Margaret Cavenagh is the Managing Director of Perkins&Will’s Chicago studio, a lecturer at UVA’s School of Architecture, and recent Chair of the A-School’s Dean’s Advisory Board. Through her work at Studio Gang and Perkins&Will, Margaret focuses on projects that strengthen communities, connect people to one another, and build resilience for the future.

For Margaret, design comes from working with what’s already there. “Every project contains a clue about where to begin,” she says. “It’s a process that unfolds over time, shaped by the many voices and identities that come and go.” She gravitates toward projects that celebrate this continuity—transforming existing buildings or restoring public spaces to keep them relevant today and resilient into the future. To her, the success of a project is measured by its connection to its place, by how much it feels like it’s always belonged there.

Margaret grew up in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, but for over 30 years Chicago has been home. Throughout her career, she’s worn many hats, embracing a hands-on, “do whatever it takes” mindset, whether managing projects, building client relationships, or mentoring teams. She’s always led with empathy.

As managing director of our Chicago studio, Margaret is committed to nurturing our collaborative, supportive environment. Here, trust, open communication, and a shared vision fuel creativity and enable personal and professional growth.