Chicago Residential Architects

To design your dream home

We create uniquely personal living spaces for your family's dream home

Couple at home

Our homes play a crucial role in our family's lives

Thoughts of change feel bewildering

Reluctance is understandable

Are you feeling lost? Or, are you unsure where to start? Perhaps you’re worried about the cost and demands on your schedule? The time to design your family’s new dream home is now. Trouble is, you’ve heard the horror stories.

That beautiful home you’ve been dreaming of occupies your thoughts and those of your family. You won’t feel satisfied until your home reflects your personal style and fulfills your family’s dreams.

I’ve helped dozens of families, like yours, express their uniquely-personal style and realize their vision. Together, we will create or transform your environment into the home you’ve always dreamed of.
(And yes, we can help you to impress your friends and family.)

Book your Clarity Call today

“Mark was terrific in all aspects for our major home reconstruction. Of all the architects interviewed, he was by far the best. We give him our highest recommendation.”

Caryn AltmanHomeowner, Highland Park Remodel & Addition

Services to benefit every family & home

  • New Construction: beginning from scratch for a totally customized solution for your family
  • Home Addition: adding new functionality to your existing home to accommodate changes in your lifestyle
  • Whole-Home Renovation: a completely new expression of your existing home’s feel & function
  • Property Evaluation: we reveal the development potential of the properties being considered
Creative team
Why work with us?

Creative design solutions with hands-on experience

Unique design solutions to your family’s space challenges with practical outcomes. A great design is worthless if it is unbuildable or too costly.

You need to balance the project scope with your investment. We help you do so using creative & constructible designs.

Why work with us?

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Advanced visual communication ensures clarity which enables confident and informed decision making.

Without 3D tools, clients are expected to participate in the design process using what seems like a foreign language.

building information modeling architects and contractors work together
home with friends
Why work with us?

Documented process with a curated design team

Work with a step-by-step process, a well-worn path, and a coordinated team, curated for your project’s specific needs. Know what to expect from your team, as well as what may be expected of you.

Avoid the disappointment of reaching the finish line, only to discover that important elements have been omitted. Thinking big picture from the start ensures that your home considers landscaping, interior finishes, and unique needs.

The Big Picture Success Plan

Chicago

Residential

Architects…

we understand your home is much more than simply shelter for your family.

While the origin of our homes arose from simple shelters, today’s homes are responsible for much more. Our homes enrich our lives, offer comfort from extremes, security from unknowns, and the feeling of achievement. As Chicago residential architects, we help you to craft every space to harmoniously meet the needs of your entire family now and into the future.

Step 1: Clarity Call

A free 15-minute call to explore your project goals and determine the fit for us to work together in the creation of your new dream home.

  • Discuss your most pressing issues
  • Learn about the typical process
Clarity Call

Step 2: ClearScope Review

The ClearScope Review is our tool to get organized and lay the groundwork for success. Our goal is for you to create your dream home on-time and on-budget. Through this early planning process we help you to better understand:

  • Identify family’s needs
  • Determine development boundaries
  • Assess likely solution options
  • Create construction cost estimate
ClearScope Review

Step 3: Pre-Design

During Pre-Design we flesh-out your wish list, determine the boundaries for development, identify the design and build team, and prepare to begin design.

Pre-design planning

Step 4: Schematic Design

With a clear understanding of the development boundaries, we now begin the Schematic Design phase to exercise options and explore design solutions.

Design meeting

Step 5: Design Development

During the Design Development phase, we have a solid design direction and now begin to flesh out the details which become the foundation of enjoyment and value of your home.

Design Development

Step 6: Construction Documents

Things are really looking good now. Construction Documents phase, we are adding fine details and descriptions of the work as well as incorporating consultant work.

Construction Documents building information modeling

Step 7: Construction Administration

The planning and approvals are all wrapped up and it is now time to begin building. From site work and demolition through rough-framing and all of the trades, and finally concluding with your dream home, we are with you every step of the way. As the creators of the design, we are perfectly positioned to offer guidance during construction to ensure adherence to the design intent as well as proper construction methods.

building information modeling architects and contractors work together

Don’t Settle

It’s Your Home

A home that confines your options, or worse, one that neglects your values, fails your family, preventing them from living their full potential.

The right home makes the most of you –
Let’s get you into the right home.

You’ll not only be surrounded by beauty you’ve dreamed of,
you’ll also be proud to show it off.

Our clients love us...
here's why!

“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

“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

“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"

Quality Design

  • Building Information Modeling (BIM)
  • Coordinated & Curated Team
  • Long Design Experience
  • Practical Construction
  • Interactive Design

Advanced Communication

  • Digital Design Communication
  • Online Design Research
  • Custom Client Portal
  • Independent Cost Estimates
Book you Clarity Call today

Frequently Asked Questions

Unsure about how a Chicago residential architect helps you to design your perfect home?

There are so many architects

Why not just select the cheapest?

Choose Value

One of the most frequently asked questions. Cheapest doesn’t necessarily mean the best value. Rarely does it. Your architect amplifies your investments of time and money maximizing the home’s value. Investments in proper planning, drive up your home’s value.

What Question

do most architects fail to ask which takes your home from good to great?

How

should this space feel?

Will you help me

with the building permit?

Yes

You will need architectural drawings to obtain a building permit. We know the municipal (zoning & building) codes, the code officials, the rules and standards, and the process to expedite rapidly through the permit review phases.

What does

an architect do, anyway?

Partner and collaborator

in creating your new home. Spaces are aligned with your program in the optimal arrangement. Then communicate the design, procuring the building permit, and supporting your builder.

Won't my home cost more

if I hire an architect?

Budget is controlled by you,

not the architect. In reality, the architect works with you to meet all of your goals, including design, budget, and schedule to reveal the very best value.

Will I be working with you,

or a staff member?

I am personally involved,

with every project at every stage and commit to giving each project the time and creative attention required for a successful outcome. Some may assign projects to less experienced staff members.

Can you help us

find the right builder?

You bet

I am happy to introduce you to the excellent builders on my pre-qualified list of General Contractors

How are fees

determined for my project?

We have options

Architects usually charge a percentage of the total project cost, anywhere from 5%-20%. We may also consider fees based on square footage or on a time & materials basis.

Do I need

3D design for my home?

Don’t design without 3D

Traditional 2D architectural drawings require skill and experience to fully understand. 3D tools enable clear communication without having to learn a foreign language.
home with friends

Ok, I'm ready. What's next?

Great, you’re ready to begin designing your new custom home. We need to gather your inspiration and goals. You may have already begun to assemble some of these items:

  • Sketches
  • Plat of survey
  • Floor plans
  • Photographs
  • More

Begin to formulate your budget and timeline expectations. We’ll work with you to bring these into focus. Check out our
Rapid Project Planning Pack
to make ready for the first steps.

Book your Clarity Call today