Architects • La Grange, Illinois
We design light‑filled homes, adaptable workplaces, and civic spaces across Chicagoland. Our studio balances craft, code, and construction economics so every square foot works hard—beautifully and sustainably.
Who we are
Think Studio Architecture is a boutique practice based in La Grange, Illinois. We specialize in human‑centered residential additions, adaptive reuse for small businesses, and community‑scale projects that respect neighborhood fabric.
Our drawings are buildable on day one: coordinated with structural systems, energy details, and the actual cost realities of Chicagoland construction. We model every project in 3D to stress‑test light, layout, and life‑safety before a single wall moves.
The studio is intentionally small so principals stay hands‑on—from the first site walk to the punch list. We love solving messy constraints: landmark parcels, tight lots, layered zoning, and impossible basements.
Most of all, we measure success by how you live in the space six months after move‑in: less clutter, more daylight, and a plan that flexes as your family or business grows.
What we do
Three core offerings cover the full journey from napkin sketch to final inspection. Each service includes transparent milestone pricing and coordination with the village and trades.
We craft additions, gut renovations, and new homes that maximize natural light and storage on Chicago‑area lots. Our plans are detailed to speed permitting in La Grange, Western Springs, and neighboring jurisdictions. Expect energy‑forward envelopes, flexible rooms, and kitchens built for real life.
For owners and tenants, we convert underused shells into efficient studios, clinics, and boutique retail. We coordinate structural, MEP, and egress early so build‑outs price accurately. Brand, acoustics, and wayfinding are integrated—not bolted on at the end.
We help churches, libraries, and non‑profits upgrade welcome areas, accessibility, and multipurpose rooms. Our phased construction strategies keep programs open while work proceeds. Grant‑ready drawings and straightforward narratives make board approvals easier.
Why partners choose us
Our sets spell out structure, egress, and energy compliance so plan reviewers spend less time guessing. Faster approvals reduce finance carrying costs and contractor idle time.
We run quantity takeoffs from the 3D model to validate budgets at schematic design. Real numbers beat wishful thinking—scope stays aligned with your investment from month one.
Additions respect setbacks, daylight to adjacent yards, and facade rhythm. Your project looks like it always belonged on the street—because we design it that way.
Our mission
We believe good architecture removes friction. Hallways align with morning traffic, kitchens host homework and soup, and community rooms change roles four times a day without chaos.
Our addition studies test sun angles, stair safety, and storage inches before we touch the roof. We track embodied carbon on structural options and publish trade‑offs with costs so your family chooses with clarity.
Over years, we’ve built a library of details for basements, dormers, and porch rebuilds that pass local review. That playbook lowers risk and speeds construction for everyone involved.
How we work
We visit the site, listen to needs, and outline constraints. You receive a brief with options, a target budget, and a fixed‑fee proposal. If we’re the right fit, we sign and get you on the calendar.
We iterate in 3D with live screenshares so decisions are clear. The set is coordinated for structure, energy, and code; then we manage village submittal and responses until the permit is issued.
We support bidding, answer RFIs, and visit the site at milestones. When work completes, you get updated as‑builts, maintenance notes, and photography if desired.
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