Deborah Jahn/ Owner, Chairwoman

Deborah Jahn is a trained interior designer and the widow of renowned architect Helmut Jahn. She has played a significant role in the architectural and design community, both independently and alongside her late husband. After Helmut Jahn’s passing in 2021, Deborah became the chairwoman and majority owner of Jahn Architects, continuing the firm’s legacy.

Deborah earned her Interior Architecture degree from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago in 1966 and began her professional career at Perkins & Will in Chicago, focusing on interiors for educational and hospital building projects.

From 1969 to 1975, she worked at CF Murphy Interiors, contributing to projects like McCormick Place and collaborating with architects Helmut Jahn and Gene Summers. While at CF Murphy Interiors, she worked on various civic and corporate office projects, including designing a furniture line for correctional facilities and secure youth housing. Deborah married Helmut Jahn in 1970.