Robert Becker

Robert Becker is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago and co-founder of Studio Becker Xu, a design practice exploring how architecture permeates everyday environments, objects, and visual culture. His professional trajectory spans Kevin Daly Architects (Los Angeles), LTL Architects (New York), Moon Hoon (Seoul), Michael Maltzan Architecture, and Payette, with significant contributions to projects including 50 Hudson Yards, the Hammer Museum renovation, and Northeastern University's PedX Bridge.

Becker's educational foundation includes:

• Master of Architecture, Princeton University
• Bachelor of Science in Architecture, University of Illinois Chicago

His research centers on community-engaged spatial design, examining how architecture shapes social interaction and cultural identity. Recent projects demonstrate this focus through the Lawndale Gathering Tree pavilion (a Sukkah festival installation co-created with Lawndale youth), the 'Won't You Be My Neighbor' Chicago two-flat reimagining, and landscape interventions like the Los Angeles Backyard project. Becker investigates material culture through both built works and his YouTube collaboration with Stewart Hicks, 'Architecture w/ Stewart', which bridges academic concepts and public discourse.

Becker's recognition includes:

• AIA Chicago Roberta Feldman Architecture for Social Justice Honor Award (2024) for Lawndale Gathering Tree

His work has been featured in Architectural Record, The Architect's Newspaper, and Wallpaper*. As an educator, he integrates professional practice into UIC coursework while expanding architectural literacy through digital platforms. Studio Becker Xu maintains an active portfolio spanning conceptual designs (Monument to Otzi museum), competition entries, and built works emphasizing community participation, material experimentation, and adaptive reuse of historical contexts.