donovan lawnicki

architectural associate

When you geek out over playing a pre-planned Frankfurt in SimCity 4, you know you’re likely to become an architect. Then when you learn CAD, Revit, and 3DSMax in high school, it becomes destiny.

Donovan moved to Chicago from northwest Indiana to earn his degree in architecture UIC and began his career working on hospitality projects, international hotels, and some automotive campuses for good measure. Now at OKW, he uses his broad skillset, as well as his knack for cultural amplification, to make our projects and office better.

Outside of the office, you’ll find him deep in his musical hobbies, which include collecting vinyl records, listening to house and jazz, and playing bass in a Van Halen cover band.

If you could have one superpower: To create atoms at my command so I can cut out construction costs and design whatever I can think of if I know its material. I can also make gold as a side hustle.

Most inspirational space: This is a tie between the Ryokan nestled between the lake and mountains of Hakone Japan and the rooftop terrace of Centre Pompidou in Paris..

The headliners at your fantasy music festival: I would have music I’ve never had a chance to see live, so Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.