"Martin and Great Lakes are consummate professionals. They are incredibly knowledgable about structures and the factors and variables that can affect them -- both internal and external. For our work, they excavated along the foundation to allow us to analyze our foundation. We highly recommend them to preserve the structure of your facilities new and old."
"Linda was excellent! Knowledgeable, great communicator and honest. We were told structural work was needed on our 100+ year home but after a thorough assessment, Linda recommended tuckpointing only!"
Marc Anderson Architects is an easy-to-work Chicago-based full-service architecture and design firm serving the greater Chicagoland area. We listen to our clients to learn and then adopt their goals as our own. These goals focus our work to find the best custom design for each client. Our knowledge of construction methods expands our creative flexibility while also providing cost-effective solutions. With experience in residential, mixed-use developments, commercial build-outs, public institutions, daycare centers, and commercial tenant improvements, MAA is well prepared to help you plan a beautiful, functional space that fits your specific needs.
"Architect Kristin Kollias has provided me with professional and responsive help in the renovation of a vacant single family bungalow in Chicago that required extensive repair for compliance with the City of Chicago codes. She assisted in guiding me in obtaining required site plan for the residence; addressed the structural, electrical and plumbing details required; drafted and created the architectural floor plans that fit my vison of interior space; and facilitated in obtaining the necessary city permits from City of Chicago. Clearly she is a true professional and her services are greatly appreciated."
"We met with owner/senior architect, Firmin Senga to join us in the viewing of our desired property. We wanted to have an architect on board with us for reassurance that the updates we plan will work before we make an offer. He was very helpful."
"I am having a full master bath and kitchen remodel done with new layouts in both rooms and knocking out a wall. Evolution worked with me to quickly get a drawing done of the new layouts so that the contractor could get started on the project. They made sure to include me in the process so that the design would be done exactly as my wife and I envisioned. They communicated effectively throughout the process and were always courteous and professional. I recommend them to anyone with drafting needs."
Welcome to The Civic Architectural Group, Inc. where you can Expect the exceptional\n … because this is what we expect of ourselves as architects, as \nhuman beings. We recognize that each and everyone of our clients are \nindividuals with individual desires and expectations. We are passionate \nabout our services with compassion for each client: their budgets, \npersonalities, lifestyles, or business cultures are important to us. \nWe speak the loudest in the room by listening\n
Structural Engineering questions, answered by experts
The essential difference between an architect and an engineer is that architects typically focus more on the aesthetic design of buildings, although not without consideration for the structural integrity of the building. Engineers focus more on the structural, technical, and practical aspects of whether and how an architectural design can be built as drawn. You may need to hire both types of professionals if you’re designing and building a new home.
If your home's foundation was damaged due to shifting soil, the same problem will reoccur unless you stabilize the structure by adding posts in the bedrock.
In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.
The 10 10 rule describes the formula most contractors use to determine how much to charge for a job. Allowing for 10% overhead above the total projected cost to do the work and 10% profit sets a contractor up for success, even if there are delays or other problems on the project. This formula isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it is a ballpark figure to begin with when estimating your expenses on a job.
Yes. Foundation walls are always load-bearing.
The Deer Park, IL homeowners’ guide to structural engineering services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total in Chicago, IL.
Find out the average beam installation cost in Chicago, IL. Learn what you can expect to pay for local structural support and get your home renovation ready.
The cost of a structural engineer is easily justifiable given the value they bring to the table. Use this guide to see what hiring your professional will total.
Spotting deep foundation cracks or sagging floors? Learn about structural engineering costs, serious warning signs, and how to hire the right local pro.
It can be hard to choose the right pro for any job, but it matters. Learn how to hire a structural engineer who'll get the job done right from start to finish.
