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Mark Eric Benner - Architects, Ltd.

The best predictor for reliable performance...

…is to hear the experience of others and understand the experience of those for whom we have performed work in the past.

We endeavor to support our client’s dreams. Together, we create the best design solutions and offer the best experience during design for our clients. We are truly honored when they share their testimonials and heartfelt passions.

We came to Mark with an idea of what the home we wanted to build should look like. He sat down with us and listened to our thoughts, our likes, dislikes, and most importantly took the time to understand our personalities. After a few working sessions, he showed us the drawings which were exactly what we were trying to convey. Additionally he took the paper drawings and turned them into a 3D model which allowed us to see what the home would look like inside and out.....it was quite astonishing. Mark has a knack for turning thoughts and feelings into a product, we are very happy he was recommended to us.

Gerard RizkallahGlenview, Illinois

Mark Benner designed an addition for my house. I found him to be an architect that made sure the design was what I had visioned it to be and wanted. He made sure I knew every detail of his drawings and if I wanted changes he was accommodating. It was a pleasure working with him and I was very pleased with my design. I would strongly recommend him as an architect.

Helen CunninghamEvanston, Illinois

Not only is Mark a delight to work with, he is resourceful, service driven, conscientious, and reliable. We have worked together on numerous occasions since 1995 and he always was immediately responsive and a man of his word. I hope that we have an opportunity to work together again.

Susan SchreiberRealtor & Developer

Over the years, I have had the pleasure to work with Mark on several fronts, including having his architectural talents in designing our family home in Riverwoods, Illinois. Mark is a creative, imaginative, thoughtful and on the cutting edge of BIM design. Mark Eric Benner Architects, Ltd. is poised for growth and any client or industry colleague would be benefit from working with his firm.

Wendy CohenPowerHouse SMART

I have had the pleasure of working with Mark on many successful projects. His expertise in a wide range of subject matter shined through project after project. He is very artistic, open minded, and always looking to ride the crest of the wave. Mark is a well seasoned architect who can handle any size of project from beginning to end and capable of working as an individual and as a great team member or leader. Mark was always generous in working together. His knowledge, intuitiveness and natural feel for working with the computer always astounded me.

Len Eckhoff, AIA, ALAArchitect, Designs by Len Eckhoff Architect

Mark is one of the most talented and hard working residential architects in the country. His consistent excellence helped drive Orren Pickell Builders to be a top Chicago area custom builder.

Ed SuchermanRealtor, Broker Associate at Baird & Warner Real Estate

Mark Benner was just terrific in all aspects for our major home reconstruction. Of all the architects interviewed, he was by far the best. He impressed from the initial meeting, brainstorming and sharing ideas with us, making our choice easy. He was extremely knowledgable, very innovative and worked with us on multiple iterations to be sure everything was just right. He also worked well with our contractor, providing invaluable guidance. The best part of Mark is that he's just easy and a pleasure to work with. Accommodating to our schedules, willing to come out mid-job for additional feedback, and truly an overall nice guy, we give him our highest recommendation.

Caryn AltmanHomeowner, Highland Park Remodel & Addition

As an interior designer, I am so grateful to have connected with Mark Benner! I recently worked with him on a Master Bath remodel, that involved drawings for a unique and challenging space plan and conceptual design. Mark, along with his state of the art and innovative drawing program allowed us to hone our vision so that now my client's dream bathroom is coming to life! Mark was so easy to work with, passionate about his work, and a terrific person. I highly recommend him.

Rebecca PogonitzInterior Designer, GOGO design group

Mark Benner is so great to work with. His creative talent, combined with brilliant technology savvy, especially with his unique computer aided drawing program, helped me bring my vision of a contemporary rustic master bathroom to life! It felt like magic, that's how effortless it was. His calm and kind demeanor, both around me and the rest of the project team, including my clients, brought a warm and positive energy to our project. I can't wait to work with Mark again.

Rebecca PogonitzInterior Designer, GOGO design group

Mark is an outstanding architect and professional. I love working with Mark on various projects to find the sweet spot for comfort and cost. Mark's ability to relate to owners and translating their needs and budget into their dream space! Mark has a superior understanding of design and functionality! In addition to Mark's architectural understanding, Mark is also a go to person for me when I need an introduction as his network is VAST!

Tom DeckerInsulation Contractor, Chicago Green Insulation

I have no adequate words to rave about Mark! We had maybe the ugliest split level house in the universe; he developed a creative solution (one that no other architect had previously thought of) and created a beautiful, open home which nearly doubled our living space. He is remarkably organized, economically and environmentally minded, and creative beyond measure. Additionally, he has a calm and kind manner which came in quite handy for managing contractors. Thank you, Mark!

Stephanie ZwillingHomeowner, "Un-Split Home Addition"

I built a custom home in Highland Park, designed by Mark and had a great experience.
Construction went well and the home turned out great.

Matt PollackGeneral Contractor, Red Rock Homes

Mark’s attention to detail and organization skills to bring him to the forefront of everything he does.

John AnstadtArchitect, trusted colleague

Habitat for Humanity

Washington Parish

As you look through Mark Eric Benner’s website, you see the talent and creativity of a very qualified architect and his firm. But I would like to speak to another side of this man whom I have learned has a very big heart.
Over the past year or so, I have worked with Eric on several projects. Eric is part of the Christian organization called Solid Rock Carpenters. Some of their work is chronicled on this site and at the Solid Rock Carpenter's website. This group helps build affordable houses for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to live in decent, safe, homes.
I have served as Executive Director and Construction Coordinator for Washington Habitat for Humanity in Washington Parish, LA. This is where and how I met Eric. The Solid Rock Carpenters wanted to help build about 12 houses in Franklinton and Bogalusa, LA. We have plans that we use that are simple and the drawings are elementary. Eric took those plans and “fleshed” them out, drawing additional wall sections and layouts that allowed people with limited experience to construct a house that not only exceeded building codes in this hurricane zone but allowed for creative approaches so we didn’t have a “cookie-cutter” type look in a neighborhood. As a person who has worked with volunteer construction teams for approximately 20 years, these complete drawings take out many potential problems and allow persons who volunteer to see great accomplishments at the end of a day’s work.
Eric did this without charge. I’m not sure what the monetary value of this service would be in today’s dollars; however, I see the perpetual value of his work for years to come. You see, because Eric took hours out of his busy schedule to create the complete working drawings for us, he took days out of construction when these house plans are used again. In other words, he will aid us in the future without making another drawing.
Another aspect of Eric’s work that isn’t often seen is his working knowledge of construction. Having worked with architects on building church buildings, I have seen drawings that are at times so complicated to construct that it was oblivious that the designer hadn’t used a hammer or built buildings before. Eric’s creativity is enhanced because he has built houses and other structures before. I saw Eric in the role of architect when we were completing our drawings. And then I saw Eric with the nail apron on, nailing together boards, leading a team to build these houses.
I wanted to write a little about Eric’s work beyond the professional portfolio that’s seen. I wanted to share about Eric’s principals and convictions. His professionalism is undergirded by his character. I am thankful to count Eric as a friend. His knowledge and experience are great assets, but his character and creativity compliment his whole approach. Thanks, Eric for what you do to make people’s lives better because you care and follow the Master Carpenter.

Rev. Jeffrey G. Pruett, Sr., M. Div.Director: Habitat for Humanity - Washington Parish