Business Details
31 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Chicago
Cook Architectural Design Studio is an award-winning full-service architectural firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. With over 25 years of experience, our team of licensed architects and LEED Accredited Professionals specializes in creating innovative, sustainable designs for luxury residential and commercial projects. We combine advanced building science with traditional construction methods to deliver contextually appropriate solutions tailored to client needs.Our national portfolio spans complex commercial facilities, historic restorations, and custom waterfront estates, reflecting our commitment to quality and client satisfaction. As an NCARB-affiliated firm and member of the U.S. Green Building Council, we prioritize environmental stewardship while maintaining rigorous attention to detail throughout every project phase.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Sustainable Design
Historic Restoration
BIM Modeling
Construction Documentation
Project Management
Space Planning
LEED Certification
3D Renderings
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of architectural expertise with LEED-certified professionals
- Our client-focused approach prioritizes personalized design solutions
- We implement advanced BIM technology with traditional hand-drawing techniques
- Our national portfolio demonstrates proven success across diverse project types
- We maintain rigorous quality control through detailed construction documentation
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- NCARB
- AIA
- USGBC
What people say
Client-focused approach
Design expertise
Project oversight
Sustainable solutions
National reach
Services
Residential Design
Specializing in luxury single-family homes, renovations, and additions, we create custom residential solutions that balance aesthetic beauty with functional living spaces. Our expertise ranges from historic restorations to contemporary waterfront estates, incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. With meticulous attention to detail, we transform client visions into personalized living environments that maintain architectural integrity while meeting modern lifestyle needs.
Commercial Architecture
We design innovative commercial spaces including office buildings, retail centers, medical facilities, and mixed-use developments that enhance brand identity and operational efficiency. Our approach integrates corporate branding with functional spatial planning to create environments that boost productivity and customer engagement. From tenant build-outs to franchise prototypes, we deliver solutions that meet specific business requirements while maintaining aesthetic appeal and regulatory compliance.
Sustainable Design
Our LEED-certified professionals implement environmentally responsible design strategies that reduce energy consumption and minimize ecological impact. We combine advanced building science with traditional construction methods to create high-performance buildings that achieve sustainability goals. Services include energy modeling, material selection, and integration of renewable energy systems while maintaining architectural integrity and client-specific functionality.
Historic Restoration
We specialize in preserving architectural heritage through meticulous restoration and adaptive reuse of historic structures. Our team combines technical expertise with historical research to maintain original character while incorporating modern amenities. Services include structural assessment, material conservation, and code compliance solutions that respect historical context while ensuring functional longevity for contemporary use.
BIM Modeling
We utilize advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to create precise 3D digital representations of architectural projects. This enables better visualization, coordination, and documentation throughout the design process. Our Revit modeling capabilities improve accuracy in construction documentation, facilitate clash detection, and enhance collaboration between stakeholders, resulting in more efficient project delivery and reduced construction risks.
People
Charles S. Cook
Principal
Founding Principal with 25+ years of architectural experience, specializing in complex commercial and residential projects. LEED-certified architect with over 35 design awards, including expertise in historic preservation and sustainable design. Teaches architectural drawing and has led projects nationwide from Chicago to California.
Patrick Murphy
Senior Project Manager
AIA-certified architect with 15+ years of experience specializing in sustainable design. Holds dual degrees in mathematics and art history with expertise in algorithmic design optimization. Focuses on passive environmental strategies and construction management, teaching architectural visualization at local universities.
Amanda Lamie
Assistant Project Manager
LEED-accredited architect with expertise in Revit modeling and 3D visualization. Specializes in translating design concepts into detailed construction documents. Holds a Master of Architecture degree with a minor in interior design, focusing on client communication and project coordination.
Nolan Vack
Project Coordinator
Emerging architect with experience in luxury residential and hospitality design. Currently completing NCARB licensing requirements while developing architectural visualizations using Unreal Engine. Specializes in design-build approaches and VR experimentation for client presentations.
Carol Fine
Office Manager
20+ year veteran managing day-to-day operations with expertise in HR, accounting, and client relations. Serves as primary client liaison while maintaining office efficiency. Known for exceptional organizational skills and creating a supportive work environment through team-building initiatives.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in luxury residential design, commercial architecture, historic restoration, sustainable design, and BIM modeling for projects nationwide.
Are you LEED-certified architects?
Yes, our firm includes LEED Accredited Professionals who integrate sustainable solutions into all project types while maintaining design excellence.
Do you work on projects outside Chicago?
We work nationally with completed projects in 15+ states, including California, Florida, Idaho, and New York as an NCARB-affiliated firm.
What construction phases do you manage?
We provide full-service architecture from schematic design through construction observation, including permitting, bidding, and project administration.
How do you incorporate technology in design?
We combine traditional hand-drawing techniques with advanced BIM modeling and Revit software to enhance visualization and construction documentation accuracy.
Can you handle historic preservation projects?
Yes, we specialize in historic restoration with expertise in maintaining architectural integrity while implementing modern functionality and code compliance.
