Steve Rugo Architect Primarily involved in the design and renovation of high-end residential spaces, Steve Rugo, lead architect, engineered Alinea to operate as a highly efficient degustation based restaurant while retaining the feeling of a Chicago brownstone. Working closely with frequent collaborator Tom Stringer, as well as Chef Achatz and Nick Kokonas, Steve crafted a series of rooms that enhance the diners’ expectations of the meal to come. In addition, he and Chef Achatz created a state of the art kitchen that defies many of the conventions of commercial cooking spaces. Mr. Rugo holds a BArch. from Syracuse University and is principal of Rugo/Raff Architects in Chicago.