About.
Philosophy.
RA+D views design as a social tool that can be used to dismantle barriers and affirm the dignity of underserved communities. Our work is rooted in the belief that every structure should pulse with the unique character of its location, honoring the specific history and spirit of the land it occupies. By prioritizing projects in neighborhoods others ignore, we turn design into an act of social justice. We believe that beauty and excellence are not luxuries for the few, but rights for the many.
To protect this mission, the studio intentionally rejects the rise of algorithmic output in favor of human-led craft. We know that true community impact requires a personal touch and a thoughtful eye, rather than automated solutions. By keeping the process human-centered, we ensure that every project remains as unique and resilient as the people who live and work within it.
ROLANDO RODRIGUEZ
Owner / Artist
As a first-generation Mexican-American and Chicago native, Rolando brings a decade of experience and problem-solving mindset to every phase of a project.
He is deeply passionate about sketch artistry, and participated in #SketchADay on Instagram from 2020 to 2023. Whether it’s a continuous line, from life, or reportage sketch, Rolando continues to enhance his hand drawing craft as a core skill in his toolbox. His craft has drawn attention from self-published zines, local community organizations, and neighborhood newspapers.
Rolando’s technical background includes a portfolio featuring over 60 completed projects across 20 states, and has demonstrated a unique ability to navigate everything from commercial gut-renovations to essential fieldwork for public education facilities.
Illinois Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Architecture
MARISA RODRIGUEZ
Owner / Interior Designer
With a career built on high-level studio operations and a background spanning retail and administration, Marisa specializes in crafting interior environments that feel both functional and deeply personal.
As an Indigenous designer of Navajo, Apache, and Chicana heritage, she brings a multifaceted perspective to the design process, which is also informed by her studies across marketing and fine arts. Her technical proficiency in Building Information Modeling is balanced by a mastery of color theory, materiality, and FF&E selection.
A true collagist and arranger, Marisa excels at weaving a client’s personal history and family heirlooms into the design, creating a space that is as much a reflection of their unique story as it is a professional work of art.
Columbia College Chicago
Bachelor of Fine Art, Interior Architecture
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising San Francisco
Associate of Art, Marketing