--- title: "Mark A. Miller Architects/Builders Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mark-a-miller-architects-builders-inc-pfvwus-pf~1258667086 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1258667086.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Mark A. Miller Architects/Builders Inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3bc390050116be8f_5072-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "6821 N. Wildwood, Chicago, Illinois 60646, United States" latitude: 41.993 longitude: -87.7596 phone: "(773) 764-3569" website: http://www.zenplusarchitecture.com rating: 4.8 review_count: 6 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 109 last_updated: 2026-09-16 --- # Mark A. Miller Architects/Builders Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Mark A. Miller Architects/Builders Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mark-a-miller-architects-builders-inc-pfvwus-pf~1258667086) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Chicago, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Glenview, Elmhurst, Park Ridge, Wheeling, Northbrook, Niles, Wilmette, Morton Grove, Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, Westchester, Norridge, Lincolnwood, Winnetka, River Grove, Glencoe, Hillside, Broadview, Northfield, Berkeley, Rosemont, Kenilworth, Golf, Amf Ohare, Anywhere in the World, Glenview Nas - **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (6 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2014), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Our studio specializes in energy efficient residential and light commercial projects. We have had the opportunity to build many of our designs over the years, and this practical experience brings a realistic cost/benefit sensibility to our design work. Natural light and a good sense of "flow" are common themes for us—we strive to bring the indoors out and the outdoors in. Combining this eastern spirit of balance with modern western architecture is our unique hallmark. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Space Planning ### Areas Served - Chicago - Evanston - Skokie - Des Plaines - Mount Prospect - Glenview - Elmhurst - Park Ridge - Wheeling - Northbrook - Niles - Wilmette - Morton Grove - Elmwood Park - Franklin Park - Westchester - Norridge - Lincolnwood - Winnetka - River Grove - Glencoe - Hillside - Broadview - Northfield - Berkeley - Rosemont - Kenilworth - Golf - Amf Ohare - Anywhere in the World - Glenview Nas ### Typical Job Cost Download our newsletter from the "News" section of our website! ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Mark A. Miller Architects/Builders Inc. | | Address | 6821 N. Wildwood, Chicago, Illinois 60646, United States | | Phone | (773) 764-3569 | | Website | http://www.zenplusarchitecture.com | | License Number | 001-014713 | | Followers on Houzz | 109 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Mark A. Miller Architects/Builders Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mark-a-miller-architects-builders-inc-pfvwus-pf~1258667086) - **Website:** http://www.zenplusarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (773) 764-3569 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certified Passive House Consultant; PHIUS Certified Builder; Green Homes For Chicago Competition Winner w/ Nathan Kipnis Architects - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2014), for Service. **Affiliations** - [UA CAPLA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ua-capla-pfvwus-pf~2047858622) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 6 reviews** ### All 6 reviews **★★★★ — amypearl, March 2016** > When we hired Mark Miller to update our kitchen and we were so pleased with his beautiful designs we hired him to make us a bedroom suite. That was at least fifteen years ago and I would work with him to design a house for us if the opportunity arose and he would be the first person I called if we did any other renovations or expansions. **★★★★★ — Tom Bassett-Dilley Architect, Ltd., Dec. 2015** > Mark Miller is a great professional and a great human being. His ability to listen and to connect with people informs his excellent design sense, allowing each project to fit its owners' personality and needs. His training as a Certified Passive House Consultant and Passive Certified Builder make him a one-of-a-kind expert in the Chicago area, able to not only design the most energy-efficient buildings, but also to build them. **★★★★★ — Bridgid Ellingson Rooney, Nov. 2013** > I hired Mark Miller to design my new physical therapy office- with a three month deadline and a modest budget. Mark was able to not only design the space to meet all of our practical needs, but he created a beautiful, peaceful, healing space that far exceeded my expectations. Mark was also able to creatively deal with challenges that came up while working with the builders and the landlord. He was a big help with sourcing materials. I couldn't be happier with my new office and I highly recommend Mark A. Miller Architects. **★★★★★ — davisgodgrace, Nov. 2013** > I hired Mark Miller to renovate my 10,000 square office building. He carved out 3,000 square feet for my office area, and left the rest raw to meet my warehousing needs. Mark and I had many discussions about what I envisioned for my business in this new space. Mark transformed my vision into a working area that promotes innovation, communication, creativity, team work, and drive. The beauty that Mark created has improved my company morale, which has helped improve my sales and profitability. I would not hesitate to work with Mark again in the future. I am grateful to him every time I go to work. **★★★★★ — eyesonmaui, Nov. 2013** > I love my house, and I thank Mark Miller. > > We purchased a victorian, two-flat building with the plan to convert it to a single family dwelling. We didn't quite know what we were in for, which is probably a good thing. However, having Mark on our side as our primary architect made the process fun, exciting, and manageable when the going got tough. > > Mark's ability to listen to our needs and vision while creating plans we could have never conjured up on our own was priceless. His ideas were original and smart, and worked beautifully during the construction process. > > Mark is a pleasure to work with. His integrity is always at the forefront of his interactions. I trusted him throughout our entire project. > > I look forward to moving on to other projects for our home and calling on Mark for his ingenuity and creativity. **★★★★★ — vwalden, Nov. 2013** > Mark Miller is a uniquely talented individual. Not only is he an excellent and capable architect, he is incredibly easy to work with. Transforming our 120 year-old, one-story house into a two-story was no small project, but Mark handled the entire event with professionalism and care. His simple and elegant design worked within the parameters of our tight budget, and magically matched the character of our Victorian ground floor while also bringing in a modern sensibility. The effect is so seamless that visitors don't believe us when we tell them the upstairs didn't exist when we bought the house. > > Mark found us an amazing general contractor (as well as an artisan carpenter to build the staircase), but he remained very involved and available throughout construction. The stress that comes with tearing your beloved house apart cannot be overstated, never mind the unexpected obstacles that inevitably come up in an old house under construction. Without Mark's deep well of calm and his practical problem-solving solutions for each stage of the project, my husband and I would still be in therapy. All kidding aside, he is an architect of great skill and a wonderful person. I cannot recommend him highly enough. ## Selected projects - [Lakeside Net Zero Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-net-zero-passive-house-pj-vj~7112322) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Kohl Renovation/Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kohl-renovation-addition-pj-vj~424487) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Popielarz Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/popielarz-residence-pj-vj~155015) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [9631 Tripp](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/9631-tripp-pj-vj~166812) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Boyce English Conservatory Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boyce-english-conservatory-addition-pj-vj~164162) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Matson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/matson-residence-pj-vj~155031) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 [See all 6 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mark-a-miller-architects-builders-inc-pfvwus-pf~1258667086) ## Ideabooks - [My New Home Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184622126/list/my-new-home-project) — 3 ideas - [Ring Arts and Crafts Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180251875/list/ring-arts-and-crafts-exterior) — 9 ideas - [Jacob's Cabin Taxidermy Display Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/179913111/list/jacob-s-cabin-taxidermy-display-ideas) — 3 ideas - [Jacab](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/179913136/list/jacab) — 1 idea - [Furlan Entry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/177853443/list/furlan-entry) — 4 ideas - [Burokas Window Shading Trellis](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/161206109/list/burokas-window-shading-trellis) — 6 ideas - [Burokas Exterior Finishes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/161206562/list/burokas-exterior-finishes) — 2 ideas - [Amy and Leo 2021 Renovation Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/149753210/list/amy-and-leo-2021-renovation-project) — 5 ideas - [Kleiman 2021](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/149753138/list/kleiman-2021) — 1 idea - [Kammer Screened Porch](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/130880103/list/kammer-screened-porch) — 1 idea - [Benson Exterior Style Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119219313/list/benson-exterior-style-ideas) — 15 ideas - [Benson Interior Touches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120952118/list/benson-interior-touches) — 1 idea - [Kate Miller Beverage Bar](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118632081/list/kate-miller-beverage-bar) — 6 ideas - [Battaglia Kitchen Window Area](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118138851/list/battaglia-kitchen-window-area) — 5 ideas - [Exterior Finish Ideas KM](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104150542/list/exterior-finish-ideas-km) — 2 ideas - [Kate Miller INterior Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104150916/list/kate-miller-interior-ideas) — 1 idea - [Kate Miller Entry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104149244/list/kate-miller-entry) — 3 ideas - [Kate Miller Ext. Finish](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104150496/list/kate-miller-ext-finish) — 1 idea - [Kate Miller Exterior Wall Finish](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104150369/list/kate-miller-exterior-wall-finish) — 1 idea - [Patrick Danaher](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89920332/list/patrick-danaher) — 1 idea [See all 28 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/markitek) ## Community Q&A **Q: Rods in the riser space in the staircase?** *(in Photo Questions)* We are designing a similar staircase in front of a large window. Are the rods attached to the stringers or under the tread? Do you have a close-up photo? A: The rods are attached to the stringer, hole punched, welded and grinded smooth. On the Tripp Spec. House the stringers were wood so we used a square bit to make a square hole to receive a 3/8" square bar. **Q: Need ext wall material** *(in Photo Questions)* I like the beige material on the exterior. Are these concrete panels, or stucco with stress reliefs, or ? A: This is synthetic stucco with relief joints that work with the fenestration layout. Let me know if you need any information beyond this. Thanks, Mark **Q: Need help with design of living room tv wall =) Thank you!** *(in Design Dilemma)* The photo is from the model home and has all the built-in cabinets for the living room. However, my wall is currently a blank canvas, but have a rough idea of what I want to do. I have a couple of quick questions and would love some feedback from the experts here! The wall is about 14' from left to right. What I plan on doing : 1\) Wall mount TV 2\) Floating entertainment console similar to something like this : 3\) Maybe some floating shelves on the left and right side of the TV to fill up some empty space Question: 1\) I'd like to do a mini bar area on the very right side of the wall that I'd like include a small wine fridge, some cabinets/shelving for storage of glasses, bottles, drinkware, etc. I'm not sure how to integrate this setup with the things I plan on doing above. Any ideas or suggestions? I'm going for a clean, soft/cool contemporary look and open to any inputs. Thanks for your help in advance! A: I would consider having two cabinet units (one on the far right and one on the far left of the wall you are working with). One would contain the refrig./bar you request, the other unit could store all of your media for the entertainment equipment. The two would look identical and frame the middle TV area. Keep it clean and simple on the exterior. **Q: What is the soffit material used here?** *(in Photo Questions)* Wood, aluminum, metal? A: Mark, I'm so sorry, not sure how i missed your question from a while ago. The soffit is a tongue and groove pine, painted. We picked up the brown accent stripe with an aluminum soffit vent extrusion, so it was a nice free upgrade in detail just by clever placement. **Q: Love the windows!** *(in Photo Questions)* I mean no disrespect but the furniture and fireplace are too small scale for such a huge room with really tall ceilings. A: The owner's had just moved in when we took this photo. FInal furniture purchases had not taken place. The size of the fireplace was chosen as the design team was valuing the views and connection to nature as being the focal point of the space, rather than a more majestic fireplace element. This would have reduced the windows at eye level when seated and taken away from the feeling of immersion in the forest just outside the windows. That was our decision making process. Either are valid, the team just has to pick which is of higher value for the desired effect. Thanks for your perspective. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-16.*