This page presents a curated selection of 13 residential architecture firms based in Chicago, IL, with 37 published projects spanning from 1909 to 2025. The work shown here features a range of architectural styles, with modern and contemporary designs most prevalent, accompanied by some minimalist and traditional approaches. Projects extend beyond city boundaries into nearby towns and neighborhoods, including Glencoe, Deerfield, and Highland Park. The directory includes firms such as Robbins Architecture, dSPACE Studio, Dirk Denison Architects, Wheeler Kearns Architects, and Charles Vincent George Architects, allowing visitors to review diverse project portfolios by local practices.
Robbins Architecture
dSPACE Studio
Dirk Denison Architects
Wheeler Kearns Architects
Charles Vincent George Architects
Collective Office
Nicholas Design Collaborative
Searl Lamaster Howe Architects
MOTH ARCHITECTS
Fraerman Associates Architecture
Jaffe Architecture
Studio Dwell Architects
STUDIO GANG ARCHITECTS| Project | Architect fee | Share of construction |
|---|---|---|
| New custom home, 3,000 SF | $52,000 – $145,000 | 5–14% |
| Whole-house renovation, 2,000 SF | $40,000 – $120,000 | 7–21% |
| Addition, 600 SF | $16,500 – $47,000 | 7–20% |
| ADU or guest house, 700 SF | $16,000 – $46,000 | 6–18% |
Local architect wages from BLS (May 2025); new-home construction runs about $210 per SF in this part of the country (Census). Consultants such as structural engineers are extra. Full breakdown of architect fees in Chicago → · Cost out your own project
For a 3,000 SF custom new home in the Chicago area, full architectural services typically run $52,000 – $145,000, about 5–14% of construction cost. A 2,000 SF whole-house renovation typically runs $40,000 – $120,000. Estimates come from the Architects List cost tool, built on local BLS wage data and Census construction costs; engineers and other consultants are billed separately.
There are 13 residential architecture firms listed in Chicago on this page, all of which are based in the city.
Modern and contemporary styles dominate the published work, accounting for 82% and 59% of projects, respectively. Minimalist and traditional designs also appear, with 26% and 24% representation among tagged projects.
The median construction cost for a new home in the Chicago metro area is $210 per square foot, according to the US Census Survey of Construction for the East North Central census division (2026 data).
Selecting an architect often involves reviewing their published projects and considering how their work aligns with your preferences. The page features portfolios and example projects to help in evaluating each firm’s approach and areas of expertise.