Passionate architects and interior designers, we work as one integrated team with one another and with our clients.

Together, we use the power of design to unlock value.

We believe that a successful project begins with a successful partnership, and that is why we strive to establish a long-term, trusting relationship with each client.

History

We started over twenty years ago with a simple mission: to provide the highest level of design and service to the most demanding clients. In our first five years alone, our team of talented professionals completed more than 5 million square feet of projects.

We’ve grown even more since then, expanding our portfolio of work from an initial focus on corporate headquarters and commercial office buildings to include interior architecture, education, hospitality, laboratories and multifamily buildings. In 2007, we moved our team to an open/collaborative space in the historic Marquette Building in Chicago’s beautiful Loop.

Established 1996

Over 5 million square feet of projects in our first 5 years

Purpose

We work hand-in-hand with our clients to design spaces that help solve their business challenges. This starts with achieving a mutual understanding of not only what they seek, but why they seek it. We bring together interior designers and architects on a collaborative team, believing best ideas always surface when we work as one.

With respect for our clients and our colleagues, we engage in thoughtful listening and value the insights we gain from working collaboratively. By considering clients’ needs, aspirations and economics, we design creative solutions that generate excitement.

Leadership

View:

  • Principals
  • Associate Principals
  • Associates
  • Stephen T. Wright, AIA, LEED AP, Principal
  • Roger Heerema, AIA, Principal
  • Daniel J. Elkins, AIA, Principal
  • Ken Wardingley, AIA, Principal, Bio & Pharma Lead
  • Chris Malensek, AIA, LEED AP, Associate Principal
  • Daniele Mannucci, Associate Principal
  • Otniel Tigu, LEED AP BD+C , Associate Principal
  • Scott Rubel, AIA, Technical Director, Associate Principal
  • Scott Zatt, AIA, IIDA, Director of Operations, Associate Principal
  • Aaron Coon, LEED AP, Architect, Associate
  • Cary Chandler, LEED AP BD+C, Project Manager, Associate
  • Edward Scribner, Director of Finance, Associate
  • Ellen Lieder, IIDA LEED GA, Interior Designer, Associate
  • Mel Chotiner, Interior Designer, Associate
  • Tina Kocoras, LEED AP, Interior Designer, Associate

Recognition

We are talented. We are qualified. We are award-winning.

Our work has been recognized by some of the industry’s most respected organizations. Following are a few examples of our recent accolades.

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Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards

Winner

  • Architect of the Year

    2003, 2009, 2014

  • Architect and Design Firm of the Year

    2001

  • Redevelopment of the Year

    2016

  • Build to Suit Project of the Year

    2009, 2014

Finalist

  • Architect of the Year

    2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

  • Interior Design Firm of the Year

    2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019

  • Redevelopment of the Year

    2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017

  • Build to Suit Project of the Year

    2008, 2009

NAIOP

Winner

  • Design Firm of the Year

    2016

  • Green Development of the Year

    2006

Finalist

  • Design Firm of the Year

    2011, 2017

  • Office Redevelopment of the Year

    2017

  • Office Development of the Year

    2014

Corenet Global Chicago Chapter Real Awards

Winner

  • Project of the Year, the Salvation Army

    2016

Finalist

  • Project of the Year, 311 S. Wacker, One S. Wacker

    2015

Building Design + Construction

Winner

  • Top Office Architecture Firms

    2016, 2017

  • Top Reconstruction Architecture Firms

    2016, 2017

  • Top Architecture/Engineering Firms

    2016, 2017

Finalist

American Public Works Association

Winner

  • Project of the Year, City of Lake Forest Municipal Services Facility

    2011

Finalist

Chicago Building Council

Winner

  • New Construction Suburbs, Project of the Year, AAOS

    2015

Finalist

Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

Winner

  • Design Award for Excellence in Architectural & Engineering Design” for Oakbrook Pointe Office Center

    2015

Finalist