Mobile Makers is the first permanent home for a nonprofit focused on empowering youth through hands-on design and architecture education. Founded by architect and educator Maya Bird-Murphy, the organization is based in Chicago’s West Side and supports year-round programming, workshops, and community events. Once a semi-truck loading dock, the space has been transformed into a vibrant hub for creativity, community-building, and design activism.

Momentum and Fomcore were honored to contribute to the renovation by donating furniture and textiles from the Yinka Ilori x Momentum collection. Known for their vivid color and cultural storytelling, Ilori’s textiles reflect the vibrancy of the students themselves—encouraging confidence, creativity, and connection throughout the space and seen in the:

Tiered Learning Lounge:

The red amphitheater center features cushion pads in cool, rejuvenating blue-green hues with Eyes In Reflection, Dream Catchers, and Blossoms Time. These expressive patterns bring optimism and energy to a flexible space designed for student presentations, group collaboration, and guest speakers.

Library Nook:

Framed by STEM books, live greenery, and natural light, this cozy reading area features a mix of warm and cool-hued Yinka Ilori textiles—Dream Catchers in tropical tones on the chair and sky blue/green on the stool, plus Blossoms Time in a coral-red pillow and bright-blue woven stool.

Beyond the library and tiered lounge, the studio also includes a makerspace, kitchenette, and mezzanine-level workspace—all designed to support creativity, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of how spaces are built.

Architecture & Build by: Future Firm & VMR Remodeling, Inc.

Design by: Mobile Makers Chicago

Photography Credit: Tom Harris Photography