12/12 Architects & Planners

12/12 Architects is Cinda K. Lester and Henri M. LamBeau, a family of architects with an Illinois studio, designing exquisite Legacy Homes™ nationwide. We create custom estates shaped by water, wilderness, and sky, defined by timeless architecture, artisan detail, and enduring elegance. We design both legacy-level renovations and entirely new one-of-a-kind homes, translating real life (the mudroom chaos, holiday gatherings, and teen hangouts) into spaces that feel effortless, personal, and built to last. Every project is one-on-one, fully bespoke, and never templated. With nearly 25 years of experience, our work spans waterfronts, wooded properties, mountains, and desert landscapes across the United States. From our Illinois studio and our lake in Wisconsin, to our family outposts in the desert southwest, each project begins with a deep understanding of place and the families who will live there. We are licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin and work nationwide. Where local architectural licensure is required, we secure reciprocity through our NCARB certification to support a seamless process. In general, our projects fall into the following categories: * New custom homes starting at $1,500,000 * Additions starting at $500,000 * Interior renovations starting at $400,000 * Exterior improvements starting at $200,000 We also accept select smaller projects, including curb appeal studies, historic restoration, aging-in-place, and “Not So Big” homes, based on fit and availability. The process begins with The Story Session™, our signature on-site experience where we walk the land, study views, light, and approach, and translate your lifestyle into a clear vision for what your home can become. This step brings clarity, confidence, and momentum before design fully begins. Our full-service design fees are determined following an initial consultation and The Story Session™, and are outlined in a written Letter of Agreement. For families building on meaningful land or reimagining an existing home, we create homes that are not only beautiful but deeply personal and designed to endure for generations.