Your property is likely your most valuable asset, making the choice of an architect a highly personal and important decision. In Chicago, there are many firms offering architectural services. This FiveFantastic™ guide narrows down the field to five highly reputable practices that consistently deliver exceptional, award-winning spaces.
We highlight leading studios known for their design excellence, successful planning applications, and strong project delivery. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary residential extension or a complete new build, these practices represent the gold standard in Chicago architecture.
Editorial note: this is a curated Five Fantastic shortlist, not an exhaustive ranking. Services, fees, and availability vary by practice.
Why use this guide
- Quick comparison:compare design styles, expertise, and project fit in one place.
- Trust-focused:prioritises established studios with clear professional registrations and strong portfolios.
- Local SEO intent:designed for searches such as best residential architect Chicago and top architecture firm Chicago.
Five Fantastic Architects in Chicago
dSPACE Studio
Notable Professional:Kevin Toukoumidis, Founding Principal
dSPACE Studio is a premier architectural practice in Chicago, recognised for design excellence and successful project delivery. Led by Kevin Toukoumidis, the studio offers bespoke architectural services tailored to individual client briefs.
- Core specialisms:Residential, commercial, interiors, new construction, renovations, additions
- Trust signals:AIA Chicago, Houzz Design Awards, Luxe Red Awards, Crain’s Chicago Business “Coolest Offices”
- Best for:Clients seeking top-tier architectural design and residential in Chicago.
Studio Gang
Notable Professional:Jeanne Gang, Founding Principal and Partner
Studio Gang is a premier architectural practice in Chicago, recognised for design excellence and successful project delivery. Led by Jeanne Gang, the studio offers bespoke architectural services tailored to individual client briefs.
- Core specialisms:Architecture, urbanism, interiors, exhibitions, cultural, civic, educational, residential, commercial
- Trust signals:MacArthur Fellow, Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, National Design Award for Architecture, AIA Institute Honor Awards
- Best for:Clients seeking top-tier architectural design and architecture in Chicago.
CannonDesign
Notable Professional:Michael P. Tunkey, CEO
CannonDesign is a premier architectural practice in Chicago, recognised for design excellence and successful project delivery. Led by Michael P. Tunkey, the studio offers bespoke architectural services tailored to individual client briefs.
- Core specialisms:Healthcare, education, commercial, civic, science & technology, sports & recreation, urban planning, interior design
- Trust signals:Fast Company Most Innovative Companies, Metropolis Planet Positive Firm of the Year
- Best for:Clients seeking top-tier architectural design and healthcare in Chicago.
Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB)
Notable Professional:John Lahey, Chairman Emeritus
Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) is a premier architectural practice in Chicago, recognised for design excellence and successful project delivery. Led by John Lahey, the studio offers bespoke architectural services tailored to individual client briefs.
- Core specialisms:Multi-family residential, urban planning, commercial, hospitality, retail, corporate office, higher education, laboratory, transportation, adaptive reuse + renovation, aviation, campus environments, science + technology
- Trust signals:AIA Chicago Design Awards, CTBUH Awards, American Architecture Awards
- Best for:Clients seeking top-tier architectural design and multi-family residential in Chicago.
Goettsch Partners (GP)
Notable Professional:James Goettsch, Chairman
Goettsch Partners (GP) is a premier architectural practice in Chicago, recognised for design excellence and successful project delivery. Led by James Goettsch, the studio offers bespoke architectural services tailored to individual client briefs.
- Core specialisms:Mixed-use, office, hospitality, residential, high-rise, interiors, planning, institutional, renovation
- Trust signals:CTBUH Awards, AIA Chicago Design Awards, Forbes Top Hospitality Architects & Designers
- Best for:Clients seeking top-tier architectural design and mixed-use in Chicago.
Looking specifically for a Residential Architect in Chicago?
Residential architecture requires a very different skill set to commercial work. It involves deeply personal client relationships, navigating local planning permissions for domestic properties, and designing spaces for daily living.
When choosing a residential architect, look for a portfolio that matches your aesthetic vision—whether that’s ultra-modern minimalism or sensitive heritage restoration. Always ask about their success rate with local planning applications, as this local knowledge is invaluable.
How to choose the right architect in Chicago
- Check professional registration:ensure the architect is registered with the state architectural board and ideally AIA members. Anyone can call themselves an ‘architectural designer’, but ‘Architect’ is a protected title.
- Review their portfolio:ensure their past projects align with the style and scale of what you want to build.
- Understand their fee structure:architects may charge a percentage of the total build cost (typically 8-15%), a fixed lump sum, or hourly rates. Ensure this is clear from the outset.
- Ask about project management:clarify if they will just provide the drawings, or if they will administer the contract and oversee the builders on site.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an architect cost in Chicago?
Fees in Chicago vary widely based on the project’s complexity and the firm’s prestige. For full services (from concept to completion), expect to pay between 8% and 15% of the total construction cost. For just planning drawings, a fixed fee is more common.
Do I need an architect for an extension?
Not always. For a simple, permitted development extension, an architectural technologist or draftsperson may suffice. However, for complex designs, listed buildings, or maximizing space and light, a qualified architect adds significant value and design flair.
Will an architect guarantee planning permission?
No architect can guarantee planning permission, as the final decision rests with the local authority. However, a good local architect will have a strong understanding of local planning policies and a high success rate with their applications.
Endnotes and source links
1. dSPACE Studio. https://www.dspacestudio.com/
2. Studio Gang. https://studiogang.com/
3. CannonDesign. https://www.cannondesign.com/
4. Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB). https://scb.com/
5. Goettsch Partners (GP). https://www.gpchicago.com/