janelle zola

senior job captain

Born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Janelle was inspired by the abundance of architecture, art, and culture of her beloved city. A lifetime of museums, Air & Water shows, and Tastes – combined with a love of art and math – led her to choose a career path in architecture right before high school.

Since then, architecture has taken her across the country, from California to Texas and back to Illinois. In each state, she picked up a new typology or market sector. Today, she has an impressive portfolio that includes projects in aviation, education, faith-based institutions, and public transit. The latter is special for Janelle, as her thesis centered around transit as the great equalizer and the lifeblood of a city.

She is a self-proclaimed “Big Kid” at heart, and loves cartoons, all things Disney, and dessert (and dogs, too!). When she’s not spending quality time with family and friends, she’s either losing herself in a book, racking up her video game trophy count, or honing her physical and mental abilities through kickboxing and self-defense classes.

Most inspirational space: The Winter Garden of Harold Washington Library Center

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life: Peanut Butter and Jelly

Top city you want to visit: Tokyo