Kelly Somers is a Principal, Senior Architect, and Managing Director of SCB’s Chicago office, providing strategic, operational, and design leadership across some of the firm’s most complex and impactful work. With a background spanning large-scale mixed-use, residential, hospitality, office, and campus environments, Kelly plays a central role in shaping both SCB’s culture and its presence in the Chicago market.

As Principal and Senior Architect, Kelly works closely with clients, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure the highest quality in the design, coordination, and execution of projects. Her collaborative, solution-focused approach fosters strong team relationships and champions SCB’s core values of innovative design and technical excellence throughout all phases of delivery.

A recent signature project led by Kelly is The Bell (formerly the Illinois Bell/AT&T Headquarters), where she partnered with ONNI Group to guide the building’s transformation. The project was recognized by NAIOP Chicago as Redevelopment of the Year, underscoring its impact as a model for strategic repositioning and urban reinvestment.

Over the course of her career at SCB, Kelly has overseen projects nationwide, including The Laurel, a mixed-use luxury condominium tower on historic Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia and a Finalist in the 2025 Laurel Awards for Excellence in the Large-Scale Category; Hanover Boulevard Place, a mixed-use office and residential tower in Houston; and The Summit at University City, a mixed-use retail, dining, and student housing high-rise on the campus of Drexel University.

Kelly has distinguished herself as an influential firmwide leader. In her role as Principal, she is deeply committed to advancing career growth and professional development for SCB’s staff, helping shape the next generation of leaders within the firm.

Kelly is a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and Chicago Women in Architecture. She is a LEED Accredited Professional and NCARB certified. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame.