State Senator Richard H. Newhouse

Program History:
For over two decades, the Newhouse Program & Architecture Competition has provided opportunities for talented students in the Chicago Public Schools to enter the fields of architecture and design. The program fulfills the mission of the Chicago Architecture Foundation by combining the dedication of teachers, the passion of architects who volunteer their time, and the talent of high school students.

Fulfilling the legacy of Senator Richard H. Newhouse
The Newhouse Program & Architecture Competition was founded by the late Illinois State Senator Richard H. Newhouse, who remained committed to the program until he passed away in April, 2002. As a young person, Senator Newhouse wanted to become an architect but did not see any opportunities available for him to do so. After serving the Air Force during World War II where he fought in the Battle of Normandy, he earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in journalism from Boston University. After a short writing career at the Chicago Defender, he entered law school at the University of Chicago. In 1966, he ran for the Illinois State Senate, and he went on to serve the people of Illinois until his retirement in 1991.

While the Senator received a top-rate education and had an extremely successful career, he never forgot his dream of becoming an architect. It was his belief that many minority students lacked access and exposure to the field of architecture, and that their talents were being overlooked. By founding the Newhouse Competition in 1982, he ensured that students from diverse backgrounds would be exposed to the career options of architecture and design.

Working in partnership with the architecture firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the Chicago Board of Education and the Chicago City Colleges, the first annual competition was held in 1983 with 100 contestants. Today, about 1,500 students per year participate in the Newhouse Program & Architecture Competition. The spirit of Senator Newhouse lives on with the students who earn a sense of pride and accomplishment from participating in the program that bears his name.