Sophie Bidek Recognized by Marquis Who's Who for Architectural Excellence

Sophie Bidek, a prominent architect with over two decades of experience, has been selected for inclusion in the prestigious Marquis Who's Who biographical volume, highlighting her remarkable achievements in the architectural field.

As a managing partner at Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, Bidek has distinguished herself through her expertise in complex, large-scale mixed-use developments. Her most notable project, the One Chicago Project, is a 2.2 million square foot multi-tower development that showcases her strategic leadership and design prowess.

Bidek's professional journey began during her high school years, when she secured her first paying job at an architecture firm in Virginia. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois Chicago, complemented by several professional certifications such as Construction Documents Technologist and LEED AP Building Design + Construction.

Her professional accomplishments extend beyond project management. Bidek has been recognized with multiple design awards, including the 2024 Design Award for Hotel 1928 from the Texas Society of Architects and the 2023 Design Excellence award from AIA Chicago. She was also named one of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Chicago in 2024.

Beyond her architectural work, Bidek is committed to industry advancement and professional development. She serves as board president for the CREW Career Program and volunteers as a mentor at Virginia Tech, actively working to increase women's representation in leadership roles within architecture and commercial real estate.

Bidek's approach to success emphasizes hard work, preparedness, and seizing opportunities. Her professional philosophy centers on continuous learning, mentorship, and pushing the boundaries of architectural design and urban development.

With a diverse portfolio that includes adaptive reuse projects like the Shriner's Clubhouse conversion and contributions to industry publications, Bidek represents a new generation of architects who blend technical expertise with strategic vision and social responsibility.