We are thrilled to introduce our dear friend, Joan Soranno, an acclaimed architect with a remarkable focus on cultural and religious architecture. Joan’s genuine passion for design permeates every aspect of her work, leaving an indelible mark on the spaces she creates. Together with her partner, John Cook, FAIA, she has established a dynamic in-house design studio within HGA—a platform that nurtures innovation and gives rise to aesthetically captivating and technically challenging projects.
With a portfolio that showcases Joan’s exceptional talent, she has been honored with four prestigious national AIA Architecture Awards. Among these accolades are the Marlboro Music Reich Hall Rehearsal Building & Music Library (2023), the Walker Art Center Expansion (2021), the Lakewood Cemetery Garden Mausoleum (2014), and the Bigelow Chapel at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (2006). Each of these projects serves as a testament to Joan’s ability to seamlessly blend architectural excellence with the cultural and religious significance of the spaces she designs.
Joan’s educational journey began at the renowned University of Notre Dame, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture. In addition to her academic achievements, she is a distinguished member of the esteemed GSA Design Excellence Program—an elite community that recognizes and celebrates excellence in design. Joan’s influence and expertise have garnered significant attention, leading to her work being featured in respected publications such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Architectural Record, AIArchitect, and ARCHITECT.
At the Cari Ann Carter Group, we had the incredible pleasure of collaborating with Joan Soranno on a captivating home project. We were privileged to hear her inspiring story and witness her transformative vision in action. Recently, she embarked on a remarkable home remodel project, where she masterfully blended the historic essence of an old home with the functional needs of a 21st-century family. Her Vision, city approval, and meticulous plans breathed new life into this historic home. Overcoming challenges, such as navigating a lot split and gaining approval from the city, Joan’s unwavering dedication ensured the preservation of the home’s rich history.
We are honored to have worked alongside Joan Soranno and witnessed firsthand the brilliance she brings to every project. Her ability to breathe new life into historic homes while crafting spaces that embrace contemporary living is truly extraordinary. Stay tuned as we share more captivating stories and projects from Joan Soranno—a visionary architect whose work continues to inspire and leave an everlasting legacy.
XOXO- CACG
