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The 10 Best Residential Architects in Oak Brook, Illinois

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Last updated on May 23rd, 2024 at 01:24 pm

Oak Brook is one of the best places to live in Illinois. This suburban village offers residents parks, restaurants, and shops throughout the neighborhood. Its public schools are outstanding, and many choose to retire in the town. Several architects offer their services to those who wish to make Oak Brook their home.

In this list, we recommend ten of the best residential architects in the area. Most are accredited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Association of Licensed Architects (ALA). With some focusing on suburban design, all are experts in the field of general architectural planning in design. These firms’ designs cover a wide array of styles including contemporary, colonial revival, craftsman, and traditional.


Lynn Architects

110 East Schiller St. Suite 234, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Lynn Architects’ foundation is relationships. It is a client-centric firm with excellent partnerships among contractors in Chicago. On top of this, the firm is affiliated with United Real Estate – Chicago through its head, Michael Lynn. With his affiliation, Lynn can also offer clients help to buy or sell a property. 

Lynn has developed his skills in the field of construction and design since he was a kid. He is the son of a home builder and carpenter. Before receiving his architectural degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology, he had already worked for an architectural firm. Now, he is one of the leading architects in the west suburbs of Chicago. Exploring new design schemes and layouts, Lynn leads the team in a range of projects including custom single-family homes, home additions, and remodeling. Combining its vast experience in architecture, construction, and real estate services, Lynn Architects caters to the needs of homeowners in Oak Brook and surrounding areas. 

One of the firm’s feature projects is the Westmont House. This charming traditional home is designed with modern elements, striking a perfect balance between elegance and functionality.

For more information, you can visit their website here.


JMB Architects Ltd

180 Park Suite #10, Elmhurst, IL 60126 

Ask any of JMB Architects’ clients and hear nothing but appreciation. Homeowners commend owner John Belcher’s responsive and efficient approach in each project. Belcher is a University of Illinois-Chicago alumnus with a degree in Architecture. In addition, he is an ALA member and National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certified.

JMB Architects has been offering its services to residents of Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan since 2001. Its expertise covers modern, contemporary, and neo-eclectic home styles. A sample of its superb work is this impressive modern home. It is a testament to the firm’s ability to effectively execute a minimalist and clean design. 

For 20 years, this exceptional firm has been specializing in the design and construction of custom homes and home additions. Its goal is to provide a results-oriented service to each client. The result is always a home suited for a homeowner’s lifestyle.


Davenport Architects

6636 Blackstone Dr., Downers Grove, IL 60516

Davenport Architects believes that a home is part of a neighborhood. This is why all homes it produces are weaved into the architectural design of the community. This kind of approach is reflected in the Warner Home project. This ranch-style home perfectly blends with the environment. Its subtle charm is what makes it a great home. 

Since 1995, this firm has produced a variety of homes with varying styles. These styles include craftsman, Queen Anne, and traditional. With licenses in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, Davenport Architects’ extensive experience is undeniable. Its professional services include new homes, home additions, and remodeling. Led by partners Shelly and. ALA member and NCARB certified, Michael Davenport, the firm delivers fresh ideas and creative solutions in all projects. 


Berneche2 Architecture

314 Illinois St., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Berneche2 Architecture offers flexibility in designing homes. It means bringing creative design solutions adjusted to a client’s needs. By working closely with clients, the firm identifies their lifestyle and builds their home around it. 

Owners Tim and Lauren Berneche promote this kind of collaborative approach. As husband and wife, they know that it is one of the main factors in any successful partnership. Both have been practicing since 1990 after graduating from Ball State University. Today, they offer their services in new construction, renovation, and home additions. Tim Berneche is licensed in all states bordering Lake Michigan, as well as Washington, Nebraska, and New York. On top of this, he has NCARB certification. 

The firm specializes in lake houses and unique coastal designs. Aside from these, the firm excels in designing split-type and traditional homes. A sample of its outstanding work is a beach home in Lake Michigan. This unique home is designed for three families. Using creative solutions and close collaboration with clients, a stunning 8,900-square-foot beach home is created.


Patrick Plunkett Architectural Design Ltd.

19 North Grant St., Hinsdale, IL 60521

Patrick Plunkett Architectural Design displays range in the field of architecture. This firm specializes in both urban and suburban architecture. In addition, it has expertise in a variety of home styles including colonial revival, Folk Victorian, and American Foursquare. It designs modern, contemporary, and traditional homes as well. Among its perfectly executed designs is a Folk Victorian home stunner. This gorgeous suburban home reflects simplicity and grandeur at the same time. 

The firm’s impressive range is one of the reasons why it has been getting attention from publications. In its 18 years in the industry, it has been published by Lux Magazine and Builder+Architect Magazine. It has recently received press for its Second Home Showstopper in Modern Luxury

Leading the firm is Patrick Plunkett, an Illinois Institute of Technology Master’s in Architecture graduate. He also applies his undergraduate degrees in Environmental Design and Business Administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder to run an outstanding architectural firm. Plunkett’s diverse set of expertise is reflective of what Patrick Plunkett Architectural Design is all about.


West Studio Architects & Construction Services

257 N. West Ave. Suite 100, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Designing homes in tune with nature is what this architectural firm does. It has dedicated its 35 years in the industry to perfecting prairie homes. Since 1986, this architectural style has made West Studio distinct from the competition. 

The firm promotes this type of design as a member of the Frank Lloyd Trust. It is also an ALA member and NCARB Certified. As a member of the International Code Council (ICC), it uses model codes in the design and build process. The results are safe, sustainable, and resilient structures.  As proof of its outstanding designs, it has received an Award of Recognition from the 2018 ALA Design Awards. Owner Stephen received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago and continues to lead the firm to its success today. 

One of the firm’s remarkable outputs is the Harmonic Winds House. This house stands as a legacy of the late architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.  The house is built with quality craftsmanship and exquisite simplicity while emphasizing nature’s beauty.


Flint Architects

314 South Westmore, Lombard, IL 60148

With over a decade in the industry, Flint Architects has gathered multiple certifications. Its owner Stephen Flint is a certified asbestos management planner, project designer, and building inspector. He is a certified lead risk assessor and a playground safety inspector as well. To top it off, he was Lombard Man of the Year in 2001 and received the Friend of Education Award in 2001. Flint’s dedication to providing excellence in everything he does is undeniable. It is evident in the achievements he has gathered over the years. The firm is also known for its great company culture, fostering lasting business relationships with every project. 

The firm has been designing traditional and American Foursquare homes since 2009. Updated with the latest technology, they offer 3D modeling services to help the clients visualize projects better. From custom homes and residences to commercial projects, Flint Architects is one firm clients can trust.


Studio21 Architects

5012 Fairview Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515

Constructing green buildings is one of Studio21 Architects’ top priorities. It is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) accredited by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). One of the green buildings it produced is this Downers Grove home. Combining green building techniques and good building practices, the firm has created a wonderful home. It features a covered front porch and double hanging windows, reflective of the craftsman style. 

Established in 1986, Studio21 Architects creates homes with different styles. It includes contemporary, neo-eclectic, ranch, and traditional home styles. With more than three decades of industry experience, the firm has gathered extensive experience in the field. It offers services such as designing additions and renovations, single and multi-family homes, fire restoration plans, and commercial projects. In recognition of the firm’s expertise, it has received the Crystal Key Award from the National Home Builder Association of Greater Chicago five times. 

Bill Styczynski leads the firm in creating custom architectural designs for the Chicago western suburbs and metropolitan area. He is an alumnus of the University of Illinois Chicago. With over 40 years in the business, he has accumulated diverse experience in the architectural field.


Michael Abraham Architecture

148 Burlington Ave., Clarendon Hills, IL 60514

This award-winning firm’s goal is to create contemporary homes that respect the past. Whether it is a modern or a traditional home, Michael Abraham Architecture’s rustic stamp is seen in each design. The firm employs a straightforward design palette to produce high-end residential spaces. The result is elegant, inviting, and comfortable homes. An example of this is an enchanting home in Paw Paw Lake. The design has thoughtfully worked around the natural elements of the space. The product is a spectacular contemporary home paying respects to its surroundings. 

Designs like this earn this firm multiple recognitions. The firm has received the Good Neighbor Award from the Hinsdale Historical Preservation Society three times. Its outstanding designs have also been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design, Chicago Home & Garden, and Elegant Homes. 

For 29 years, the firm has been serving the Midwest as well as other areas in the United States and Canada. Michael Abraham, a University of Kentucky graduate, leads the firm in creating wonderful designs that combine the past, present, and future.


12/12 Architects & Planners

644 67th St., Downers Grove, IL 60516

This architectural firm wants to build a legacy. It builds homes that will be passed on for generations. This is reflected in each custom residential project the firm takes on. Specializing in craftsman-style homes, the firm custom designs homes to suit a client’s taste. The Elegant Estate project in particular is custom-designed according to the client’s brief. The homeowners believe that bigger is better. Working around this, the firm created an impressive home that matches the clients’ dreams. The home features stone and cast concrete accent elements, a paved driveway, and a backyard for kids. It has a covered patio as well, staying true to the firm’s signature craftsman-style design. 

In building its legacy, recognition is important; 12/12 Architects & Planners has got plenty. In 2000, the firm earned the AIA Northeast Illinois Associate Architect of the Year. It has gained the attention of the press as well. NBC Nightly News, Chicago Tribune, and Forbes are only some prestigious outfits that featured this popular architectural firm. 

The brains behind 12/12 Architects & Planners are Cinda K. Lester and Henri LamBeau. This husband and wife tandem employs a one-on-one design approach to create the best possible space for a family. Lester and LamBeau are both University of Idaho graduates. 

Author

  • Shahe is an Editor at Home Builder Digest with around four years of experience as a writer and editor in the construction space. Shahe has always had a huge interest in commercial/residential construction and real estate. On top of his experience at Home Builder Digest, he has two years of experience as a Construction Partner Specialist at BuildZoom and six years of experience as a licensed real estate agent. In his work, he takes advantage of his expertise to take complex technical jargon from those realms and transform them into accessible, engaging content, blending his business administration expertise with a degree from Arizona State University with his experiential insights. Expertise: Architecture, Home Design and Build, Home Remodeling Key Highlights: Arizona Real Estate - Licensed Salesperson Education: Arizona State University - Bachelors in Business Administration

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