Designing a Better Chicago: A Conversation with 2023's Grantee
Moderated by Quilen Blackwell, President, Chicago Eco House & 2022 Grantee

Designing a Better Chicago shines a light on our city’s extraordinary design legacy — the local talent, assets and community that have long supported civic good through design. Launched in 2020 with a Design Impact grant program, this initiative showcases individuals and organizations, public art and programs across the city, inviting residents and visitors to consider the many ways design improves civic life. Join the new 2023 grant winners (yet to be announced) as they discuss their work, the impact they are making on Chicago, and lessons they have learned along the way. This conversation will be moderated by the 2022 Designing a Better Chicago grantee, Quilen Blackwell, president of Chicago Eco House.

Quilen Blackwell, moderator
President, Chicago Eco House & 2022 Grantee

Quilen Blackwell is president and co-founder of the Chicago Eco House, a nonprofit based in Englewood that has the mission of using sustainability to alleviate poverty. We do this by converting vacant lots into off-grid flower farms that create jobs for at-risk young people. Eco House has four farms around Chicago in the Englewood, West Garfield Park, and Woodlawn neighborhoods, and one farm in Detroit.