Maya Bird-Murphy is an architectural designer, educator and maker from Oak Park, Illinois. She is also the founder and Executive Director of Chicago Mobile Makers, an award-winning nonprofit organization bringing design-focused skill-building workshops to underrepresented communities. Maya believes that architecture should not be a privilege, and must expand to accommodate more people through teaching and community engagement. She loves Chicago and hopes to make her mark by making it a more equitable place to live. Today Maya joins us for Friday Five!
Photo: Christopher Hoerdmann
1. Chicago

I love my city! I?ve lived in or near Chicago for most of my life, and I don?t think I?ll ever live anywhere else. We have 77 neighborhoods, and skyscrapers, and beaches, and trains, and so much good food, and lots of beauty! I live in a neighborhood that?s next to the North Branch of the Chicago River, and I love going on runs and biking along the river path. My neighborhood gives me the perfect combination of nature and city. Chicago is a mixture of positives and negatives, and hopefully one day it will become an equitable place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Photo: Roland
2. Piano

I?ve played the piano since age four and took about 12 years of classical private lessons. It got a bit too intense, so I quit in high school to prioritize school and sports. Even though I haven?t consistently played throughout the years, the piano has been a constant in my life. I always kn...