--- title: "MGLM Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mglm-architects-pfvwus-pf~1291849861 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1291849861.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "MGLM Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/94c30c280f764ded_2793-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "711 South Dearborn, Suite 503, Chicago, Illinois 60605, United States" latitude: 41.8712 longitude: -87.6277 phone: "(312) 588-4109" website: http://www.mcnicholasarchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 9 followers: 237 last_updated: 2026-08-21 --- # MGLM Architects Original Houzz profile: [MGLM Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mglm-architects-pfvwus-pf~1291849861) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Chicago, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Naperville, Cicero, Evanston, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Skokie, Oak Lawn, Berwyn, Oak Park, Glenview, Elmhurst, Northbrook, Niles, Highland Park, Burbank, Wilmette, Elmwood Park, Lake Forest, Bridgeview, Forest Park, Lincolnwood, Winnetka, River Forest, Barrington, Lyons, Riverside, Glencoe, North Riverside, Stickney, Forest View, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lake Geneva, Lincoln Park, Milwaukee, South Bend, Summit Argo, Uptown - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (9 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Woman owned - Award winning - Offers Custom Work MA is a boutique architecture, interiors, & urban design firm committed to producing work of the finest quality. We strongly value the relationships we build with our clients, creating highly personalized and tailored designs which reflect them. Our aim is the realization of artisan-crafted projects that not only exceed the expectations of our clients but also stand the test of time. We are licensed in a number of states and are additionally registered with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), making reciprocation in most others very easy. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Garage Design - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Chicago - Naperville - Cicero - Evanston - Arlington Heights - Palatine - Skokie - Oak Lawn - Berwyn - Oak Park - Glenview - Elmhurst - Northbrook - Niles - Highland Park - Burbank - Wilmette - Elmwood Park - Lake Forest - Bridgeview - Forest Park - Lincolnwood - Winnetka - River Forest - Barrington - Lyons - Riverside - Glencoe - North Riverside - Stickney - Forest View - Fort Wayne - Indianapolis - Lake Geneva - Lincoln Park - Milwaukee - South Bend - Summit Argo - Uptown ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | MGLM Architects | | Address | 711 South Dearborn, Suite 503, Chicago, Illinois 60605, United States | | Phone | (312) 588-4109 | | Website | http://www.mcnicholasarchitects.com | | Followers on Houzz | 237 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/mglmarchitects - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/mglmarchitects - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/mglm-architects - Blog — http://blog.mglmarchitects.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [MGLM Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mglm-architects-pfvwus-pf~1291849861) - **Website:** http://www.mcnicholasarchitects.com - **Phone:** (312) 588-4109 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA, LEED, NCARB, ICAA, ALA, CNU, Acanthus Award 2021; 2017; ALA Design Merit Award 2019; 2012; AIA Chicago Small Projects Award 2014; CNU IL Charter Award 2013; 2011; CNU Art Award 2012; First Place, Traditional Building Show Live Design Challenge, Boston 2008 **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [Illinois Green Alliance](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/illinois-green-alliance-pfvwus-pf~973972130) - [Association Of Licensed Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-licensed-architects-pfvwus-pf~1888392227) - [AIA Chicago](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-chicago-pfvwus-pf~437317530) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 9 reviews** ### All 9 reviews **★★★★★ — E B, Nov. 2015** > We highly recommend MGLM Architects. We live in a two-story open plan urban loft and while we absolutely love the space (and the views), we also wanted a bit of privacy for our large second floor master suite. The master suite was open to the lower level living area and closing it off with a simple door would mean losing the open character of the loft, which we love. > > After meeting with Mark, he suggested an ingenious solution- divide the suite into two distinct areas: a small semi-open office and a dedicated bedroom area, separated and connected by an atypical 5’-6” wide glass barn door. It was a perfect multifunctional solution. When we have company we slide the barn door closed (still catching the light from the living areas through the frosted glass), and when it’s just us, we keep the door open, retaining the open loft feel. Mark helped us pick the contractor, materials for build, and also helped with the redecorating and furniture planning of our living areas. Mark and MGLM were fast, responsive, and absolutely great to work with and we would love to do another project with them in the future! **★★★★★ — wooden image, Oct. 2015** > I’m happy to recommend MGLM Architects for anyone looking to renovate or build a new house. As a general contractor, I’ve worked with multiple architects on many different types of projects, but when it came to my own home, I trusted Mark and the MGLM team. We decided to work with them because they combine a strong sense of design and historical awareness with an equally strong sense of project management. From the very start of my project, working with them was a great experience. They not only worked with me on narrowing down an overall style for my house, but more importantly, they were able to translate that design into highly technical and detailed drawings from which the building trades had little to no questions on how to build during the construction. I also appreciate how they managed the required municipal paperwork needed in the complicated permit process, and more importantly, how they were actively involved throughout the construction, continually visiting the site and checking in with the trades and myself on any issues that inevitably arise for a highly custom design. I could not be happier with the final outcome of my project and thanks to the MGLM team, I now have a wonderful place to call home for me and my family for years to come. **★★★★★ — jloundy, Aug. 2015** > A home is a place that should be a complete personification of one’s interests, travels, and life. This is where hiring an architect with vision and experience is so helpful. Recently I renovated my bedroom to reflect a tranquil meditative Asian aesthetic. However, I was missing not only storage and display space, but also a main design element that would bring the overall theme of the room together. That’s when I hired Mark Allen Garzon of MGLM Architects. Mark and the firm are specialists when it comes to highly detailed custom residences and I figured I could ask them to design a signature cabinet that was both historically accurate and a focal point in the room. From the first meeting, Mark displayed expertise and knowledge of history, design, and construction. He talked about the Asian aesthetic and educated me using examples from China, Japan, and Korea. More importantly, he reviewed where certain design elements came from, the reasoning of why they are there, and most important to me, which elements would be appropriate for my own personal space. We eventually landed on creating a cabinet that had reference back to a 17th century Japanese royal residence- something I had no idea about until Mark showed me. While there was a bit of a lag time of construction due to the contractor, the whole process from start to finish was eased by Mark’s creativity and expertise. Every time I have visitors, I make sure they see the cabinetry. That’s how happy I am with the work. I would absolutely recommend Mark and MGLM Architects without question! **★★★★★ — Pam North, March 2015** > My husband and I could not be happier with the results we achieved with MGLM and their highly skilled contractors. Our home is in a vintage condo building (1920's) and we were wanting a more modern look for our living/dining area. The ideas they came up with for our home were/are fabulous and I don't believe we could have achieved the look we wanted without their help, guidance, attention to detail and thorough knowledge. > The work performed included; replacement of hardwood floor, new windows throughout home, new electrical, complete redesign of mantle and hearth, new paint and wallpaper (grasscloth) throughout upper living area. > I'm a picky person and notice the slightest flaw so I tend to be hypercritical of work done in our home. The attention to detail performed by MGLM and their contractors was phenomenal. Many times when I thought the project looked good they always found a way to make it look better (especially our mantle/hearth which required a lot of rock work to be done and blending to make it look natural). Their contractors are highly skilled, show up on time, very pleasant, always cleaned up after themselves (which after 6 months of renovations says a lot!), very knowledgeable about the work they do and are never satisfied till the job is done correctly. (Sorry, the photos I took just don't do justice to the space and would be pointless to post! Just trust me.) > Would I hire them again? Absolutely! In a heart beat! They brought ideas and solutions to the table I would not have been able to come up with on my own. We have a wonderful living area where we can sit in front of the fire and relax at the end of the day & enjoy the huge open area that allows for easy entertaining. I am happy with what was accomplished. My husband is very happy with the results and we receive nothing but compliments on how beautiful our home is......all thanks to MGLM. **★★★★★ — kassierempel, March 2015** > MGLM Architects transformed not just our house, far more meaningfully they transformed our lives. > > 1\. Their designs are amazing and reflective of our tastes. > 2\. Their attention to detail is incomparable (we love every room/cabinet/crown moulding that was touched). > 3\. They shepherded us from initial permitting to punch list walk-throughs and made us feel like we were their most important client. > > Our newly renovated home is even more lovely than we envisioned, and our lives are more calm and orderly now that everything has its place. Eternally grateful for MGLM Architects for changing not just our house, but our lives for the better. **★★★★★ — kayte7, Feb. 2013** > We hired MGLM for a much-needed and long overdue renovation to our loft in the West Loop this spring and Mark Garzon, Principal Architect, was great to work with throughout the entire process. One of the biggest and most exciting (for me anyway!) components of the overall project was the complete overhaul and revamping of our master bathroom. What previously had been a sorely out of date ca. 1980s-90s facility- complete with the black and white checkered tiling on floors and shower walls from my childhood and a cracked bathroom vanity mirror we never got around to replacing- through Mark's expert guidance & direction and Bloomfield Development's hard work, transformed into a modern, sleek-ified dream bathroom complete with clean lines, slate flooring, subway tiling for the shower and the perfect vanity and mirror set (non-cracked!). The space looks twice as big now. > > It was also a plus that Mark and my partner happened to share very similar sensibilities with regards to mid-century modern design, lighting and aesthetics. His suggestions for fixtures and paint swatches as well as ideas with regards to the re-configuration for the second floor's build-out were always varied in selection with a unified theme running throughout. I am not the most articulate or well-versed with regards to interior design/architecture but Mark was able to interpret what it was we wanted regardless. > > Most importantly (for me), timeliness and quick communication between all the team players is a key feature that you should expect to experience if you work with MGLM. At one point, we had to tell Mark to stop emailing us back so quickly with answers to our questions as it was a holiday weekend and he should get out of the office. ;) We hope to work with Mark and his team again one day. **★★★★★ — Ingrid LoGiudice, Feb. 2013** > Remodeling and "remastering" a home built in 1937 is a daunting proposition for a new homeowner. That is the place my husband and I found ourselves a year ago, and MGLM Architects provided the resources, vision, and creativity to reenergize R. Harold Zook's cottage on Lake Geneva. This partnership of homeowner and architect was no simple task and entailed a cadre of craftsman, from contractor to engineers, roofing, hardscape, and landscape. > > Blending the architectural European qualities of "the old" in complement to the amenities and practical function of "the new" takes a delicate and thoughtful eye in order to produce the balance and comfort of a home that is in harmony. > > Each member of the MGLM team brings their own compassion, energy, expertise, and genius to create a mastery of composition. We have called upon this superb architectural firm for past projects and will do so in the future. **★★★★★ — Margaret Lombardo, Feb. 2013** > Our lake home was falling apart from the inside out! What began as a remodel quickly expanded to a rebuild when the extent of water damage and leakage was discovered. MGLM worked with us in planning every aspect of our home using their expertise in design to coordinate every detail of the project inside and out. What made the process pleasurable ( or less stressful ) was the ease of working with them, their quick response, and their demeanor when confronted with the inevitable changes which come with the territory. We now have a beautiful, well-built home ( Scherrer Const. Co. in Burlington, WI. ) that, hopefully, our family will enjoy for generations. > We definitely hope to use them on a future smaller project. **★★★★★ — Decorators Supply Corp, Feb. 2013** > We have worked with MGLM on a number of projects over the last few years and two things stand out about this firm: 1) MGLM is one highly engaged firm. The principals of the firm are very much hands on and have a true love of their profession. They set very high standards in all aspects of their work 2) Their breadth of knowledge is quite impressive. We have worked with this firm on primarily Traditional Projects but their knowledge and enthusiasm spans a wide range of styles and periods. MGLM is a very engaging group of professionals who are a lot of fun to work with. ## Selected projects - [Classical Asian Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classical-asian-addition-pj-vj~42879) - Location: North Shore of Chicago, IL - Photos: 45 - Description: This Jewel Box Addition complements the existing character of the home while bringing a style all its own. Four styles actually - from a chinoiserie to a japanese reading room, to a 3 seasons porch to a cabinet of curiosities - all have their place in the program of the owner, and provide a pedestal on which to display the collected heirlooms of their travels. It was an honor to seamlessly blend this addition into the existing house, adding functional aspects such as an elevator and wet bar, as… - [Whitehaven](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whitehaven-pj-vj~1131946) - Location: Evanston, IL - Photos: 10 - Description: Georgian Revival home in Evanston, IL. Wonderful paper-cut red brick exterior and Georgian, with a touch of Art Deco, interiors. We completely remodeled the kitchen, areas of both stairs, the front hall, front porch, chimney, and parts of the exterior. Kitchen outfitted with Peacock Cabinetry, Rookwood Tile, Danby marble, Thomas Moser furniture, Rejuventation light fixtures, and a Lacanche range. - [Washington, DC Townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/washington-dc-townhouse-pj-vj~734322) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: Historic townhouse renovation in Washington DC. Major kitchen, parlor, mudroom, dining, family room, 3 bathroom, and master suite reworking to complement and enhance the original traditional character of the home. - [Chicago Ave Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-ave-condo-pj-vj~1396486) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Japanese Art Display and Storage Cabinetry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-art-display-and-storage-cabinetry-pj-vj~1394162) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: The imperatives for this custom built-in cabinetry display case included complementing the Chinese and Japanese interior design of the client’s residence, harmonizing with existing furniture, and appropriately exhibiting a private collection of Japanese art. To accomplish this, MGLM first studied numerous historical precedents for Japanese furniture, domestic design, and display techniques, and narrowed in on a traditional 17th century Japanese alcove and shelving design. A tokonoma (display alc… - [Art Bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/art-bar-pj-vj~606167) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-house-pj-vj~183843) - Location: Lake Geneva, WI - Photos: 18 - [Lakefront Cottage - "The Treehouse"](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakefront-cottage-the-treehouse-pj-vj~142916) - Location: Lake Geneva, WI - Photos: 27 - Description: This project was a renovation of an historic Harold Zook designed residence. Elements from the original architecture were used as design cues for the renovation of the interiors, exteriors, and details. We created custom details to enhance the character of the house, including a spiderweb motif stair railing and fireplace screen. [See all 8 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mglm-architects-pfvwus-pf~1291849861) ## Community Q&A **Q: Uplighing** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me how you did the uplighting above the cabinets? A: Hi Tiana - yes, the up-lighting was achieved by using strip LED lighting. Hope that helps! **Q: Tell me more about eclectic furnishings** *(in Photo Questions)* Tell me about eclectic furnishings A: Hello Mary - Eclecticism a broad topic. It basically defines a collection of furnishings/items that reflect your personality but also work well together. You don't want to a room to look like a circus or the shelves of a thrift store, but eclecticism also prevents a room (or a home) from being banal or commonplace. Hope that helps. **Q: Winodw panels** *(in Photo Questions)* Are the panels changeable screen/glass? If so, can you indicate who the manufacturer of the panels is? TIA A: HI Dave - no, the windows are not changeable to screens, but rather function as casement windows with screens that can be inserted inside seasonally. **Q: What is the wood used in these shelves/cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for your question jljacob - the wood is cyprus. **Q: is the window a stained glass design? custom???** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for your question Kevin. The window is an original custom art glass piece, designed by Harold Zook. **Q: Door replace sliding door?** *(in Photo Questions)* Is the door and window beside it one unit? Where did you purchase the door unit? A: Hi Tracy, thanks for your question. The doors and windows are all historic to the home, which was originally built in the 1930's. However we're sure you can find some similar options at both Marvin (http://www.marvin.com) and Loewen (http://www.loewen.com), who both make great options, in addition to many others manufacturers. Hope that helps. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-21.*