About Us

As a mission-driven business, baso aims to transform the traditional development paradigm from one imposed on communities to one created with communities.

We emphasize inclusive design and stakeholder engagement to consider the broader impact of each project going beyond technical expertise and considering who benefits and who is harmed.

Hence, each project is seen as an opportunity to create spaces that instill pride, esteem, and hope in their neighborhoods ensuring project integrity and client satisfaction. Serving as an indispensable partner, we provide transformative management and a lasting generational impact.

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Our values

We’re grounded in deep values catapulting our mission and humbling our approach.

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Expertise

We relish in our deep understanding of construction processes, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices enabling us to provide accurate cost estimates, maintain project schedules, and deliver high-quality results.

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Clarity

We take pride in our ability to keep our clients informed and involved, making sure that every decision is made with full knowledge and confidence, minimizing misunderstandings and delays and empowering stakeholders to see their goals through.

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Trust

We understand our clients not only rely on us to turn their visions into reality but seek long-lasting relationships grounded in mutual respect and confidence that consistently deliver on our promises and standards before, during and after a project.

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Our team

Our eclectic management team is deeply rooted in the neighborhoods they serve and bring decades of experience across architecture, engineering and construction.

Explore careers

Claudette Soto

PRESIDENT
Cultivator of untapped potential with decades of experience in construction management, specializing in serving clients and communities of color through equitable procurement and impactful development.
Amador Contreras

PRINCIPAL
Seasoned structural engineer with decades of experience spanning design, forensics, evaluations and technical expertise across healthcare, education, commercial, residential sectors and more.
Paulina Reyes-Sanchez

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER
Multifaceted professional and educator with a strong analytical and mathematical background, skilled in comprehensive project management support, focusing on client engagement and problem-solving.
Ken Battle

PROJECT EXECUTIVE
Expert professional skilled in project management, facility operations, and union trades, adept in overseeing diverse projects, resolving issues with precision and ensuring stakeholder alignment plus client engagement.
Yoetzin Diaz

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
Cutting edge project manager with a proven track record of overseeing diverse portfolios, fostering collaborative relationships, and driving innovative solutions for construction and technology firms.
Toni Lopez

ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER
Dynamic project manager and experienced civil engineer, knowledgeable in design software, skilled in collaborating with stakeholders, and efficient in managing budgets, schedules and resources.

Our impact

We see every project as another chance to make a difference no matter the size or budget.

Justice of the Pies grand opening (Photo by Ross Floyd)

PODER Headquarters grand opening (Photo by Zuno)

BPNN Service Center groundbreaking

EDUCATION

We mentor youth interested in construction careers through internships and workshops and host community talks to educate owners and stakeholders about the construction process.

ENGAGEMENT

We encourage local hiring and apprenticeships, form relationships with local leaders for feedback, and partner with local firms to contribute to projects and expand their businesses.

ADVOCACY

We advocate for the owner’s and community’s vision, promote minority talent, and support inclusive industry practices and standards.

Our story

baso was established in 2016 by Claudette Soto - a seasoned architect and structural engineer born and raised in Gage Park, Chicago

Too many developments in our City happen to community rather than with community. Even worse, communities of color often have little influence or are outright ignored. This led Claudette to launch baso in 2016 to respond to the urgent need for quality, equity-led management services. With baso, project owners are empowered to make a positive, generational impact by actively building and maintaining community wealth.

Claudette is a trained architect and structural engineer. She’s also been a consultant to the City of Chicago’s Department of Buildings both as a project manager and structural reviewer obtaining firsthand knowledge of the City’s permitting and zoning processes. Claudette brings decades of technical and advocacy experience challenging stakeholders to consider who benefits and who’s harmed to build project integrity that guarantees impact.

Photo by David Ettinger

A growing dream and a lasting legacy decades in the making

Since its inception, baso has quickly established itself as a top regional firm. We have secured high-profile projects, attracted top talent, and earned recognition as an industry leader in local media outlets such as Univision Chicago, Hispanic Executive, TEDxIIT and more. Our mission, values, expertise and commitment to education, engagement and advocacy have remained at the forefront of each project.

Looking ahead, we see a more equitable future where project owners and their communities are empowered to thrive on their own terms working hand in hand with industry stakeholders, innovative developments and the latest technology. We will continue to expand our services and offer a holistic approach alongside our partners to deliver groundbreaking projects the bring the best in design and construction to our City’s neighborhoods and beyond.