WHO WE ARE.
ch_studio is an architecture and design practice searching for authenticity through collaboration.
dennis chiessa, aia, ncarb
Principal, Architect
Dennis is an architect, tenured Associate Professor of Architecture, and Graduate Architecture Program Director at The University of Texas at Arlington. Through creative practice, research, and teaching, he examines the reciprocal impact of design and communities.
Dennis’ work has been exhibited at The Amarillo Museum of Art, The Fort Worth Community Arts Center, The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and the Venezia Architecture Biennale. His work received First Place in the Tandy Hills Pavilion Design Competition in Fort Worth and the Real Stories Design Competition, design Awards from AIA-Fort Worth, and Enlaces juried exhibitions in Dallas. Dennis received the Young Professional and the President’s Awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Fort Worth Chapter and the Associate of the Year award from the Texas Society of Architects. Most recently, Dennis received the 2023 Architectural Educator Award from AIA Dallas and was selected to design the Fred Rouse Center for Community Arts and Healing.
Dennis’ contributions to research focus on understanding the impact of development on underrepresented communities. His projects include the UTA_CAPPA Water and Human Settlements Grant for ‘North of the Island’ to research the impact of development on the Latino community of Fort Worth, and the Research Enhancement Grant for ‘Housing the Working Class’ to study the housing types and their relationship to labor within Fort Worth’s Historic North Side. His commitment to diversity is further demonstrated by his Conference and Workshop Grant for the Advancement of Diversity for “Open City: Equity in Planning and Design for Neighborhoods Under Neglect.” Dennis' dedication to understanding diverse communities extends beyond the US, as he received the 2021 Stewardson Keefe LeBrun Grant to study Mayan and Garifuna settlements in the Yucatán Peninsula and Central America.
Dennis serves on the boards of AIA Fort Worth, the Texas Society of Architects, Community Design Fort Worth, and Arts Fort Worth.
DIGRAPH _ n. A pair of letters representing a single speech sound, such as the ‘ch’ in architect or 'chiessa' |
DIGRAFO _ n. Signo ortografico compuesto de dos letras que representan un solo sonido, como la ‘ch’ en 'chamba' o 'chiessa' |
DIGRAPH _ n. A pair of letters representing a single speech sound, such as the ‘ch’ in architect or 'chiessa' | DIGRAFO _ n. Signo ortografico compuesto de dos letras que representan un solo sonido, como la ‘ch’ en 'chamba' o 'chiessa' |
alexis chastain, aia, ncarb
Architect
Alexis Chastain, AIA, NCARB, is a licensed architect at ch_studio and an Assistant Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington School of Architecture. Her work is driven by a belief that architecture is both an intellectual and creative pursuit, exploring how thoughtful design can shape memorable and enduring experiences.
Before pursuing architecture, Alexis earned a Bachelor of Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin. Her background in communications continues to inform her practice, reinforcing her belief that architecture is enriched by the clear communication of the ideas that give it meaning.
Her work has been recognized through regional, national, and international awards, including honors from the AIA Dallas Design Awards, the KRob Architectural Delineation Competition, Buildner Design Competition, and the Texas Society of Architects Studio Design Award.
Lili Morales
Designer
Liliana Morales is a project manager and designer at ch_studio. She teaches in the Architecture program as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. She is interested in the ability of design as a discipline to advocate for and act as a fostering catalyst in the notion of placemaking and community-building.
In her time as a designer and educator, her approach focuses on the collective realm and understanding the implications that architecture has on the complex urban networks that communities exist within. She believes that architecture and design are tools that should elevate and empower societies.
Liliana’s work and research has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale and throughout the DFW Metroplex. She has collaborated and been awarded on projects through the AIA Design Awards, The Texas Society of Architects Studio Awards, and Buildner Architecture Competitions.
angela uribe
Designer
Angela Uribe is an aspiring architect and urban planner pursuing dual Master’s degrees in Architecture and City and Regional Planning at the University of Texas at Arlington. Her work and studies examine how the built environment is both a physical and social framework, shaping how people move, gather, belong, and experience everyday life.
Angela Uribe is an aspiring architect and urban planner pursuing dual Master’s degrees in Architecture and City and Regional Planning at the University of Texas at Arlington. Her work and studies examine how the built environment is both a physical and social framework, shaping how people move, gather, belong, and experience everyday life. With an interdisciplinary approach, she is passionate about creating thoughtful, human-centered spaces that respond to community needs, strengthen connections, and shape more livable, meaningful and equitable urban environments.