Architect Mary Beth Rampolla Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Design and Inspiration
Mary Elizabeth Rampolla, a renowned architect and designer based in Chicago, passed away on July 12, 2026, due to complications from a lung infection. She had been battling autoimmune disease for over a decade and had previously overcome a brain tumor. Born on March 14, 1962, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rampolla was one of six siblings. She earned her degree in architecture from the University of Cincinnati and began her career with Eva Maddox Associates. She later founded Viro Design Lab, where she became known for creating iconic spaces and enduring brands. Her work influenced environments for design leaders such as KI and Maya Romanoff, as well as major brands like Ogilvy & Mather and ZICO Coconut Water. Rampolla was celebrated for her creativity, strategy, and humanity in design, and she believed in the power of great design to elevate and inspire. 
