Donovan Sandoval

architectural associate

Donovan first stepped into our office as an intern in 2019. Today, she is a full-fledged professional with experience in various project types and a compassionate view of the architectural profession. A lifelong Chiago native, Donovan discovered architecture in high school after enjoying how it combined her affinity for design with STEM. That started her on a path that led her to earn her degree from Iowa State University’s College of Design.

In the years since interning at OKW, she has defined her professional viewpoint through a global lens. Whether she was investigating the urban environment in Rome or studying the architectural landscape in Puerto Rico, she has seen the many ways that architecture can positively serve people’s interests.

Outside of OKW, you can find her digging for true crime or supernatural podcasts, following politics (“I like a good protest”), or chasing that exhilarating feeling that comes with seeing people enjoy the music she’s recommended to them.

Most inspirational or interesting space in (or out of) Chicago: Saint John’s Abbey Church in St. Cloud is one of the coolest buildings I have ever been in. I am typically not a brutalist person, but the approach here creates breathtaking views inside.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life: Shawarma, a pita, and all the accoutrements. A little bit of everything!

Favorite childhood TV show: Oswald. Specifically, the episode where he makes a tomato restaurant for the snails that keep eating the tomatoes out of his garden. Interesting that the one architectural-related episode stands out to me.