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Published: October 7, 2021

Architecture @ the Auditorium - Exploring with the Experts

Join us for our new four-episode FREE virtual series! Each episode may be found on the Auditorium Theatre’s YouTube Channel or below.

Executive produced by Auditorium Theatre CEO Rich Regan, and moderated by Chicago architect, and Auditorium Theatre Board Member, Matt McNicholas each episode of this series explores a different element of the theatre’s architecture.

Episodes:

  • Light in Design with Tim SamuelsonWatch Now
    Iconic Arches with Anne VoshelWatch Now
    Stained Glass with Rolf AchillesWatch Now
    Ornament with Matt McNicholasWatch Now

ARCHITECTURE @ THE AUDITORIUM SERIES SPONSOR
EFROYMSON FAMILY FUND

BIOGRAPHIES

Rolf Achilles is an art and architecture historian and preservationist who has published widely on stained glass windows, decorative arts, and architecture. Rolf is a member of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass, London, and has been awarded the Freedom of London. He is on the Board of Directors of the Driehaus Museum and the Hegeler Carus Mansion.

Matt McNicholas has created designs and ornamental details for buildings in 15 countries and on four continents. Over his career he has traveled extensively, lecturing on the subject of architectural ornament and detail and presenting at forums such as Greenbuild, the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture, the Classical Traditions Conference, Institute of Classical Architecture & Art chapters, and the Congress for New Urbanism. He enjoys contributing regularly as a guest critic on juries of student work at multiple schools of architecture. He has been published in both design magazines and trade publications and has donated his artwork to numerous auctions raising money for academic scholarships. With two close friends he also co-founded Scenographia, a non-profit organization which stages the exhibition of live-hand drawing to raise money for scholarships to study traditional hand-drawing. Matt earned a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Architectural Design and Urbanism from the University of Notre Dame. Matt serves as the Facilities Committee Chair for the Auditorium Theatre as well as on the Board of Directors for the same. He also serves on the Board of Directors and chairs the Facilities Committee for Fenwick High School, a 1929 collegiate gothic masterpiece. He also sits on the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Board of Fellows and is a highly sought-after expert witness in architectural copyright litigation.

Rich Regan is the Chief Executive Officer at the Auditorium Theatre and a live-performance professional with more than 25 years of senior leadership experience. Previously, Regan served as the Vice President and General Manager at Lyric Opera of Chicago from 2006 to 2019. From 1999 to 2006, Regan was General Manager at the Auditorium Theatre, where he initially developed his passion for historic restoration as he led the National Historic Landmark venue through a $13 million historic renovation. Today, as CEO of the Auditorium, Regan is committed to restoring the 131-year-old theatre to its original glory, aiming to preserve the venue for all of Chicago – and the world – to enjoy for another 131 years. Prior to his work at performing arts venues, Regan worked for the Nederlander Organization, producing large-scale concerts and music festivals and presenting touring theatricals. Regan also spends his time volunteering in education. Most recently, he was elected as a trustee to Triton Community College Board and is currently serving a six-year term. He previously sat on the Riverside District 96 Board of Education (appointed in 2014 and elected to a four-year term in 2015), serving as Finance Committee Chairman and Facilities Committee Chairman during his Board tenure. He also served as the Board representative for all labor negotiations.

Tim Samuelson is the former director of the Chicago Architectural Preservation Archive and has served as Chicago’s cultural historian since the late Lois Weisberg—then Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs—created that position for him in 2002. A city treasure in his own right, Samuelson has been involved in local preservation efforts for nearly his entire life, and played a significant role as part of the city’s Commission on Chicago Landmarks in the 1980s. In 2015, Landmarks Illinois named Tim himself a “Legendary Landmark.” He has organized multiple exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, including Bronzeville Echoes: Faces and Places of Chicago’s African American Music (2018), Mecca Flat Blues (2014), Wright Before the “Lloyd” (2013), Louis Sullivan’s Idea (2010, with Chris Ware), and Isn’t That Amazing! The Appeal and Spiel of Ronco and Popeil (2004).

Anne Voshel founded AVA Consultants in 1999 providing Owner’s Representative services, overseeing the zoning, design, and construction process primarily for cultural and institutional clients. She was formerly a Senior Vice President with LaSalle Partners, Ltd. (now JLL) and co-head of the Development Management Group, responsible for cultural, performing arts, corporate and retail facilities. She leverages her considerable experience with establishing project objectives, architect selection and the programming process to help clients define their physical space needs and manages the design and construction processes. Major projects completed by Anne include the 240-acre Ameritech Center (Hoffman Estates, Ill.), an architectural design competition for The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, renovation of the Auditorium Theatre, management of the design process for the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, the 2018 renovation of the Newberry Library and construction of Lincoln Park Zoo’s penguin and polar bear exhibits and new visitor center. Anne is Chair of the State Street Commission (SSA #1-2015) and a member of the Auditorium Theatre Facilities Committee, the Fourth Presbyterian Church Facilities Committee, and the LUMA8 Board. She is an Emeritus Board Member of Landmarks Illinois. Anne earned her MBA degree from the University of Chicago and a BS degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan.