2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Corey McCluskey, SBLM Architects PC

“Corey’s rapid acceleration from a college intern to managing and designing a uniquely specialized building within a compressed period of time shows his commitment to his professional growth as he paves his way towards a very successful future.” 

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?

My passion for architecture fostered itself in the most organic way possible. Before I could fully speak, my parents recall my fascination with building structures from wooden blocks. As I grew older, those projects became more ambitious, evolving from gazebos and sheds to ziplines and tree houses. That early curiosity led me to earn the College of Architecture’s most prestigious full-tuition scholarship at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where I refined my understanding of spatial design, building technologies, and construction before launching my career as an Architectural Designer.

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of?

My proudest accomplishment has been leading the design and coordination of my first ground-up project: an animal research facility featuring outdoor learning spaces within an active orchard, a classroom integrated with a reptile lab, and three custom bird aviaries. The project involved an exceptionally complex program, extensive consultant coordination, and designing environments for occupants that cannot communicate verbally. Through biomimicry and parametric design, I developed strategies involving sunlight analysis and environmental manipulation to shape an immersive educational space.