Thinking about building? You’ll want to talk to with an architect! An architect can help you to design your building or structure. They will work with you to find a qualified general contractor to build your project. Your architect will represent, advise, and consult with you until your company occupies the building – and beyond. […]
Floor plans tell us a lot about a building – maybe more than you think. A floor plan is a two-dimensional drawing to scale that shows a room or building from above. It indicates the relationships between rooms on one level of a structure. Architects use floor plans as a tool to design buildings. Later, […]
Be smart when selecting exterior tile in areas with cold climates. Think about how the exterior tile will be used and the kinds of abuse to which it will be subjected. Consider the complete installation and how the various materials work as a system, including the intended substrate and all the materials: tile, mortar, grout, […]
Structural composite lumber has become increasingly popular in building construction. This is due to the product’s strength, reliability, availability, and consistency as compared to conventional wood members. We use structural composite lumber where we need high strength; where there are large openings such as those for patio and garage doors; and in remodeling projects where […]
Branded facility design is an exciting, challenging segment of our architectural work. It’s very different from other architectural projects because the brand guidelines inform so many of the designer’s decisions. Whether we are choosing finishes and furnishings or designing space plans and building exteriors, corporate brand guidelines will have a strong impact on our design […]
Frank Lloyd Wright is one of our favorite architects and inspired us (along with our dad!) to choose architecture as our profession. Here are some things that we like about Wright’s work, along with a few neat places you can go to experience Wright’s genius for yourself. Wright Designs and Influence Our familiarity with Wright’s […]
Although the majority of Americans own their home, the preference for rental housing is on the rise, especially in the luxury market. Developers are responding to the demand by creating attractive, new rental options. Rentals are in Demand The number of people living in rental units in metro areas increased by 22 million between 2006 […]
High-performance composite decking is a popular alternative to traditional wood decking. Introduced in the 1990s, composite decking is a wood alternative that requires less maintenance and has a longer life than traditional wood decking. Over the long-term, it is less expensive than traditional decking materials. Readily available in the marketplace and not difficult to install, […]
Lightning Protection Systems Lightning protection systems are helpful for building and occupant safety. Each year, lightning is responsible for deaths, injuries, and costly property damage from direct hits and fires. Installing a lightning protection system in your next building project will provide an extra measure of safety against fire, damage, and harm to occupants should lightning […]
Ah, the lazy days of summer! With awesome weather and the free time to enjoy it, everyone wants to be outdoors. The last thing we want is to be indoors when the weather is beautiful – especially here in the Midwest. Outdoor dining is part and parcel of the summer experience. Even in the spring […]
Materials samples here, there, and everywhere! That pretty much describes our office at any moment. If you’ve met with us, you’ve probably noticed many building materials samples lying around our conference room. Why all the samples? Building materials samples, such as brick, tile, and cabinets, are a mini-version of the elements we are considering for […]
Beautiful ceilings can take your breath away and make your heart soar. Medieval cathedrals and Renaissance opera houses inspire us to look up and be amazed at the craftsmanship and intricate designs. Today, there are an unparalleled variety of ceilings available to complement every space. When you make the right choice of ceiling system, you […]
Jump for joy – it’s spring and it’s time to get out into nature! Now that the weather has warmed up here in the Midwest, we’re looking to do just that. Lake County, Illinois offers many opportunities to access nature via city parks, county forest preserves, and state parks. Residents of all ages, abilities, and […]
Door hardware provides many important functional capabilities; it connects the door to the frame, controls the movement of the door, secures the door from unwanted entry, and enables us to use the door. But beyond these important functional features, hardware provides a tactile interface with the building and it enhances its appearance. Similar to the […]
Thermally modified wood (TMW) is a great product for exterior siding projects. Are you thinking about using wood as decking or siding, but are concerned about maintenance and potential deterioration? Consider thermally modified wood for its beautiful appearance and longevity. How is it Different? TMW is different from other wood products! Select wood is improved […]
