Founded by architect, urban designer, and educator Paola Aguirre Serrano, the Chicago-based collaborative research and design practice Borderless Studio takes a holistic approach to complex city systems, emphasizing civic engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration as fundamental elements of equitable community design processes. Conceived as a combination design studio and workshop, Borderless often finds itself at the center of collaborative, community-based projects, addressing issues of social equity, shared resources, and neighborhood development. It invests heavily in research and education, drawing expertise from the arenas of architecture, landscape design, community activism, and public service to shape processes and plans that are inclusive of diverse stakeholders. Aguirre Serrano is widely recognized for her leadership in multidisciplinary urban design, contributing regularly to published writings on the subject, organizing workshops, and teaching at institutions such as the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her honors include being named to Next City Vanguard’s (2016) and Impact Design Hub’s (2017) 40 Under 40 lists and receiving the American Planning Association–Illinois Chapter Emerging Planner Award (2018).

Established 2016, Chicago, USA