Business Details
50 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design & Consulting in Chicago
Hicks Architectural Group brings over 40 years of technical experience and award-winning design to the Chicagoland community. We specialize in rethinking and refining architectural solutions, from ground-up designs to additions and renovations, grounded in deep knowledge of context, construction, and budget. Our team excels at identifying root causes of structural issues, communicating clearly, and delivering pragmatic, cost-conscious solutions tailored to diverse client needs. With expertise in historic preservation, technical detailing, and high-end residential and commercial projects, we maintain long-standing relationships with consultants to ensure continuity and quality throughout every project. Founded in 1976 by Illinois-licensed architect William Hicks, our practice combines decades of experience with LEED-certified credentials to address restoration, repair, adaptive reuse, and new construction challenges.We serve property managers, homeowners associations, co-ops, and private clients, offering services ranging from facade inspections to full-scale design-build projects. Our commitment to industry standards, client satisfaction, and innovative problem-solving has earned us recognition through numerous design awards. Whether revitalizing aging buildings or creating functional outdoor spaces, we prioritize maximizing value while adhering to technical and aesthetic excellence. Our team's longevity and collaborative approach ensure personalized service, with a focus on transparency and ethical practices. For over four decades, Hicks Architectural Group has been a trusted partner in transforming architectural visions into reality.
Services
Residential Design
Technical Consulting
Exterior Inspections
Historic Preservation
Roof Deck Design
Building Diagnostics
Construction Observation
Code Compliance Review
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in Chicago-area architectural design and building diagnostics.
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals with expertise in historic preservation.
- We provide pragmatic, cost-conscious solutions for complex construction challenges.
- Our long-standing client relationships ensure continuity and personalized service.
- We combine technical expertise with award-winning design aesthetics for optimal results.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
Services
Residential Design
Hicks Architectural Group creates customized residential designs that balance aesthetic appeal with functional requirements. Our services include full-scale renovations, additions, and new construction projects tailored to clients' lifestyles and budgets. We specialize in transforming challenging spaces into efficient, beautiful environments while maintaining compliance with local building codes and historic preservation standards.
Technical Consulting
We provide expert technical consulting services for property owners and managers facing complex building challenges. Our team conducts thorough diagnostics, condition assessments, and code compliance reviews to identify structural issues and develop cost-effective repair strategies. Services include third-party consultation, owners representation, and construction phase monitoring to ensure project success.
Exterior Inspections
Our exterior inspection services focus on identifying and resolving building envelope issues through advanced diagnostic techniques. We perform facade and roof assessments, moisture intrusion analysis, and material testing to develop comprehensive repair plans. Using specialized equipment, we create detailed condition reports and mitigation strategies for both historic and modern structures.
Historic Preservation
Specializing in historic preservation, we restore architecturally significant buildings while maintaining their original character. Our expertise includes landmarked property assessments, masonry repairs, and code-compliant upgrades for historic structures. We collaborate with preservation agencies to ensure authentic restoration that meets modern functionality requirements without compromising historical integrity.
Roof Deck Design
We design functional and aesthetically pleasing roof decks that maximize urban outdoor living. Our services include waterproofing systems, green landscaping integration, and custom amenity spaces for residential and commercial buildings. Each design incorporates durable materials, safety features, and energy-efficient lighting to create valuable extensions of interior living spaces.
People
William Hicks
Founder & Lead Architect
Illinois-licensed architect with 40+ years of experience, founder of Hicks Architectural Group. Specializes in building technology, historic preservation, and technical detailing. Member of ALA and AAA panels, with expertise in high-rise residential and commercial projects.
Questions
What architectural services does Hicks Architectural Group specialize in?
We specialize in residential design, technical consulting, exterior inspections, historic preservation, and roof deck design for both residential and commercial properties.
How does Hicks Architectural Group handle historic building restoration?
Our team combines technical expertise with historical knowledge to restore landmarked properties while maintaining original character and meeting modern code requirements.
Can you explain your construction observation process?
We provide comprehensive construction phase monitoring, including material inspections, code compliance checks, and progress reporting to ensure quality execution of design intent.
What makes Hicks Architectural Group different from other firms?
Our 40+ years of local experience, LEED-certified professionals, and focus on technical problem-solving set us apart in delivering durable, aesthetically pleasing solutions.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we handle projects ranging from single-family homes to large commercial complexes, including high-rise buildings and multi-unit residential developments.