Business Details
23 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design & Entitlement Services in River Forest, IL
Founded in 2003, our firm brings over two decades of architectural expertise and a proven track record in securing governmental approvals. We specialize in collaborative design solutions that align with client visions while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Our team combines award-winning design excellence with deep knowledge of land use entitlements and discretionary permitting processes. With experience across residential, commercial, and multi-family developments, we deliver projects that balance creativity with practical execution. Our president, John Conrad Schiess, holds architectural licenses in California and Illinois, is a LEED Accredited Professional, and brings bilingual capabilities in English and Spanish.Having served on community advisory commissions and taught architecture locally, we combine technical proficiency with civic engagement. Our 100% approval rate across 30 communities over 16 years demonstrates our ability to mitigate development risks while achieving client objectives. We maintain offices in River Forest, Illinois, and Oceanside, California, serving diverse geographic markets. Our portfolio includes energy-efficient designs for MiGreen Home Corporation, reflecting our commitment to sustainable practices.
Services
Architectural Design
Entitlement Approvals
Multi-Family Development
Commercial Development
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of proven success in land use entitlements
- 100% approval rate across 30 communities
- LEED Accredited Professional on staff
- Collaborative approach with municipalities and stakeholders
- Bilingual services in English and Spanish
Associations and certifications
- LEED Accredited Professional
What people say
Award-winning designs
Proven approval success
Collaborative approach
LEED certified
Bilingual services
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural designs for residential, commercial, and multi-family projects. Our team combines aesthetic vision with technical expertise to deliver functional spaces that meet client needs. With award-winning experience across diverse project types, we ensure designs comply with all regulatory requirements while maintaining creative integrity.
Entitlement Approvals
Our entitlement specialists navigate complex regulatory processes to secure discretionary permits and land use approvals. With a 100% success rate across 30 communities, we develop strategic approaches that address municipal concerns while protecting client interests throughout the approval process.
Multi-Family Development
We specialize in multi-family housing solutions that balance market demands with regulatory constraints. Our experience includes townhomes, condominiums, and mixed-use developments, incorporating market analysis, financing considerations, and architectural design into cohesive, profitable projects that meet community needs.
Commercial Development
Our commercial architecture services focus on creating functional, profitable spaces that meet zoning requirements. We handle projects from initial concept through entitlements and construction documentation, ensuring designs maximize return on investment while maintaining aesthetic appeal and regulatory compliance.
Sustainable Design
We integrate energy-efficient solutions into all project types, with expertise in LEED certification standards. Our sustainable approach considers environmental impact, operational efficiency, and occupant comfort, delivering buildings that reduce energy consumption while maintaining design excellence and regulatory compliance.
People
John Conrad Schiess
President
Licensed architect in California and Illinois with 20+ years of experience. LEED Accredited Professional, former community college instructor, and active participant in Oak Park advisory commissions. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We provide full-service architectural design for residential, commercial, and multi-family developments with expertise in entitlement approvals.
How do you handle government approval processes?
Our 100% approval rate across 30 communities demonstrates our strategic approach to securing discretionary permits and land use entitlements.
Are you experienced with sustainable design?
Yes, we incorporate energy-efficient practices and our president is a LEED Accredited Professional with experience in green building projects.
Do you work in multiple states?
We maintain offices in Illinois and California, serving clients across both states with local regulatory expertise.
What makes your firm different?
Our combination of design excellence, entitlement success, and bilingual capabilities with direct principal involvement sets us apart.
