Aldis Rauda

Aldis Rauda was born on February 17, 1975, in Ilūkste, Latvia, to Anita and Modris Rauda. From a young age, he embraced life with enthusiasm - singing in the school choir, playing hockey with his older brother Ugis, and actively participating in all that life had to offer. After graduating from Bauskas 1st High School in 1993, he pursued further studies in Agriculture Management at Saulaine Technical School.

In 1995, Aldis embarked on a new chapter in the United States by moving to Portland, Oregon. In 1996, he married Kristen Butcher and soon after relocated to San Francisco, where he honed his creative talents studying Design at The California College of Arts. Following graduation, Aldis continued his journey in Los Angeles, beginning another important chapter with his second wife, Vija Viksne.

While in Los Angeles, Aldis remained deeply connected to his Latvian heritage. He actively contributed to the local Latvian community by singing in the Latvian Men’s Choir, organizing cultural events, and enjoying traditional games like Novuss. In 2009, the birth of his daughter, Vasara Rauda, brought even greater joy into his life, and in 2011, the family made their home in Chicago.

Design was not only Aldis’ passion—it was his life calling. His visionary work garnered widespread recognition with features in esteemed publications such as Wired, GQ, and Fortune, and his projects were celebrated in exhibitions at both MoMA and the Whitney Museum. His leadership in the field earned him accolades from organizations like IDSA and Red Dot, underscoring his significant influence on the global design landscape. Beyond design, Aldis found joy in photography and painting, and in his later years, he became his daughter Vasara’s most enthusiastic supporter at every volleyball game.

Tragically, Aldis passed away from heart failure on February 19, 2025, in Glenview, IL - just days after celebrating his 50th birthday. His untimely departure leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to honor his memory at a funeral service on February 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wood Dale, IL.