AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, Living Future Accredited
Languages: English, Spanish

Architect, Author and Advocate, Alicia Ponce is the founder and principal of APMonarch. Since 2007, Alicia’s expertise and passion for sustainability have supported many clients in designing radically better projects. Her reputation for resilient and eco-conscious architecture secured APMonarch’s role as the Sustainability Architect and direct protégé to Santiago Calatrava and his firm’s design proposal for the 2019 O’Hare International Airport Global Terminal. The international competition drew 1,200 teams and five were selected for the final presentation.

Alicia’s highly collaborative process has led project teams and organizations to earn both LEED and Living Building Challenge certified projects. Recognized for her ability to identify the challenges and opportunities in green buildings, in 2010 Alicia received a grant to co-lead a sustainability workshop in Sao Paolo, Brazil

Alicia is a contributing author of Today’s Inspired Latina Vol. VI. Learn more about her purposeful journey to architecture, entrepreneurship, and connection with nature. 

Email Alicia

Detailed image of a Morpho Rhetenor Cacica butterfly wing

Our approach

Nature, technology, and innovative design is a process of discovery and one that constantly evolves.

Through research, education, and practice, APMonarch defies traditional boundaries to deliver tailored design solutions across diverse project types. We apply our versatility and expertise across a wide variety of projects and industries, including healthcare, education, civic, private, and non-profit organizations.

As a team of active learners, we draw inspiration from our clients’ vision and nature’s resilient systems. By integrating principles of biomimicry, we design intuitive, informed, and highly functional projects.

Our clients

We connect and build relationships with people who make meaningful and transformative change, including: Owners, CEOs, Executive Directors, Key Stakeholders, Facilities Directors, and Diversity Compliance Officers.​

Diverse Business Certifications

City of Chicago: MBE, WBE
Illinois: CMS BEP
Wisconsin: MBE
WBENC: WBE, WOSB
Illinois Department of Transportation: DBE 

Professional Affiliations

Arquitina
Arquitectos
Biomimicry Chicago
Hispanic American Construction Industry Association
Illinois Green Alliance
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
International Living Future Institute
National Association of Women Business Owners
U.S. Green Building Council

For us, diversity is not a checkbox. It is who we are.

At APMonarch, we firmly believe that diversity is not just a box to check, but a cornerstone of innovation and excellence in architecture. As a women and minority-owned firm, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of our society. We recognize the importance of diversity in enriching perspectives, driving creativity, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.