Vocon’s Sophie Bidek: Inspired by Jefferson, Tackling Challenges and Building a Thriving Career in Architecture
This article is originally from RE Journals published December 19, 2025.
National architectural and design firm Vocon opened a new Chicago office at 730 N. Franklin St. late this year, giving the firm offices in Cleveland, Chicago and New York City. The company also named Sophie Bidek, a Chicago-based architect with more than 20 years of experience, as the office’s lead.
Not only has Bidek, Studio Director with the company, made an impact at Vocon, she’s also served as a former President CREW Chicago, working to open additional career opportunities for women interested in working in commercial real estate.
We recently asked Bidek about her career, the struggles that women often face in an industry still largely dominated by males and her hopes for Vocon’s expansion into Chicago.
Here is what she had to say.
What led you to this career, and what do you enjoy so much about it?
Sophie Bidek: I first realized that architecture was my future while visiting Monticello. If Thomas Jefferson could be a president and an architect, surely I could become one, too. I was drawn early on to how buildings shape human experience and later became fascinated by how cities work as systems. Architecture sits at the intersection of creative problem-solving, collaboration and real-world impact. What I still love, nearly three decades in, is that no two projects are the same. You’re constantly learning, working with smart people and balancing vision with real constraints. When it works, you’re creating places people genuinely want to be in, not just admire from a distance.
What were some of the key steps you’ve taken to succeed in this career?
Bidek: I said yes to challenging opportunities early on: big projects, new markets and unfamiliar building types. I also paid attention to the business side of architecture, not just design. Understanding clients, budgets, risk and team dynamics is essential. And I invested heavily in relationships with clients, mentors, peers and collaborators. Architecture is not a solo sport. It’s a team effort, and success only happens when all those pieces come together.
What are some of the accomplishments you are most proud of during your time as President of CREW Chicago?
Bidek: I’m proud to have served as president of CREW Chicago, helping to position the organization as both a welcoming and strategic organization. We completed a five-year strategic plan and expanded access through a pay-it-forward initiative, providing mini-scholarships to events for our members, which created more on-ramps for members to actually engage, not just list membership on a resume.
Most importantly, I’m proud of the community. People felt connected, supported and encouraged to take on leadership roles. We received more applications for Board of Directors positions this year than I’ve seen since joining the board. I hope that creating clear pathways and discussing my experience openly also helped make an impact. The presidency challenged me, stretched my leadership skills and changed my life in the best way. It was an incredible opportunity.
Why does commercial real estate remain such a heavily male-dominated industry?
Bidek: Part of it is history. Commercial real estate grew out of industries that were not particularly inclusive. Part of it is visibility. When leadership tables look the same year after year, it quietly signals who belongs. There is also still an uneven distribution of support. Women often receive advice, while men more often receive advocates. That difference matters. It’s one of the reasons I became deeply involved with CREW Chicago and similar organizations. I’ve always felt a responsibility to get a foot in the door and then push it open for others.
Do you see the situation changing? Are more women entering the field?
Bidek: Yes, and yes, but progress is uneven. There are more women entering fields such as architecture, development, finance and construction, and more women are stepping into visible leadership roles. What needs to keep changing is retention and advancement. The pipeline only works if people stay and see a future for themselves.
What advice would you give to women entering this field?
Bidek: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Ask questions, stay curious and speak up sooner than feels polite. Build your network before you think you need it, and don’t wait to be invited into rooms you’ve earned the right to be in. Most importantly, find people who will tell you the truth. Cheerleaders are great, but honest advisors who know more than you and aren’t afraid to tell you facts are invaluable.
How excited are you that Vocon is expanding into the Chicago market? Why is Vocon making this move?
Bidek: Chicago is a design-savvy, relationship-driven market that values smart, thoughtful work, and this aligns perfectly with how Vocon operates. This isn’t a speculative move. Vocon has been working in Chicago for 30 years and has completed over 100 projects. Opening a studio here formalizes that commitment and allows us to be closer to our clients, our collaborators and the city itself. The timing for me to join Vocon was right and our values aligned perfectly and we’re just getting started!
