Candace Small
Healthcare Executive
Meet Candace
Candace serves as a Healthcare Executive at Mortenson, bringing expertise across healthcare, higher education, and design-build project delivery. She aligns design, program requirements, and budget through expertise in space planning and market insights, helping customers achieve high-performing, sustainable building solutions that respond to evolving industry demands.
Professional Experience
After several years practicing architecture in Chicago, Candace joined Mortenson in 2016. She works closely with our estimating team and our customers to effectively align program needs within an allocated budget and schedule to ensure we a strong construction delivery. Candace's understanding of the current state of the market allows her to bring forth a unique perspective and creative solutions that are consistently recognized by her peers.
Candace is a registered architect with AIA, LEED AP BD+C; and EDAC certifications. With a large focus on healthcare and higher education, she has played an integral role on numerous projects including the Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital & Physician Clinic, Esperanza Health Centers Brighton Park Clinic, and Lewis University Nursing Building Renovation.
Candace earned her B.S. in Technology with a major in Architecture and Environmental Design, and a minor in Business from Bowling Green State University, and her M.Arch. from the Illinois Institute of Technology. She frequently presents at local and national industry events as a thought leader.
Industry Experience:
- Healthcare
- Higher Education
Education:
- Bachelor of Science, Technology
Bowling Green State University - Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
Illinois Institute of Technology
Professional Memberships:
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Chicago Board Member - ACE Mentor Program of America, Inc.
Chicago Chapter Board Member - Association of Medical Facility Professionals
Chicago Chapter
Awards:
40 Under 40
Building Design & Construction
For me, success is when the decisions we make today continue to serve the people using the space years from now.
A true team
At Mortenson, being a true team means more than collaboration, it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to succeed. Construction is challenging, and obstacles are inevitable, but I believe a positive mindset is the key to perseverance. When we maintain a positive attitude, we approach complications as opportunities to innovate and grow. I am energized by Mortenson’s proactive problem-solving and willingness to innovate, which allows me to support the team and our projects with creative, ever-improving solutions.
The big picture
I like to focus on the big picture and the long-term goals of the organization. Doing the right thing and valuing partnerships over short-term wins is what defines success for me. Before joining Mortenson, I worked on the architecture side of the design and construction process. That experience gave me a unique perspective and showed me what sets Mortenson apart. I witnessed how collaboration with design partners and owners leads to creative solutions that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. Seeing that kind of teamwork in action reinforced for me why I value a culture built on problem-solving, partnership, and integrity.
Collaborate to deliver
I embrace the "We Before Me" principle at Mortenson, always working closely with the team to achieve shared goals. The culture of collaboration is what makes Mortenson a trusted construction partner. Our values guide us through challenging situations, supported by strong leadership that encourages us to consistently do the right thing.
To an owner, projects often start as inspired visions, and it is an honor to be part of the team that brings those visions to life. One of the things I am most proud of in my career at Mortenson is seeing a project through from the initial design to the final completion of construction—always delivered as a team.