When it comes to architecture, Chicago is one of the most renowned cities in the United States. Architecture firms in Chicago have produced stunning examples of styles such as art deco, neoclassical, and postmodern.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at some of the best architecture firms in Chicago, as curated from lists by Expertise and Chicago Business. Our list contains both large and small award-winning architecture firms.
Top Architecture Firms in Chicago
1. Becker Architects
Becker Architects was originally established in New York City in 1982. In 1989, they relocated to the Chicago area. Since then, Becker Architects has produced several stunning architectural works in various residences in the Chicago metro area and automobile dealership facilities across the Midwest.
Becker has received the coveted City of Highland Park Preservation Award, numerous times, the AIA Chicago Design Excellence Award in 2012, and the Best of Houzz Award from 2012 through to 2019 (the latest year as of writing).
Notable Works: BDI Highpoint Showroom, New Jersey Office Spec
Address: 595 Elm Pl # 225, Highland Park, IL 60035, United States
2. Blender Architecture
Blender Architecture is a boutique firm that works in the residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. At the firm’s helm are Maria Segal and Richard Blender. When they started Blender Architecture in 2012, they had a combined 50+ years of experience as professional architects.
Blender Architecture won the AIA Small Projects Award in 2012 and 2013.
Notable Works: Concordia Place Avondale, Concordia University Christopher Center
Address: 2215 W School St, Chicago, IL 60618, United States
3. Booth Hansen
Booth Hansen has its roots in both San Francisco and Chicago. The medium-sized firm was founded in 1980 and focuses on commercial, cultural, residential, and educational projects. Laurence O. Booth is Booth Hansen’s Design Principal and Director. Booth has served on more than a dozen cultural boards in Chicago, including The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Notable Works: Illinois Street Residences Dining + Student Center, 61 Banks, Arts + Recreation Center at Ellis Park
Address: 333 S Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
4. Burns and Beyerl Architects
Burns and Beyerl is one of the most popular names in luxury architecture within Chicago. Much of their work is residential, including restorations of stunning manors and estate properties. Burns and Beyerl Architects have also designed a number of luxury restaurants throughout the world. The firm is also renowned for its focus on sustainability, with a LEED Platinum Home by the company in the works.
Burns and Beyerl’s Principals are Gary Beyerl, Edward Twohey, Timothy J. Kreiss, and Erica Blawat.
Notable Works: LEED Gold Home, Wicker Park Inn
Address: 1010 South Wabash Chicago, IL 60605
5. Cook Architectural Design Studio
Cook Architectural Design Studio is a firm led by LEEDS-accredited principal Charles S. Cook, who has more than 25 years of experience. Some of their best-known pieces in Chicago are luxury residences located in the city’s most affluent neighborhoods. Beyond these, they are also recognized as one of the best small architecture firms in Chicago providing commercial facility design.
They have received numerous awards for their residential and commercial services, including the 2018 People’s Choice Award for Classic Architecture and the 2005 Merit Award from the National Commercial Builders Council Awards of Excellence.
Cook Architectural Design Studio’s services include master planning, design development, and construction observation.
Notable Works: North Shore Community Bank & Trust, Community First Bank
Address: 150 N Upper Wacker Dr #2360, Chicago, IL 60606
6. Dirk Denison Architects
Dirk Denison Architects’ work throughout the United States has caught the attention of industry professionals both domestic and international. They have received accolades from AIA Chicago, the Chicago Architectural Club, IIDA Illinois, and more.
The firm was established in 1990 by Dirk Denison, a graduate of Harvard, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Michigan.
They design both commercial and residential projects.
Notable Works; Culver House, Reyes Finn Gallery, DFMC Executive Offices
Address: 1123 W. Washington Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607
7. dSPACE Studio
dSPACE Studio’s work spans the residential, landscape, commercial, and cultural sectors. The full-service firm was founded by Kevin Toukoumidis in 2007. Prior to founding dSPACE Studio, Toukoumidis worked in Cleveland, San Francisco, and Boston. He has received several AIA Awards.
Joining him on dSPACE Studio’s roster are nine other architectural professionals. Collectively, they have received awards from outlets and institutions such as Architectural Digest, Great Lakes by Design, AIA, and Chicago Architect.
Notable Works: Glencoe Residence, Cantilever House
Address: 2920 N Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60657
8. Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
In 2018, Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture was AIA Chicago’s firm of the year. It’s not hard to see why considering the firm has a portfolio of stunning work throughout the city.
Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture has been active since 1987, producing works both commercial and residential projects.
Their services include architecture, interior design, planning, sustainable design, and preservation.
Notable Works: Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (restoration and interior design), One Chicago
Address: 232 N Carpenter St #1713, Chicago, IL 60607
9. KOO LLC
KOO is a full-service architectural firm. Their services include planning, preservation, maintenance, and interior design for structures in the hospitality, residential, educational, and institutional sectors.
In addition to its accolades for architectural work, KOO is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, and Women’s Business Enterprise.
The firm was founded by Jackie Koo, who began her career working as an an apprentice in the New York office of Richard Meier and Partners. She started KOO in 2005.
Notable Works: Navy Pier Hotel, Altgeld Garden Library & Childcare Facility
Address: 55 W. Wacker Dr. Suite 600C
10. Morgante-Wilson Architects
Last but certainly not least, we have Morgante-Wilson Architects, a firm founded by Elissa Morgante and Fred Wilson. The company boasts projects in a wide range of styles. In addition to architectural and interior design services, they offer custom furniture design.
Morgante-Wilson Architects has received awards from Luxe, the Masonry Advisory Council, Oak Park Preservation, the Gold Design Awards Program, and many more notable Chicago institutions.
Notable Works: St. John vacation home off Great Cruz Bay
Address: 2834 Central Street Evanston, IL 60201
To see the newest towers being built in Chicago, check out Data Bid’s article on Chicago’s 10 tallest buildings under construction.
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