WALF members organize tours designed to deepen appreciation for both historic and contemporary Chicago architecture. Tours frequently feature buildings under construction or recently completed, led by architects involved in the project.
Tours cost $35 for non-members, $25 for members, and $15 for students.

The American Institute of Architects Chicago Office
35 E Wacker Dr Suite 250, Chicago, IL 60601
When: Wednesday, January 25th 10:30AM refreshments, 11:00AM presentation.
Join us to get the behind-the-scenes story of the new AIA Guide to Chicago from its editor, Laurie Petersen.
The AIA Guide is the best portable resource for exploring our breathtaking and dynamic city.
The fourth edition, coming eight years after the previous edition, offers entries on transformative new destinations like the Riverwalk, the St. Regis Chicago and The 606, as well as updated descriptions of Willis Tower and other refreshed landmarks.
Thirty-four maps and more than 500 photos make it easy to investigate almost 2,000 featured sites. A special insert, new to this edition, showcases the variety of Chicago architecture with over 80 full-color images.
Laurie Petersen has spoken about the book on ABC-7 news and at the Chicago Humanities Festival. She gives lectures about architecture throughout the Chicago area and writes for Chicago Architect magazine. She also leads tours at Crow Island School, a National Historic Landmark school in Winnetka and at Chicago’s Charnley-Persky House, designed by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright.
About AIA Chicago
The American Institute of Architects Chicago (AIA Chicago) serves nearly 4,000 architect members in Chicago and is the second largest AIA chapter in the country. AIA Chicago’s mission builds on the city’s architectural legacy by advocating for the profession, sharing knowledge among members, and partnering with communities. It fosters a culture of design excellence for equitable, sustainable places and spaces.
RSVP Here for our AIA Chicago Office Presentation by January 20th! Fill out the form below & Make your ticket payment through the PayPal Donation button or at the event.
Any questions? Email us at walfchicago@gmail.com
Previous Tour: Cook County Hospital Tour November 27th (1835 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60612)
Photos from Previous Tours









Our tours range from historical to contemporary. Six to seven tours are typically scheduled every year. Some previous locations have included:
Lane Tech Murals
Commonwealth Promenade Apartments
Millennium Park Walking Tour
Chicago Cultural Center
Heritage Condos
Garland Court Construction
Bronzeville Bus Tour
Brad Lynch Residence
Krause Music Store
Palmolive Building Renovation
Skybridge Condos
Loyola University Art Museum
Prairie Avenue District: Marshall Field Jr. House/Condo Conversion
Orozco School Mosaics & National Museum of Mexican Art
Vietnam Veterans’ Art Museum
Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago
B’hai Temple
Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio
Rooftop Garden at Chicago City Hall
Crab Tree Farms
BPAPS Hindu Temple
Harrison Conference Center
St. James Chapel at Quigley Seminary