Operable walls and overhead doors say “Welcome!” to restaurant customers. After the long, harsh winter we’ve experienced in the Midwest, we are all anxious to spend time outside. Milder spring weather has brought restaurant customers out in droves. Lately, we have been keeping a more relaxed pace and patronizing our local shops and restaurants. We […]
Crown moldings add polish and formality to a classic room. Originally designed to hide imperfections at the intersection of walls and ceilings, today’s crown moldings are often chosen for the warmth and sense of drama they create in a classic room. Ancient Classical Origins Ancient Greeks and Romans appreciated the versatility of crown moldings; they […]
Practice your architectural lettering if you want to write like an architect! Let’s explore the origins of architectural lettering and discuss why architectural lettering is still valuable today. Architectural lettering has been an important tool of architects for many years. Here’s why: architect’s use drawings and specifications to convey written information on architectural drawings. These […]
Color trends tend to reflect our world – the way we feel, how we want to look, and the environment with which we surround ourselves. In 2014, we are feeling positive, confident, and strong. We want environments that reflect this perception. Architects and interior designers focus on color trends for use in their projects. Often, […]
Blueprints are an important tool of the architecture trade. They have been used by architects for many years to duplicate their drawings. By using duplicate drawings, the architect’s designs can be shared with many trades. Even in this day of digital media and display screens, paper blueprints are found on just about every construction job […]
Epoxy coatings produce an attractive, durable surface when placed over concrete floors. When properly mixed and applied, epoxy coatings produce a seamless and hard, chemical and solvent-resistant finish that’s tough to beat. Epoxy coatings are suitable for commercial and industrial applications. We have used Prime Coat Coating Systems’ products and installation services. Tnemec Company, Inc. […]
Our brewery design for Mickey Finn’s Brewery in downtown Libertyville was inspired by the fine architecture and age old brewing traditions of Belgium. Architectural Inspiration The architecture of Belgium is famous the world over. In fact, there are 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Belgium. Brewing Inspiration Belgium has a rich history of beer brewing […]
An Academy Award should be given to ducts for their supporting role in impossible architectural feats in the movies. Usually films seem pretty realistic, but once in a while we have to suspend disbelief to enjoy the movie. One of our “favorite” impossible architectural feats from the movies is when an adventurous or desperate actor […]
Amusement rides have changed a lot in the last century. Did you ride the Little Dipper wooden roller coaster at Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park? Originally built in 1950 by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, the Little Dipper was an awesome amusement ride! When we were kids, the American Eagle at Six Flags Great America in […]
At the site of our current project for Mickey Finn’s Brewery in downtown Libertyville, the plumbers found a number of old glass bottles when excavating for new plumbing lines. We were pretty intrigued by the dirt encrusted green, blue and clear bottles. We decided to do a little informal research to determine their origins. […]
Replacement windows are on the minds of many building owners as we experience winter’s cold and wind. It makes good sense to include replacement windows as a line item in your home, office, or plant remodeling budget. Did you know that upgrading your old, out-of-date windows can save up to 30% on heating and cooling costs? […]
2013 Favorite Things – at the end of each year, we sit down together to create a list of our favorite products of the past year. This year, we want to feature a few of the products used in our restaurant and bank projects. Mugnaini Wood-Fired Pizza Oven Mugnaini makes a great wood fired pizza […]
Building stone has been admired by philosophers, writers and artists for centuries. “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” -Michelangelo Architects agree that building stone is a really attractive material. But it is […]
Successful building signage design takes into consideration the sign appearance, location, and safety. Do you have a favorite sign? Perhaps it is an iconic neon sign from a 50’s diner or a streamlined modern sign that is integrated perfectly with an office building. Regardless of style, successful building signs have three things in common: Attractive […]
Does your parking nightmare look like this? local residents fight new development because of the lack of parking? side streets are crowed with parked cars. retail outlets and malls are vast unbroken area of unsightly pavement. shoppers and restaurant goers can’t easily find parking. Parking has long been the bane of many local residents, shoppers, […]
