Best architects near Oak Lawn, IL

Q: Do architects build houses?

• <div><p>Typically, architects do not build homes in a hands-on sense of doing the actual framing, roofing, or other building. Architects usually do not have the training and experience to build the homes they design. An architect would need to know how to do the specific trades required to build a house, which is possible but not a common practice. A <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tips-hire-a-general-contractor.htm">general contractor</a> or homebuilder typically oversees the actual details of building the house that the architect designs.</p></div>

Q: Do I need a structural engineer or an architect?

• <div><p>Whether you&rsquo;re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.</p></div>

Q: How much does universal design cost?

• <div><p>Universal design costs can be minimal when you add them during construction; however, adding universal design principles to existing homes can sometimes increase renovation costs. For example, a mid-grade bathroom remodel is estimated to cost around $30,000, while a standard universal design remodel can cost closer to $40,000. Adding accessible design components can include widening hallways ($500 to $2,000), curbless showers ($2,000 to $8,000), and widening doors ($400 to $800). Keep in mind that these increased costs can lead to higher resale values because universal homes may appeal to a wider variety of buyers.</p></div>

Q: What types of architects are there?

• <div><p>The various types of architects can be broken down into eight distinct categories, but there can be specific specialties within each of them. Most homeowners will work with a residential, restoration, green, interior, landscape, or retrofit architect for projects. There are also lighting and commercial architects whose work is geared more toward large spaces and businesses. </p></div>

Q: Do old houses have blueprints?

• <div><p>Blueprints are generally available for houses built after the early 1900s. Before then, detailed building schematics like blueprints were rarely used and even more rarely saved. If you have an older house and need blueprints, you can have a new set drawn up by an architect or draftsperson.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your architectural service project in Oak Lawn, IL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Architectural Service pros in Oak Lawn, IL

*The Angi rating for Architectural Service companies in Oak Lawn, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Architectural Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Architectural Service companies in Oak Lawn, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Architectural Service needs.

Last update on November 11, 2022

Reviewed in November 2022
They also did 2 bathrooms and refinished the terrace. George was great to work with and he managed the entire project with our architect without an issue.
Synchronous Construction, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2017
I am pleased of the outcome of this firm of designers and you will be too very polite people and know their job and will give his name and company to others friends of mind that might have the similar problem and want an Architect professional. He was punctual every day to complete the job very...
Senga Architects Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2014
I was not the easiest person to work with, after experiencing several setbacks. This situation requiring an architect was not comfortable as I was in a devastated frame of mind and unsure of "results". Prashanth took over and I was able to receive my permit without further damage to me or my...
PMPC Architects
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2014
It has been good. I came to Angie's List because I needed some assistance trying to find architects and builders to work on my house. I got plenty of builders but finding architects was a little hard. The website has worked well but I haven't contacted anybody. Their professionalism is usually...
Angi
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2012
First the architect, Troy designed the spaces. I would give Troy an A+++++ because he designed exactly the space I wanted. He was awesome-creative and professional. We were assigned a project manager-Rick. Rick was so-so, and I believe no longer with the company. He was nice, but often...
NORMANDY REMODELING
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2012
They were very nice people. They had the architect come out and he did the design. It took them almost a month to get one design for one bathroom which was the easy one, not the one that was coming out of the dust of the basement. We had thought about this project for about 10 years before we...
LaMantia Design & Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2010
The guy was real thorough and did a good job but we decided to go a different way and we couldn't use him. We had an architect design it and we are going more with stone. He explained what needed to be done but he couldn't do what we wanted because we changed our minds after the estimate. He...
Classic Restoration
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2010
From the calls that I had been making to try to find someone to do the project, we were told that we would need an architect to do the drawings and submit the drawings to the city to get a permit. When I called Ideal Build, Peter was very responsive and we set an appointment during that call. He...
IDEA Architects + Builders
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2008
The company's representative came out albeit 30 minutes later than schedule, took measurements for the siding by counting paces along side the home and very briefly discussed what the project would entail. A few days later, I received a written estimate which detailed the work to be done....
Trela Roofing and Remodeling
Request a quote

Top-Rated Architects in Oak Lawn - Updated Nov 2026

Marc Anderson Architects

5.0(

)

ArchitectArchitect - For BusinessDesigner - Building+1 more

Serving Oak Lawn, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Marc Anderson was incredibly helpful, walking me through the typical process and advising me that I may not need an architect for my specific renovation plans. However, if I do need an architect, he'll be happy to help and I feel assured that I'm dealing with a straight shooter."

This is what the house looked like after it was completed.

+26

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Kristen Eva Kollias Architect

5.0(

)

Architect

Serving Oak Lawn, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Kristen is an incredible architect! She has an excellent work ethic, is highly engaged and communicative, very precise and invested in the project. We loved working with her and highly recommend her for any project- large or small!!"

Response time4 hrs

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

ArchitectArchitect - For Business

Serving Oak Lawn, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"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."

+63

Response time1 day

112 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Architect - LandscapeArchitect - Landscape - For Business

Serving Oak Lawn, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

Customers say: Super punctual

"I can’t praise JD Mathein and his amazing crew high enough. I wish there was an A++ category. JD is creative, knowledgeable and extremely easy to work with. He is prompt, responsive to questions and does extraordinary work! He and his crew transformed our front and back yards into beautiful landscapes that look exactly as we hoped. He also took into account our needs for easy care plants when suggesting options that would keep the maintenance low and the beauty high. Green City Gardens is our definite go-to for our yard and garden."

+18

Response time1 day

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Request Quote

R & G Almanza Landscape Inc

4.2(

252

)

Architect - LandscapeArchitect - Landscape - For Business

Serving Oak Lawn, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The charged a fair price, came when they said they would be there and worked diligently. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend R&G Almanza to anyone."

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Request Quote

Aerate 1 Landscaping & Ponds

4.6(

)

Architect - LandscapeArchitect - Landscape - For Business

Serving Oak Lawn, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1998

Warranties offered

Credit card accepted

"Outstanding! We would never consider using another landscaping company. Hector and his crew were reliable, responsive, attentive to the smallest detail and professional. Daily follow up to ensure we were completely satisfied as the project progressed and when it was completed was second to none. I would not want to be a competitor of Aerate1 because they could not have done any better. These guys are the best you will find!"

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Request Quote

Chester Chlebek - Architect

4.8(

)

ArchitectArchitect - For Business

Serving Oak Lawn, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Talked to Chester over home projects, he gave honest opinions and has great insight local building codes. Will be working on some plans to move forward with building project."

Response time12 hrs

Recommended by54%of homeowners

Request Quote

J & P Brothers Landscaping

4.9(

)

Architect - LandscapeArchitect - Landscape - For Business

Serving Oak Lawn, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It went great. J & P Landscaping was highly professional and did an excellent job. I highly recommend them . Thanks !"

+50

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Midwest Landscaping Design & Tree Service Inc

4.4(

)

Architect - LandscapeArchitect - Landscape - For Business

Serving Oak Lawn, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very well. Owner of company was very enthusiastic, thorough and seemed to really care how everything turned out."

+16

Response time3 days

Response rate100%

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Draftsperson/CADDArchitectDesigner - Building+1 more

Serving Oak Lawn, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Evilution Drafting was punctual, professional, and did an excellent job preparing the architectural plans."

+23

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

75 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

...

Showing 1-10 of 199

Architects FAQs, answered by experts

Typically, architects do not build homes in a hands-on sense of doing the actual framing, roofing, or other building. Architects usually do not have the training and experience to build the homes they design. An architect would need to know how to do the specific trades required to build a house, which is possible but not a common practice. A general contractor or homebuilder typically oversees the actual details of building the house that the architect designs.

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.

Universal design costs can be minimal when you add them during construction; however, adding universal design principles to existing homes can sometimes increase renovation costs. For example, a mid-grade bathroom remodel is estimated to cost around $30,000, while a standard universal design remodel can cost closer to $40,000. Adding accessible design components can include widening hallways ($500 to $2,000), curbless showers ($2,000 to $8,000), and widening doors ($400 to $800). Keep in mind that these increased costs can lead to higher resale values because universal homes may appeal to a wider variety of buyers.

The various types of architects can be broken down into eight distinct categories, but there can be specific specialties within each of them. Most homeowners will work with a residential, restoration, green, interior, landscape, or retrofit architect for projects. There are also lighting and commercial architects whose work is geared more toward large spaces and businesses.

Blueprints are generally available for houses built after the early 1900s. Before then, detailed building schematics like blueprints were rarely used and even more rarely saved. If you have an older house and need blueprints, you can have a new set drawn up by an architect or draftsperson.

The Oak Lawn, IL homeowners’ guide to architectural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
•
Jun 9, 2026Jun 9, 2026
How Much Does an Architect Cost in Chicago, IL? [2026 Data]
Find out the average architect cost in Chicago, IL. Learn what you can expect to pay for local architectural design services and start planning your project.
Angi
•
Sep 17, 2026Sep 17, 2026
How Much Does a Draftsperson Cost in Chicago, IL? [2026 Data]
Find out the average draftsperson cost in Chicago, IL. Learn what you can expect to pay for local architectural plans and get your project started.
Mackenzie Sanford
•
Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Structural Engineer in Chicago? [2026 Data]
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.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Hire an Architect for Your Project
Knowing how to find an architect for your construction project will help bring your design ideas to life. Use this guide to find the best one.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Do I Need an Architect to Draw Plans?
Detailed house plans are an important part of construction projects. Learn when you need an architect to draw plans for a project.
Anna Baluch
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
What is an Architect and Do You Need to Hire One?
What does an architect do and what can you expect when you hire one? Let's break down what an architect is, from training to costs and services.