Business Details
43 Years
experience
Architectural Design Services for Lasting Spaces
DLA Architects is a full-service architectural firm dedicated to creating spaces that align with clients' unique needs and visions. Our approach begins with active listening to understand organizational goals, brand identity, and functional requirements. With decades of combined experience, we specialize in educational, recreational, cultural, municipal, and commercial design projects. Our team prioritizes sustainability through LEED-certified practices and energy-efficient solutions. We emphasize precision in budgeting, minimizing change orders to ensure financial predictability for clients.Our collaborative process involves stakeholders at every stage, from initial concept to post-construction planning. Our Midwest-based practice serves Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana with personalized attention backed by extensive industry expertise. We integrate technology like virtual reality presentations to enhance design visualization. Our commitment to 'Form follows Learning' philosophy ensures spaces evolve with users' needs while maintaining aesthetic excellence. This client-centric approach has earned us long-term partnerships and industry recognition.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
LEED Certification
Facility Assessments
Master Planning
Construction Administration
Space Planning
Urban Preservation
Grant Writing
Community Engagement
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- Specialized expertise in educational and municipal architecture since 1983
- LEED-certified professionals for sustainable design solutions
- Proven budget accuracy with minimal change orders during construction
- Collaborative approach involving stakeholders throughout the design process
- Award-winning designs that balance aesthetics with functional longevity
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP BD+C
- NCARB
What people say
Innovative, visionary team
Passion for their profession
Understand our organization's needs
Spaces that endure
Budget accuracy with minimal changes
Services
Educational Design
We create adaptable learning environments that support 21st-century education needs. Our designs prioritize safety, energy efficiency, and flexibility for future technological advancements. Clients benefit from spaces that enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement through thoughtful layout and natural lighting integration.
LEED Certification
Our LEED-certified professionals implement sustainable design strategies that reduce environmental impact while lowering operational costs. Services include energy analysis, eco-charrette workshops, and material selection guidance. Clients achieve certification through our expertise in balancing regulatory requirements with innovative green solutions.
Municipal Design
We design government facilities that improve public service delivery while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our approach creates accessible, ADA-compliant spaces that foster community engagement. Clients receive energy-efficient buildings optimized for long-term functionality and staff productivity.
Construction Administration
Our team provides field representation and scheduling oversight throughout construction phases. We ensure adherence to design specifications while managing budget constraints. Clients receive regular progress assessments and coordination between contractors to minimize delays and maintain quality standards.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive long-range plans addressing facility needs and organizational growth. Services include needs analysis, feasibility studies, and capital campaign planning. Clients gain data-driven roadmaps that align physical spaces with future operational requirements and community expectations.
People
Carrie Matlock
President, Architect
AIA-certified leader with over 20 years of experience in educational architecture. Specializes in creating flexible learning environments that adapt to evolving teaching methodologies while maintaining budgetary discipline.
Eric Sickbert
Principal Architect
LEED AP with expertise in sustainable design solutions. Oversees financial operations and ensures technical excellence across all projects while maintaining a focus on energy-efficient building systems.
Steven Wright
Vice President of Creativity
AIA award-winning designer known for innovative spatial solutions. Brings creative vision to every project while ensuring practical functionality that meets clients' long-term operational needs.
William Templin
Vice President of Quality
Quality control specialist with extensive experience in municipal projects. Ensures all designs meet regulatory standards while maintaining aesthetic excellence and structural integrity.
Louis Noto
Chief Operating Officer
Operations expert managing day-to-day firm activities. Focuses on maintaining high service standards while optimizing project delivery efficiency across multiple concurrent assignments.
Questions
What makes DLA different from other architectural firms?
Our 'Form follows Learning' philosophy ensures spaces evolve with users' needs. We combine technical expertise with deep understanding of educational and municipal operations.
How do you handle complex renovation projects?
We conduct detailed facility assessments and create phased implementation plans. Our team manages budget constraints while maintaining operational continuity during construction.
Can you help with funding acquisition?
Yes, we provide grant writing services and capital campaign planning. Our experience with CDB grant applications helps secure necessary funding for public projects.
What sustainability services do you offer?
We integrate LEED-certified practices, energy analysis, and eco-charrette workshops. Our designs reduce environmental impact while lowering long-term operational costs.
How do you ensure project timelines stay on track?
Our construction administration services include detailed scheduling and field representation. We maintain strict budget controls and coordinate contractors to minimize delays.
Do you work outside the Midwest region?
While our primary focus is Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we collaborate with partner firms to deliver projects across the United States through virtual coordination tools.
