We are a team of curious creatives working to tackle design challenges within our community and around the world.

Chicago
Logan Square
3231 West Armitage Avenue

Ciudad de Panamá
Santa Maria
Torre Argos

Partners

Cristina Gallo, AIA
Architect + Owner
Left Brain

A proud native of Cali, Colombia, Cristina has immersed herself in the culture of Panamá over the past 20 years. This cross-cultural background continues to drive her architectural sense, and inspires the studio’s expansive portfolio of work across Latin America.

Cristina is an architect and co-founder of Via Chicago, overseeing the careful execution of all design projects. She is constantly forging new connections with the local community, industry partners, and future collaborators.

A University of Notre Dame graduate, Cristina also holds a Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) from Roosevelt University. She is a licensed architect in both Illinois and the Republic of Panamá, and never, ever runs out of words.

➜ cristina@viachicagoarchitects.com

✖ Licensed Architect - Illinois
✖ Arquitecta - Panamá
✎ University of Notre Dame
✒ Roosevelt University

Marty Sandberg, AIA
Architect + Owner
Right Brain

Marty Sandberg is an architect and co-founder of Via Chicago, where he leads the design direction of architectural projects and encourages creative debate among our talented team.

Design-oriented and endlessly curious, Marty is constantly looking for new solutions hiding in our everyday surroundings. He has the ability to quickly translate complex ideas and early thoughts into animated freehand sketches and immersive stories. His path to architecture was an unconventional one, including several summers building log homes throughout the Rocky Mountains and laboring as an electrical apprentice in Denver high-rises.

Marty maintains an active NCARB certificate, and is a licensed architect in Illinois, Colorado, Florida, & Wisconsin. He is a hopeless Cubs fan, never gets lost, and is always up for trying a new local beer (thanks for asking!)

➜ marty@viachicagoarchitects.com

✖ Licensed Architect - Illinois, Colorado, Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan
✎ University of Notre Dame

Team

Hailing from southern Patagonia, CAROLINA ARECHETA brings a unique perspective on the way architecture relates with the natural world. Her passion for design - and life in general - is contagious, infusing the studio with lively energy on a daily basis.

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Arquitecta - Chile
Universitat de Barcelona
Universidad Finis Terrae

Sustainability and design-driven solutions to energy independence are paramount interests for LAURA AMARO, RA, CPHC. A Chicago native - and Certified Passive House Consultant - Laura strives to measurably improve the performance of every project she encounters, without losing sight of the “big picture” that drives each decision.

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Licensed Architect - Illinois
Illinois Institute of Technology

A proud lifelong resident of Panama City, ANDREA QUIJADA is energized by complex architectural puzzles and overcoming them with creative, innovative solutions. She carefully coordinates Via Chicago’s growing portfolio of high-end residential work, with a keen eye for quality detailing and clever spatial planning.

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Arquitecta - Panamá
Universidad de Panamá

Throughout the past 20+ years, CLAUDIO LÓPEZ has played a leading role in some of Panama City’s most outstanding residential buildings. With an exacting eye and a knack for catching even the smallest error in a drawing set, Claudio keeps our own team of designers on their toes - and our complex projects right on track.

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Arquitecto - Panamá
Universidad Santa María La Antigua

A native of Cali, Colombia, ISABELLA HOLGUIN is a naturally vibrant and energetic designer. She brings a special attention to transitional "edge" of buildings, thanks to a specialization in landscape architecture during her time at IIT. An avid local foodie, Isa draws inspiration from the nature and culture of her adopted hometown, creating captivating designs that harmonize with their surroundings.

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Illinois Institute of Technology

MAGYORI RUÍZ is constantly searching for ways to improve the studio's residential projects in Panamá. With a focus on modern concepts, she tirelessly refines even the tiniest details to ensure flawless execution. Her experience as an "in the field" architect prior to joining our team brings an added value in creating both beautiful and functional designs in every project she undertakes.

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Arquitecta - Panamá
Universidad Interamericana de Panamá