CHICAGO, IL, June 12, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Kathleen Hess has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Marked by over four decades of outstanding contributions, Ms. Hess has led a distinguished career across architecture, urban, interior design and business development. Since 1985, she has served as Associate Principal of Hanno Weber & Associates in Chicago, Illinois, contributing to a diverse array of projects that have shaped public spaces and cultural institutions. Her recent portfolio includes significant work on an art museum, a visitor's center, and concession building for the State of Illinois, with each one reflecting her commitment to both thoughtful design and cultural appropriateness.

Among Ms. Hess' most meaningful professional experiences was her involvement as a finalist in the Oklahoma City Memorial competition. Although her team did not win, the opportunity to connect with the survivors and citizens impacted by the Oklahoma City bombing of 1995 left a lasting impression on her. She recalls being deeply moved by the resilience and grace of those affected by the tragedy, underscoring the profound impact that architecture can have on healing and remembrance.

Ms. Hess also played a pivotal role in the design of the Leesburg Municipal Government Center in Leesburg, Virginia, where she was responsible for both architectural and interior elements. This project marked one of her earliest major commissions and remains a source of immense pride. Extending her expertise internationally, she served as a design consultant to the Architect of Record for seven major municipal buildings in South Korea, including government centers and a Contemporary Art Museum.

In addition to her tenure at Hanno Weber & Associates, Ms. Hess dedicated 15 years as a volunteer design critic at a university, sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring designers and architects. She was also the owner of smART postcards, utilizing her design skills to create educational and engaging materials for preschool children.

Academically, Ms. Hess obtained a Bachelor of Science in Design from the College of Design, Architecture and Art at the University of Cincinnati, gaining essential skills that have underpinned her success across multiple disciplines within architecture and design. To augment her knowledge and qualifications, she is licensed as both an interior designer and architect by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Ms. Hess' journey into the architectural realm was inspired by her early aspiration to pursue a career in the arts. As a young woman, she imagined herself selecting furnishings for elegant homes, initially pursuing interior design before realizing she held a desire to shape entire buildings. Through self-study in calculus and structural systems, she qualified for the architectural licensing exam at a time when alternative pathways were available, ultimately earning her license through perseverance and determination.

Mentorship has played an equally crucial role in Ms. Hess' development as an architect. She credits Myron Goldsmith at Skidmore Owings and Merrill for instilling in her a spirit of curiosity and inquiry that continues to inform her approach to design today. Additionally, she acknowledges the influence of her husband, Hanno Weber, a university professor, whose unwavering encouragement, design literacy and valuable insights have enriched their collaborative practice.

Ms. Hess' impact on the field of architecture as well as various communities has seen her recognized with several honors over the years, including the Good Design Award in 2022, one of the first Urban Design Awards from the American Institute of Architects, a Chicago AIA Interior Design Award for the Leesburg Municipal Government Center, and multiple accolades from South Korea for her international work.

Committed to giving back to her community through education and mentorship, Ms. Hess seeks to contribute further by leveraging the extensive knowledge she and her husband have acquired throughout their careers. She is equally passionate about exploring new ideas and cultures within architecture, valuing opportunities to share ideas and inspire others within the profession.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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