--- title: "Smarthaus + Wexler/Kollman P.C., Ltd. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/smarthaus-wexler-kollman-p-c-ltd-pfvwus-pf~1291940261 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1291940261.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Smarthaus + Wexler/Kollman P.C., Ltd." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/8403795d03b72f70_9886-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "16595 Easton Avenue, Prairie View, Illinois 60069, United States" latitude: 42.1976 longitude: -87.9261 phone: "(847) 913-0407" website: http://www.smarthaus.org/ rating: 5 review_count: 12 followers: 100 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # Smarthaus + Wexler/Kollman P.C., Ltd. Original Houzz profile: [Smarthaus + Wexler/Kollman P.C., Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/smarthaus-wexler-kollman-p-c-ltd-pfvwus-pf~1291940261) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Prairie View, IL - **Serves:** Evanston, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, Wilmette, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Glencoe, Kenosha, Lake Geneva, Marquette, Twin Lakes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (12 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - References available - Eco-friendly - 30 years in business Recognized as the ultimate, award-winning, sustainable architecture + construction management practice of Chicago’s North Shore, Smarthaus + Wexler/Kollman P.C., Ltd. was born from the passion to create inspiring and responsible design at a level that makes it affordable to anyone interested. SmartHaus projects are designed to maximize energy efficiency while incorporating quality design and construction with the most up to date building science combined with environmentally responsible choices. Driven by a passion for planet Earth and a desire to lessen man’s impact on the environment, SmartHaus represents the next step in the art of environmentally-sensitive architecture. SmartHaus homes are constructed efficiently and economically as a green alternative designed to fit on a typical city lot. The idea to develop this philosophy into practice is the culmination of over 30 years of research and development by award-winning architect Michael Kollman. As an advocate and educator for smarter ways to design, build and live, he is passionate about his work to make thoughtful, sustainable design affordable for everyone. SmartHaus + Wexler/Kollman specializes in sustainable design projects including single family homes, historic restoration and commercial projects of all types and size. Contact SmartHaus today to get started on your new home. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building ### Areas Served - Evanston - Glenview - Northbrook - Highland Park - Wilmette - Libertyville - Lake Forest - Glencoe - Kenosha - Lake Geneva - Marquette - Twin Lakes ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Smarthaus + Wexler/Kollman P.C., Ltd. | | Address | 16595 Easton Avenue, Prairie View, Illinois 60069, United States | | Phone | (847) 913-0407 | | Website | http://www.smarthaus.org/ | | Followers on Houzz | 100 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/SmartHaus.USA - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/1730530?trk=tyah&trkInfo=clickedVertical%3Acompany%2CclickedEntityI ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Smarthaus + Wexler/Kollman P.C., Ltd.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/smarthaus-wexler-kollman-p-c-ltd-pfvwus-pf~1291940261) - **Website:** http://www.smarthaus.org/ - **Phone:** (847) 913-0407 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIALEED AP-HomesNCARBNKBA Kitchen of the YearHistoric Preservation AwardsLEED Platinum Home **Affiliations** - [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) - [GreenHome Institute](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/greenhome-institute-pfvwus-pf~1452530768) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 12 reviews** ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Tina Arpino, Jan. 2017** > My husband and I first met Mike on a room addition project for our home. Everything went very smoothly and the room turned out beautiful! He came up with the design and we could not be happier. Then just recently, we had a big project. We built a handicap accessible duplex for my parents and in-laws. Again it turned out beautiful and both sets of parents love it! Mike is very conscientious and extremely easy to work with. He went to the village for us and had everything approved with no hassle. Mike is a talented architect and a very nice man. I recommend him highly! **★★★★★ — Vincent Arpino, Jan. 2017** > We recently built a LEED design duplex in Libertyville and Mike Kollman was the design/build architect. Mike helped us push the envelope on construction to make our home Green Home not only in energy efficiency (including solar panels), but also functional in design. This unique duplex for both of our parents (and eventually us in the future!) was to have the ability to age in place with handicap accessible living and still have awesome esthetics. Having Mike as the builder allowed us to make decisions and upgrade many of the build elements that will allow this structure many years of maintenance free life and sustainability. The home has been on a couple of house walks including the Green Built Home Tour in July of 2016 where it placed second among 20 different homes. I would put this home against the best of builders. As an architect, he was able to oversee and spec out construction so that the contractors knew exactly what to do. Mike has become a good friend and I look forward to using him on our next project! **★★★★★ — carynb52, May 2016** > From the architure to the final implementation > Mike Kollman gets all A's. > He designed what many folks who > visit regard the most wonderful living > space they have seen. Living here has > been a joy. > Whatever was promised we received. > Mike was a superb GC, on sight everyday > before the workers. **★★★★★ — PB Kitchen Design, Aug. 2015** > My firm (Past Basket Design) has worked with Mike Kollman on a number of projects. Our role was to provide cabinetry in each of the projects. From beginning to the final completion, Mike is as steady as they come. He's personable, professional, responsive and a team player. The projects always turn out first rate and the clients happy. I have recommended Mike to friends and have used him personally for own home's addition plans. I highly recommend MIke! **★★★★★ — mjbath, Aug. 2015** > Mike Kollman always provides top drawer service with a personal and caring touch. > He is incredibly knowledgeable and easy to work with. If you want a competent architect who will listen and respect your ideas, Mike is your man. > MJ Seiler > 847-367-1171 **★★★★★ — Bradley Design & Construction, June 2015** > We used Mike Kollman as our architect when building out the back patio of our new home. He is thoughtful, creative and brings a wealth of experience to the project. Unlike some firms Mike welcomes input from the client, contractors and others on the project. He reacts quickly to issues as they arise in the field and made sound decisions based on the facts. He listened to what we wanted and accommodated it, but brought more than we could ever image to the table. He thought of all the details that we never would have during the building process. Very thorough and professional. Even when there were problems and surprises (always are in these projects), he handled everything well. We would definitely recommend Mike as person and professional! You will not be disappointed with Wexler/Kollman. **★★★★★ — User, June 2015** > Wexler/Kollman did an outstanding job designing and engineering what was a very challenging basement remodel and addition involving the replacement of the entire foundation of an occupied three unit building in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Mike Kollman was the architect we worked with on our project. Because of some extra zoning research done by Mike that wasn't done by previous architects we had consulted, Wexler/Kollman greatly improved the final aesthetics and was able to help us save a substantial sum of money from what we originally expected to spend. In fact the savings was more than the entire cost of the services provided by Wexler/Kollman. **★★★★★ — miamine, June 2015** > We have hired Mike Kollman for several projects over the past 15 years and have returned to him for multiple reasons. He is talented, dedicated, informative and interested in his clients. He listens and he advises. He is immensely trustworthy. And he is also just a good guy. His skills are of the highest order. The kitchen he designed for us in 2000 still had a "Wow Factor" when we sold the house in 2014, and indeed, that kitchen helped sell the house. We have the highest confidence in Mike and his company and recommend him fully. **★★★★★ — timmdan, May 2015** > Mike a great listener. He prodded us to consider all the options and ended up giving us a beautiful solution that added lots of value to our Heritage Area home in downtown Libertyville. > > I will add two more things: First, I have referred Mike to many of my clients and they have all been very happy with the care he provided them on jobs big and small. Secondly, his SmartHaus concept is absolutely fantastic. My next home will be one of those! > > Dan Timm > Broker Associate > Century 21 Kreuser & Seiler **★★★★★ — solson73, May 2015** > Michael Kollman has been designing and contracting for me and my partner for over 30 years. > I have had some very challenging projects for commercial renovation space in Highland Park, Illinois > Mike's vision and detail has made my office building an on going success for over 30 years. > Mike also design my residential home for a great room master bedroom and full bath. Again > he came through with our wish list. I highly recommend Mike. He is easy towork with and follows > through according to schedule. **★★★★★ — PC, May 2015** > Mike Kollman solved a problem I ran into when my brand new porcelain tile kitchen floor cracked all the way across the middle. I was impressed by his knowledge level and thorough evaluation of the structural problem. The affected area was removed by the contractor and re-tiled according to Mike's instructions - exactly the right fix. After this experience, it made sense to me to ask Mike to write specifications and do a set of bid drawings for my two bathroom renovations. I received apples to apples construction proposals, and was confident that the contractors would do the work to code. Mike completed his work promptly, and was available to answer questions from the contractors before and during construction. He made great suggestions, such as using Panasonic exhaust fans which activate on motion and humidity sensors, and have prevented moisture problems.I have recommended Wexler/Kollman to my friends, and look forward to having an opportunity to work on another project in the future. **★★★★★ — Illinois Green Alliance, July 2014** > The GreenBuilt Home Tour is honored to have an innovative home by Michael Kollman on our 2014 Chicago area showcase event. As an initiative of the USGBC-Illinois Chapter, the GreenBuilt Home Tour requires that all dwellings featured on the tour meet stringent requirements for energy efficiency, indoor air quality and sustainability. > > The SmartHaus by Wexler/Kollman is cited as a model for continued "green" design and construction in the Village of Northbrook, Illinois. > > As an organization that seeks to promote sustainable building practices and technologies, the USGBC-Illinois is proud to acknowledge the achievements of Wexler/Kollman P.C., Ltd. ## Selected projects - [SmartHaus-LEED Platinum Home in Northbrook](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/smarthaus-leed-platinum-home-in-northbrook-pj-vj~596315) - Location: Northbrook, IL - Photos: 11 - Description: Completed in 2014 and featured on the 2014 GreenBuilt Home Tour. - [Custom Home-Glenview Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-home-glenview-illinois-pj-vj~425740) - Location: Glenview, IL - Photos: 11 - Description: High performance home designed in a French Country Style - [LEED Platinum Duplex, Libertyville, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leed-platinum-duplex-libertyville-illinois-pj-vj~1975782) - Location: Libertyville, IL - Photos: 4 - Description: Healthy, energy efficient and durable new infill construction designed to fit into existing historic neighborhood. - [Green Home on Lake in Wisconsin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-home-on-lake-in-wisconsin-pj-vj~1189145) - Location: Twin Lakes, WI - Photos: 6 - [Remodeling of 1960's Ranch Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/remodeling-of-1960-s-ranch-home-pj-vj~1132020) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Award Winning Home Remodel Glencoe, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/award-winning-home-remodel-glencoe-illinois-pj-vj~1132004) - Location: Glencoe, IL - Photos: 4 - Description: This project received the James Foster Award from the NKBA for the best kitchen in the United States and Canada. - [Remodeling of 1926 Sears Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/remodeling-of-1926-sears-home-pj-vj~85296) - Location: Highland Park, IL - Photos: 2 - Description: This home won an Historic Preservation Award from the City of Highland Park in 2012. - [Home Remodel in Libertyville, IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-remodel-in-libertyville-il-pj-vj~1205515) - Location: Libertyville, IL - Photos: 3 - [Custom Sustainable Cabin in Northwoods, Michigan](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-sustainable-cabin-in-northwoods-michigan-pj-vj~1787390) - Location: Marquette, MI - Photos: 6 - [New Custom Homes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-custom-homes-pj-vj~1132040) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: A sampling of new homes from our portfolio - [House in the Caribbean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-in-the-caribbean-pj-vj~1131949) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - Description: Perched high above Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI and designed to capture rainwater, island breezes and the amazing views. - [Baker + Myers SmartHaus](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/baker-myers-smarthaus-pj-vj~7316500) - Location: Arlington Heights, IL - Photos: 4 - Description: Baker+Myers SmartHaus is a LEED Platinum certified home, and will use about a tenth the heating energy of a built- to-code home, and about 109% less energy overall. The home has a preliminary -9 HERS rating. The home is powered by a 8.9kW solar PV grid-tied array, and was designed so the solar electric array produces as much energy as the home uses. As a single-family deep energy re-hab, we were able to recycle much of the original 1960’s split level into the new home. A ventilation/light shaft… - [My Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/my-project-pj-vj~7083920) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [LaVilla Lofts Sustainable Historic Adaptive ReUse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lavilla-lofts-sustainable-historic-adaptive-reuse-pj-vj~7070702) - Location: Libertyville, IL - Photos: 1 - [FunBarn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/funbarn-pj-vj~6826174) - Location: Barrington, IL - Photos: 8 - Description: Repurposing of old horse barn into energy efficient, multi-use, kid friendly family space. - [Historic Home Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-home-renovation-pj-vj~6146763) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Home Remodeling Libertyville, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-remodeling-libertyville-illinois-pj-vj~5235179) - Location: Libertyville, IL - Photos: 6 - [Sustainable Contemporary Home on Grayslake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sustainable-contemporary-home-on-grayslake-pj-vj~2820680) - Location: Grayslake, IL - Photos: 2 - Description: High performance lakefront home designed for aging in place. [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/smarthaus-wexler-kollman-p-c-ltd-pfvwus-pf~1291940261) ## Ideabooks - [Dewar](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182397173/list/dewar) — 1 idea - [Arpino Pine Lake](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/181990769/list/arpino-pine-lake) — 15 ideas - [Joan and Jonah](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/179894655/list/joan-and-jonah) — 12 ideas - [Sachs Libertyville](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/168886656/list/sachs-libertyville) — 2 ideas - [Grothman](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158718069/list/grothman) — 1 idea - [Michelle R](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/134473425/list/michelle-r) — 6 ideas - [Bolger](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/128491345/list/bolger) — 1 idea - [Quinn](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121081145/list/quinn) — 13 ideas - [MDEHA](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120352998/list/mdeha) — 1 idea - [Spaniak Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120352684/list/spaniak-lake-house) — 24 ideas - [High Street](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117099339/list/high-street) — 10 ideas - [wells](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115635075/list/wells) — 1 idea - [Michele K North Pond Road](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114561221/list/michele-k-north-pond-road) — 15 ideas - [Davis Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109642543/list/davis-residence) — 4 ideas - [Breakfast nook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108087976/list/breakfast-nook) — 8 ideas - [Treps-Muck](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106683162/list/treps-muck) — 6 ideas - [Ondo](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90864116/list/ondo) — 3 ideas - [Cheung](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87062707/list/cheung) — 54 ideas - [Baker + Meyers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86436436/list/baker-meyers) — 72 ideas - [Lowell](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79309050/list/lowell) — 146 ideas [See all 32 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/wexko) ## Community Q&A **Q: barn doors** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the barn doors. Could you tell me where you found these? Thank you! A: The doors were salvaged off an old barn in southern Illinois for $100.00! **Q: What kind of siding did you use? Is it T1-11?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: No, it is pre-stained cedar board and batten **Q: Island color!** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you please share the island color! I absolutely love this! A: The finish on the island was a custom color that was done from a sample. I will see if I can find out any specifics and let you know. Thanks --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*