--- title: "Orren Pickell Building Group — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/orren-pickell-building-group-pfvwus-pf~1098920947 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1098920947.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Orren Pickell Building Group" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4903bd020f58e7fe_8530-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "444 Skokie Blvd., Suite 200, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, United States" latitude: 42.0765 longitude: -87.7246 phone: "(847) 572-5200" website: http:// rating: 4.9 review_count: 44 best_of_houzz_awards: 21 followers: 1017 last_updated: 2026-08-23 --- # Orren Pickell Building Group Original Houzz profile: [Orren Pickell Building Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/orren-pickell-building-group-pfvwus-pf~1098920947) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Wilmette, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Mount Prospect, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Park Ridge, Wheeling, Northbrook, Elk Grove Village, Niles, Highland Park, Wilmette, Vernon Hills, Morton Grove, Lake Forest, Deerfield, Hinsdale, Norridge, Lincolnwood, Winnetka, Glencoe, Lincolnshire, Northfield, Highwood, Olympia Fields, Rosemont, Riverwoods, Kenilworth, Bannockburn, Mettawa, Golf, Fort Sheridan, Glenview Nas, Harbor Country MI, Lake Geneva WI - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (44 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 21 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves For nearly 50 years, Orren Pickell has enjoyed a reputation for excellence as one of Chicago’s best luxury custom home design/build firms. In addition to our design/build team, we offer full-service remodeling, maintenance, and custom cabinetry. Orren Pickell Design Group – Luxury custom home designs are uniquely tailored to fit each client’s wants and needs. After more than a decade running his own practice and 20+ more designing high-end homes and commercial spaces, Thomas Pins joined the Orren Pickell Building Group as president and lead architect in 2019. Orren Pickell Remodeling Group - If you want to upgrade your current home, Orren Pickell Remodeling Group handles whole house remodels, home additions and expansions, kitchen remodels, basement renovations, and other interior remodeling projects. Orren Pickell Maintenance Group - These experienced professionals are called upon to perform all levels of home repair. From the completion of each “punch-list” item after a new home closes, to an annual preventive maintenance program, their efforts and commitment to our clients keep each custom home in optimum condition inside and out. From initial architectural concepts through move-in, we provide exceptional service to homeowners and clients in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and beyond. Find out why working with a second-generation custom home builder means a better experience from start to finish. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Kitchen Remodeling - Home Additions - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Design - Home Extensions - Bathroom Design - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - Home Restoration - Basement Design - Laundry Room Design - Space Planning - Home Gym Design & Construction - Historic Building Conservation - Home Theater Design ### Areas Served - Chicago - Evanston - Skokie - Mount Prospect - Glenview - Buffalo Grove - Park Ridge - Wheeling - Northbrook - Elk Grove Village - Niles - Highland Park - Wilmette - Vernon Hills - Morton Grove - Lake Forest - Deerfield - Hinsdale - Norridge - Lincolnwood - Winnetka - Glencoe - Lincolnshire - Northfield - Highwood - Olympia Fields - Rosemont - Riverwoods - Kenilworth - Bannockburn - Mettawa - Golf - Fort Sheridan - Glenview Nas - Harbor Country MI - Lake Geneva WI ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - 5,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Orren Pickell Building Group | | Address | 444 Skokie Blvd., Suite 200, Wilmette, Illinois 60091, United States | | Phone | (847) 572-5200 | | Website | http:// | | Followers on Houzz | 1017 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/orrenpickell/ - Blog — https://www.pickellbuilders.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Orren Pickell Building Group](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/orren-pickell-building-group-pfvwus-pf~1098920947) - **Website:** http:// - **Phone:** (847) 572-5200 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - -Best of Houzz Design Award 2013-2020 - **Best of Houzz:** 21 awards (2013–2026), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 44 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 46.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Kim Spolarich, March 2022** > We just finished a full kitchen remodel with OPB and could not be happier! > > The project went smoothly from our first design meetings through actual construction. During the height of the pandemic no less! Our initial meetings with Eric Pickell were informative and easy, everything was answered and explained at all times. Krista Benton did the design and cabinet work; she and her team were amazing. Krista went beyond the minimum to help us choose paint, handles and everything in between. Our construction manager Kurt Stealy was always at the house and made the whole process as easy as gutting your kitchen can be. > > We built a new house with OPB in 1999 and knew from that experience that we were getting the best in construction and attention to detail. We love everything about our new kitchen and strongly recommend OPB! **★★★★★ — Patrick Falso, Oct. 2021** > I hired Orren Pickell for home maintenance and they always do excellent work. I love that with one call they can schedule multiple sub-contractors. I will absolutely call them again. **★★★★★ — amy bickers, Dec. 2020** > I have a city loft with a lot of character, but limited space that was in need of kitchen update. OPBG was referred to me via a friend based on a new program they were launching to help create a quick, yet customized/stylistic approach and solution. The process from introduction, planning, contracting to execution was seamless in terms of team vision, timelines and communication throughout the project. I particularly appreciated the designer consult and I was able to rely on the suggestions of selections offered, which made it fun and enjoyable, not overwhelming. Additionally, I found the client portal and my communication with the project supervisor very helpful in staying abreast of daily progress. I have never enjoyed being at home more and I would highly recommend working with the OPBG regardless of the size of your home project! **★★★★★ — Jean Lachowicz, April 2020** > We just wanted to send you a note to thank you for the great job on our bathroom. We are so grateful that it was able to be finished when it was, before all of this chaos happened, and so grateful to have such a lovely bathroom at a time when we are spending all of our time at home. > > Take good care, and I'm sure we'll have another project in the future when things become less difficult. **★★★★★ — barb3alan, Dec. 2018** > Orren Pickell Buillders updated the exterior of my house and brought it into the current century. It looks amazing....well designed by their design team and well executed by their builders. We love it. **★★★★★ — Alysha & Brian Fluno, Nov. 2018** > Our home is really well built and designed. Gold Key award winner! Floor plan works great for both day to day family activities addition to entertaining. Happy we did it “the right way”. Great job Orren Pickell Team! **★★★★★ — gtflaherty, Dec. 2017** > Outstanding work from start to finish on our wine cellar and tasting room. We wanted to bring in the original stone work to the cellar so that it would blend in with the rest of the home, yet have the look and feel of a special place. OP was able to bring back the original mason and help create a truly unique room that flows nicely yet has a magic of its own. Strong attention to detail and high quality products throughout. **★★★★★ — Cydney Weisberg, Nov. 2017** > Orren Pickell Building Group has everything you want for a successful project. > From the Architect, Project Managers, cabinet makers, floor installers, dry wallers > to the clean-up crew all tops in their profession. Our Living-room is a Masterpiece. > The best part is they finished the project the date they committed for completion. > We have also used Orren Pickell Building Group for smaller projects and repairs. > They have never disappointed us. We highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — paul toback, Nov. 2017** > OP is a great group of professionals. They build us an amazing and award winning custom home right out of our imagination. They also provide great ongoing maintenance service. They are available day and night and have come to our rescue for issues (unrelated to the quality of the house) many times over the years. **★★★★★ — Cynthia Fricas, Nov. 2017** > Pickell Builders is a fantastic company! They have remodeled our home. Then we Had them do a fantastic addition. Their work is high quality and they are very customer focused. > Last year we called them to help with a perplexing problem with a friends house after a contractor had no idea how to fix it. They diagnosed the problem and fixed it! > We highly recommend them! **★★★★★ — Deborah Zage, Nov. 2017** > We built an Orren Pickell home 18 years ago and have loved it! The company builds a very high-quality home and is exceedingly responsive to any issues or need the clients have. We have used the maintenance program over the years, which only adds value to our house and keeps it running in tip top shape. We would highly recommend Orren Pickell Building Group. **★★★★★ — cloonan, Nov. 2017** > Very attentive, responsive, timely, spot on. All home construction should be this good! I would absolutely recommend this company to anyone any time. ## Selected projects - [The Attic That Changed Everything](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-attic-that-changed-everything-pj-vj~7878852) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: From Maids' Quarters to the Happiest Part in the Home When the owners bought their three-story home, the top floor seemed to belong to a different house. They decided to turn it into a sanctuary for guests and reached out to Orren Pickell Building Group through a family connection who had worked with the team before. When the house was built nearly a century ago, it was as if the space hadn't been incorporated at all. None of the finishes matched—even a different wood was used. A "weird" window… - [Inverness Pool House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inverness-pool-house-pj-vj~7558454) - Location: Inverness, IL - Photos: 5 - Description: "Every 12 years, we take on a major project," joked the homeowner. It's true. In 2001, Orren Pickell Building Group built the family's home, returning in 2012 to collaborate with the owners on a sunroom addition. In 2024, a gracious pool house, new pool and stunning landscaping made the Inverness property even more idyllic. "Once we were certain this would be our forever home, we decided it was time to add the pool we'd been talking about," explained the couple, who weren't sure they'd stay in t… - [South Shore Club Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-shore-club-residence-pj-vj~7197523) - Location: Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, WI - Photos: 16 - [Hinsdale Exterior Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hinsdale-exterior-makeover-pj-vj~7172884) - Location: Hinsdale, IL - Photos: 8 - Description: Viewed side-by-side in before-and-after photos, the change is stunning. But it can be challenging to pick out all the small (and not-so-small) exterior edits that make this Hinsdale home spectacular. Built as a ranch, past owners had expanded with a second floor and rear addition. The current owners were happy with the structure but wanted to give it more character and make it their own. Streetside changes enhance curb appeal A key request, larger windows to provide views of the home's manicured… - [Elmhurst Traditional Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elmhurst-traditional-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~7558344) - Location: Elmhurst, IL - Photos: 4 - Description: A radiant 2020s kitchen for a 1950s Elmhurst home A lifelong friend of the Pickell family, when Barb casually mentioned that instead of moving things around to accommodate a new oven, she should just redo the kitchen, Tina Pickell's response was swift. "Absolutely!" was all she had to say. When they moved into their home more than 40 years ago, the first thing Barbara and Keith did was update the 1950s-era kitchen. Since then, they've upgraded and added on to the home, while the kitchen continue… - [Twin Lakes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/twin-lakes-pj-vj~7197513) - Location: Twin Lakes, WI - Photos: 32 - Description: As much as they love their stylish Chicago lakefront condo, the pandemic, an expanding family and recollections of raising children on a lake in Southeastern Wisconsin made Jill and Steve turn their attention toward a second home in Wisconsin. "I have great memories of summers on a lake," offers Jill, "and we wanted a place where we could have our whole family under one roof." Twin Lakes offered the perfect setting—close enough to Chicago to keep the drive short and encourage brief getaways, pro… - [Mettawa Illinois French Country Home by Orren Pickell](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mettawa-illinois-french-country-home-by-orren-pickell-pj-vj~4427185) - Location: Mettawa, IL - Photos: 42 - Description: https://www.pickellbuilders.com This 4,300 sq. ft. French country home is set on an exquisite, 5 acre, partially wooded lot backing up to the Old School Forest Preserve in Mettawa. Its Old World exterior features a combination of rustic stone, over-sized brick and full masonry stucco, with rough sawn stained cedar trim, brackets and shutters, and standing seam copper roof details and gutters. The first floor features a circular floor plan that centers around a two story foyer with mill made whit… - [Mettawa Contemporary Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mettawa-contemporary-ranch-pj-vj~7448774) - Location: Mettawa, IL - Photos: 30 - Description: Downsizing into the Perfect Ranch Home With their four kids grown and married, the timing was right when this couple was approached by someone who wanted to buy their home. Realizing they no longer needed the Gold Key-winning, 11,000-square-feet architectural masterpiece they'd built with Orren Pickell years before, they took the offer and started thinking about where to live next. They pinpointed a conservation area nearby that offered beautiful views and open space. "We'd been talking with Orr… - [Colorful Lake Forest Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colorful-lake-forest-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~7172827) - Location: Lake Forest, IL - Photos: 4 - Description: While planning to redesign her kitchen herself, Stacey hit a wall. She had already ordered appliances but got stuck on where to place things. She reached out to the Pickell team for help. "They drew up a floor plan and I was in shock—I never would have thought of it," offers Stacey. "Everything had been clustered near a window." Instead, moving the range, enlarging a window, shifting the island and completely rethinking the flow makes the space feel entirely new. After five years in their Lake F… - [Mettawa Screen Porch Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mettawa-screen-porch-addition-pj-vj~7172931) - Location: Libertyville, IL - Photos: 4 - Description: After living in their custom Pickell home for more than ten years, the family decided to add a screened-in porch as a mosquito-free place to relax and take in their spectacular, naturally landscaped five-acre property. Naturally, they wanted to ensure that the addition reflected the quality and look of the original home. A covered, screened walkway connects the new space to the great room while allowing views in all four directions. Exterior finishes thoughtfully link the spaces—the steep, 14/12… - [Sunroom Addition in Wilmette Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunroom-addition-in-wilmette-illinois-pj-vj~7071525) - Location: Wilmette, IL - Photos: 8 - Description: When Rob bought his Wilmette home, he was already envisioning the "after" images in his mind. "When I saw the screened porch, I thought, 'This room is so great, it should be an all-year space—and it needs a fireplace,'" recalls Rob. He'd also already pinpointed a few other upgrades, including an updated bathroom, and building out a new fitness room and office in the basement. "Even my dear friend, who is a designer, thought I should live in it for a while. She thought that I'd eventually love th… - [Chicago Loft Style Kitchen and Bath Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-loft-style-kitchen-and-bath-remodel-pj-vj~7071461) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 7 - Description: Sometimes, the only thing harder than living with an out-of-date kitchen is contemplating the remodeling process. Fortunately, the Pickell Rapid Remodel program made it easy for this client to get her head around costs and timing, and have a new kitchen installed within weeks of working out the design. "I have a city loft with a lot of character, but the kitchen needed updating," the client, Amy, explains. "A friend told me about Orren Pickell Building Group and a new program they were launching… - [Kenilworth Attic Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kenilworth-attic-transformation-pj-vj~6835078) - Location: Kenilworth, IL - Photos: 22 - Description: As her daughters outgrew their toys, Kat knew she wanted to upgrade her Kenilworth home's third floor to give them a space of their own. Working with a designer to update two bedrooms and turn a third playroom into a teen-friendly hangout, she was introduced to the Pickell team. In addition to helping bring the design to life, the Pickell team was able to address challenges behind the walls—upgrading electrical and insulation, as well as reconfiguring closets to redistribute storage space. "We t… - [Award-Winning Winnetka Master Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-winnetka-master-suite-pj-vj~6832916) - Location: Winnetka, IL - Photos: 24 - Description: In spite of its amazing lakefront location, this Winnetka home had been on the market for some time. Most people found the layout too quirky, but Jenny and Craig saw possibilities—they knew they had the vision to make the home their own. Over time, they transformed most of the home—adding and updating bedrooms, the kitchen and family room, a pool and more. But the master suite remained a sticking point. Furniture didn't fit. Sinks lacked basic storage. The shower sprayed out into the bathroom. T… - [Glenview Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glenview-custom-home-pj-vj~6825125) - Location: Glenview, IL - Photos: 15 - Description: While living as expats in Hong Kong, this couple purchased an older home in Glenview. They planned to rent it out, then tear it down and build custom when they were ready to return to the US. After searching online and reading reviews, the family chose Orren Pickell for the design and build. "It was a unique experience," homeowner Scott recalls. After all, while he was able to travel back to meet with the team from time to time, the design phase was handled mostly virtually. The owners had clear… - [Chicago Kitchen Remodel with Basement Wine Wall Upgrade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-kitchen-remodel-with-basement-wine-wall-upgrade-pj-vj~6824929) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 8 - Description: This northside home, built in 2017, had everything most families want. But after living in it for a while, the owners realized it just wasn't functional for their lifestyle. Issues with water in the basement provided the push they needed to make some changes. Once the family started thinking about upgrades, they keyed in on a few areas to address. "The kitchen had a peninsula that just didn't work for us. We wanted a long island, where the kids could have breakfast or we could have friends over… - [Fulton Market Condo Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fulton-market-condo-remodel-pj-vj~6824780) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 13 - Description: There was nothing wrong with the condo. However, built in 2007, its standard, low-quality finishes were showing their age and layout didn't make a lot of sense. Enter the Pickell team, with an ability to see the tremendous impact a few minor shifts and brand new finishes could make. This soft loft conversion in Chicago's Fulton Market neighborhood features two bedrooms and two baths in 1,500 s.f. The client had a short wish list—new fixtures and finishes throughout, a walk-in shower to replace t… - [Northfield Custom Home by Orren Pickell](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northfield-custom-home-by-orren-pickell-pj-vj~6825828) - Location: Northfield, IL - Photos: 13 - Description: Stately yet warm, expansive yet welcoming, this 7,000 s.f. home on a large corner lot is designed for hospitality. Guests can stay in a full suite on the main floor or choose one of three on the second level, well away from the owners' own suite, complete with private sitting area and bar. A second-floor exercise room is situated nearby for easy access and motivation. The kitchen is distinct from any Pickell has designed before. Cooking takes place out of sight of the great room, in a semi-enclo… - [First Floor Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/first-floor-makeover-pj-vj~6608633) - Location: Lake Forest, IL - Photos: 14 - Description: It all began with the grout in their 30-year-old ceramic tile countertops. "We went from replacing the grout to renovating two-thirds of our first floor," recalls Ann. The Lake Forest home Ann and Mike purchased in 1991 has worked beautifully for them, but it hadn't been renovated since they moved in. It was time to replace the dark oak that defined the spaces, open up the home's flow and upgrade cabinets and appliances. The couple reached out to Fontana, Wisconsin-based interior designer Susan… - [Lake Forest Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-forest-modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~6580897) - Location: Lake Forest, IL - Photos: 16 - Description: Myretta and Glenn were driving through Lake Forest one Sunday when they saw a sales trailer for a new development and decided to stop in. "We were looking to downsize," explains Myretta. "We wanted a first-floor master bedroom and something maintenance-free." The trailer had just opened, making them the first to buy one of the 12 luxury single-family homes created in collaboration with Orren Pickell Building Group and Focus Development. The couple selected the four-bedroom Morris model and got t… [See all 117 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/orren-pickell-building-group-pfvwus-pf~1098920947) ## Community Q&A **Q: Exactly what we r looking for** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello. Can you help direct me on how to get started with locating a cabinet line that is doors like this. The local Home Depot does not seem to carry a line that has doors like this. Thank you Scott A: Hello Scott, Thank you for the question, the cabinets featured in this photograph are Brookhaven by Wood-Mode, Presidio Recessed Door style, Maple wood, Lace finish. Depending on where you are located a Wood-Mode Design Center can help you design and order a system similar to these. Unfortunately, most large box stores are not going to carry custom cabinetry such as these. Thank you, Orren Pickell Building Group **Q: Can we tell what type of metal roof this is?** *(in Photo Questions)* Metal roof looks so beautiful! Can someone point out if it's 24GA / 26GA thick and if that matters. Trying to get a new roof and any insight would be great! Thank you! A: Hello and thank you for the question, this roof is Una-Clad Kynar in Charcoal Gray, set over Tamko high temperature metal roof underlayment. This roof is 24GA and that is typical of the metal standing seam roofs that we do, going to 26GA would save some money, however, there is the risk of lowering the lifespan of the roof by using a lighter material. **Q: where did you find the pendant light?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where did you find the pendant light A: Thank you for the question, the pendant lights are Tech Lighting TD Harper Pendant, Smoke/Black https://www.houzz.com/products/tech-lighting-td-harper-pendant-smoke-black-prvw-vr~80084654 **Q: design of hidden door?** *(in Photo Questions)* What type/thickness of door was used here? A: Hello thank you for the question, the hidden doors in this home were solid core MDF 1-3/8" Thick the shiplap and baseboard detail were installed in the field to match the milwork on the walls and site finished together. **Q: Can you provide information on where you got the chimney pots?** *(in Photo Questions)* I live in Lake Forest and would appreciate information on where I could get historic looking chimney pots on the North Shore or Chicago. Thanks so much! A: Hello, and thank you for the question. Typically we partner with our Masonry contractors to assist in selecting clay chimney pots and help our clients decide which style they would like to go with. A great source that our design team uses for inspiration and our Masonry contractors also use is Superior Clay and they have a great website to view many options. https://www.superiorclay.com/chimney-pots/ **Q: I love this laundry room/office!** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the dimensions of the room please? A: Hello and thank you for the question, we are so glad you love this space! It is beautiful and efficiently laid out. The overall Length of the room from the entry hallway(behind) to the windows over the desk is 13' 4" and the width is 8' 10". --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-23.*