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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 of your schedule. The time to design your family’s new dream home is now. The 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 style and fulfills your family’s dreams.

As Chicago residential architects, Mark Eric Benner – Architects has 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.)

“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

Chicago Residential Architects Project Types

  • 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?

Design Communication in Your Language

Mark Eric Benner – Architects, Chicago residential architects, use advanced visual communication to ensure clarity, which enables confident and informed decision-making.

Without 3D communication tools, homeowners are expected to participate in the complex design process in a seemingly 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 Chicago residential architects using 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 and what may be expected of you.

Avoid the disappointment of reaching the finish line only to discover that essential 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 shelter for your family.

While our homes originated from simple shelters, today’s homes are responsible for much more. Our homes enrich our lives and offer comfort from extremes, security from unknowns, and the feeling of achievement. As Chicago residential architects, we help you 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 to create 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

For Chicago residential architects, 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 Building Information Modeling design. Mark Eric Benner Architects, Ltd. is poised for growth among Chicago residential architects 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Unsure about how Chicago residential architects help you to design your perfect home?

home with friends

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

Great, you’re ready to begin designing your new custom home and considering Chicago residential architects. 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. As Chicago residential architects, 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