FC Studio Inc.
/FC Studio Inc.
Chicago, Illinois
Photography by Nicolas Gourguechon
FC Studio Inc. is a highly respected and esteemed design firm based in the bustling city of Chicago, Illinois. For twenty-five years they’ve offered full-service architectural and interior design services to their long and prestigious list of clients, specializing in creating designs that are both timeless and tailored to their client’s specific needs and aesthetic. “We approach our work holistically and strive for each project to have its own unique voice while also being approachable and innovative,” the firm’s co-founder told us.
Two extraordinary women are the founding force behind this studio: Julie Fisher and Rachel Crowl. Rachel has a professional Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech, and Julie a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a MFA from UIC. “We’ve always had an interest in design and creating things with our hands. Coupled with the constant habit of reimagining spaces that we inhabit, it was a natural progression for us to pursue the field of architecture and design.”
Before they met, Julie and Rachel both worked for large corporate firms. Julie had positions at Perkins & Will in Chicago and Zaha Hadid Architects in London, while Rachel worked at FFKR Architects and Pappageorge Haymes Partners in Salt Lake City and Himmel Bonner Architects in Chicago. They both joined a boutique hospitality architecture & design firm almost twenty-five years ago where they met each other and immediately found common ground. “We come from an old-school era of architectural education and workforce. When we met, the architectural profession had a very different landscape, especially for women. While working together at our old firm, we had found a mutual respect for each other and a desire to manifest a different type of employment ideology in our profession. We wanted to encourage individual creativity and create an environment of equality and work-life balance. We were confident that our combined experience and talents could pave the way for our future company.”
Rachel and Julie were correct in their thinking: they have built a prosperous and respected design firm based on their ideals. Since going into business together nearly twenty-five years ago, they have worked on hundreds of projects together, confirming their strong partnership for which they are extremely grateful to have. Through work trials and private life challenges, they have persevered and learned from hard experiences that have grown their company as an effect. “After decades of creating unique built environments for other clients, we are excited to be on the other side. Our firm is purchasing properties and working on developments of our own. We are excited to continue to showcase our love of architecture, design, and the beauty of details.” FC Studio Inc. has certainly made their mark in the luxury design industry, and we are excited to view their future design projects.
