Justin Banda

Associate

Justin Banda, WELL AP, IGA, Associate AIA wears many hats—organizer, data collector, designer, researcher, sustainability coordinator. Based in Legat’s Chicago West Loop studio, he helps building owners deconstruct the challenges they face, organize their thought processes, and express their stories through architecture.

Justin’s energetic approach and keen eye for design cover everything from photography and sketches to 3D renderings and campus master plans. His work at Legat ranges from transit facility renewals to experimental classroom prototypes and new schools. Examples include the upcoming renovation of Metra’s 59th and 60th street stations near the new Barack Obama Presidential Library and the new 175,000-square-foot John Hancock High School in Chicago. In both instances, Justin used rendering and walk-through technologies that allowed clients to virtually tour their new buildings long before ground was broken.

Design and building owner communities have benefited from Justin’s efforts. As a member of Legat’s Design and Research & Innovation committees, he directs the company’s annual Think Tank symposium, which assembles design professionals, building owners, students, and community members to explore pressing design challenges that impact the world.

Justin devotes a great deal of time to advocating for young and future architects in the Chicago region. For instance, he is co-chair of the AIA Chicago Young Architects Forum (YAF) and works closely with the AIA Illinois Emerging Professionals Network, where he serves as the Chicago delegate.

Justin earned his Master of Architecture (with a concentration in sustainable design) and Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies from Judson University, where he is frequently a guest critic and lecturer invested in developing the next generation of design leaders. He is a member of the Illinois Green Alliance.