Krisann Rehbein

Education

BA Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
MA Sociology, University of Chicago
MA Studio Arts, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Biography

Krisann Rehbein is a Milwaukee-based design educator and not-for-profit leader who specializes in youth and community engagement. Krisann runs Community Design Solutions, a design center at the School of Architecture & Urban Planning at UWM where she also teaches. Additionally, she is the Executive Director of ACE Mentor Chicago, an organization that introduces teens to career opportunities in architecture, construction and engineering.

Before moving to Milwaukee, Krisann spent over a decade at the Chicago Architecture Foundation (now Center) where she implemented city-wide programming for teens, created community outreach initiatives and developed a suite of new adult programs to expand the conversation about the built environment. She spearheaded the development and writing of The Architecture Handbook: A Student Guide to Understanding Buildings. The award-winning curriculum is used in schools across the country. She is frequently invited to speak on issues about access, equity and engagement in design.

She is the recipient of multiple industry awards including the AIA Chicago Distinguished Service Award in 2017 and the AIA Illinois Richard Nickel Award in 2021.