After interviewing many architectural firms, Bill was the only architect that asked us what we…read morewanted in our home and listened. That immediately impressed us. We knew what we wanted, we just did not know how to incorporate it in the existing home. We were not looking for an architect to control the entire project. We have been doing the general contracting on our own and Studio 21 was the perfect firm for us. They drew out the plans and submitted for permits once that was all approved we took off flying with it. We did run into a unforeseen bump on the road with the crawl space foundation where and an existing addition was done in the 1940's, three cinder blocks deep. Gregg was able to amend the blueprints for us to get us back up and running. We now have a 100% full basement instead of 5% crawl space for the addition that was existing. We have yet to finish our total gut rehab/addition but we could not have envisioned working with any other architect firm other than Studio 21. As busy as they are, they took the time to answer our questions and go above and beyond anything we could have imagined possible in our home. Words cannot express their attention to detail, knowledge and creative minds. Bill and Gregg did an excellent job. We cannot wait to move in and finally enjoy the home. Studio 21 can tailor the project for your needs. They can go as much as doing everything for you to letting you fly on your own. If you are looking for an architectural firm definitely add them to the list of the potential candidates. We highly recommend them.

From the owner: A one-stop-shop process led by our expert architects, from design through construction. We don't…read moreoutsource design, ever! Our architects are involved at every step of your project. One team manages your project; a team that keeps your interests in mind and one that you can trust to deliver your dream home.

If I could leave NO STARS I would... this architect is infamous for making mistakes on his…read moreplans..words from the carpenters and builders who have worked off his plans prior! Can't get ahold of him to get updated plans to builder, which is HIS responsibility. And also disregarded requests by my in-laws... 5 sets of drawing total for this build and they are still wrong. they paid money for every updated set of plans even though HE forgot what they had requested. (requested and not in drawings, pantry for kitchen, shower for mud room, sink in laundry room, 36" wide doorways..which drastically changes a lot of the plans.. from bathroom vanities to losing linen closets and bathtubs. They specifically asked for this, my in-laws are getting older they want this ranch they are building to be wheelchair accessible and the plans are still incorrect!! The builders are working from incorrect design drawings at this point. It's not their responsibility to make accommodations on plans that should be as the customer requested This man got paid so I guess he doesn't care about doing his job correctly and giving them updated drawings! STAY AWAY FROM THIS ARCHITECT he will take your money and drive you crazy!!

Amazing intuitive design by Chris Bremer on our attic renovation. I sent him a Pinterest image and…read morehis work made it come true and more. He also helped us sift through contractor offers and was with us all the way to the end (12 plus weeks). We were blown away so we hired him again to design our tree house. Thank you Chris!

I called on a weekend, expecting to leave a voicemail with a question I had, but to my surprise,…read moreChris Plummer answered the phone immediately and spent time answering my questions about Chicago residential code and reassuring me about a small project we were contemplating. The project was far too small for Compass to even consider, but Chris's generosity with his time left an impression. We will definitely use them for larger projects in the future!

I had my landscaping done last fall and had the pleasure of working with Dustin. He was so nice…read moreand so knowledgeable he took my calls, answered all my questions and addressed any concerns I had. Communication was great and we stayed within my budget. The crew did a great job and everything that was done and planted looks beautiful. I highly recommend Rolling Landscapes. Sharon A.

Matt, Dustin and his team were excellent: diligent, timely and easy to work with. The whole family…read morewas excited to have a large and lovely space for outdoor dining and fun.

My husband and I hired Nate Kipnis and his firm after interviewing several architects about the…read moredesign of our vacation property. Our wish was to build a second home with green features, and the Kipnis firm was without question up to the task. He educated us about the options for building materials, helped us select a contractor, then worked closely with the contractor to make sure he understood all of the innovative design features. Other members of his staff were equally professional. Nate was highly knowledgable, yet he listened to our input and designed a home that remains today a huge source of pride for our family. He was a pleasure to work with every step of the way!

I have been working with Nate for years. I first met him when I bought an office building and…read morewanted it completely redone. Nate is beyond creative and has to be top 3 green architect in the state. Since our meeting I have done several projects with Nate and couldnt be more pleased. I am very picky who I send people to but would recommend Nate to anyone. He really is excellent!!!

Ideal Designs helped me from the ground up building my dream home. This was no easy task…read moreconsidering the 2100 sq ft airplane hangar attached to the house. Gabe helped with structural calculations that Will County required. We've sent numerous people his way and they've all been happy with his work. https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=UGpqgDUn1dS

From the owner: Specializing in: * Residential…read more* Commercial * Rendering * Additions * Renovations * Stock Plans * Interior Design * Industrial Design Our firm is committed to providing exceptional work for our clients.

We hired Richard Chuk of Richlind Architects to design our deck and provide plans for permit…read more Richlind did a great job. Richard provided us with several design ideas, from simple to complex. He worked closely with us to ensure that we were happy with the final design and that it would meet our budget. He visited the site, took comprehensive notes and planned a deck that would work well in the allotted space. Once we selected a design, Richard drew up plans, which were accepted by the village for permit with no hitches. In addition to the plans, Richard did extensive research for building materials and made several recommendations. All in all the experience was excellent, the deck was built and everything passed final inspection. I found Rich's approach professional and thorough, and his designs were creative yet functional.

From the owner: We are driven by a single focus. From your private residence to places of work; from interior…read morerenovations to your multi-level facilities. Our dedication is to achieve the best architectural experience for our clients and their community through the use of design excellence.

I called this place after my usual permit place failed to call me back. Well what can I say so far…read moreI am pleasantly surprised! The person Sofia who came by is awesome! and she was very helpful and very attentive to my permit needs. In 2 days she was able to obtain my Permit. I dont know if you have ever tried obtaining one of these permit by your own............but if you have, you will know its a pain in the arse! Quick, affordable and a great expediter to work with. Shake and bake seal of approval x 10

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON CHICAGO PERMIT SERVICES!…read more Extremely unprofessional and disappointing experience with Sofia Simotas and Chicago Permit Services! I paid this company $2,375 to help obtain a permit for composite decking on my terrace in Chicago. I made it clear from the beginning exactly what materials I wanted to use. Here's the worst part: The City of Chicago had already raised concerns about combustible decking materials, yet Sofia continued moving forward with architectural plans and collecting additional payments! I specifically confirmed AGAIN that I wanted composite decking. Instead of properly resolving the building code issue before charging me more money, the company proceeded with plans specifying composite decking. Unsurprisingly, the City later rejected that approach because the decking material did not meet the applicable fire safety requirements. Sofia then claimed the building code had changed and refused to refund my money! WHAT EXACTLY DID I PAY $2,375 FOR? I hired professionals because I expected them to understand Chicago building codes, identify potential problems, and communicate critical information BEFORE taking my money. Instead, I was left with wasted money, months of frustration, and a project that could not move forward as planned. In my experience, Sofia was misleading, failed to communicate important information clearly, and did not provide the level of professional guidance I paid for. I even had to take this dispute to small claims court. Unfortunately, the court ruled against me, but that does not change how disappointed I am with the service I received. My advice: BE VERY CAREFUL BEFORE HIRING CHICAGO PERMIT SERVICES OR WORKING WITH SOFIA SIMOTAS. Get everything in writing, independently verify the building code requirements, and do not assume that paying for professional permit services means your project has been properly evaluated. I WOULD NEVER HIRE THIS COMPANY AGAIN!