--- title: "McCormack + Etten / Architects LLP — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mccormack-etten-architects-llp-pfvwus-pf~1350781427 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1350781427.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "McCormack + Etten / Architects LLP" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d003c4d3000064aa_3050-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "400 Broad St Ste 2, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 53147, United States" latitude: 42.5881 longitude: -88.4554 phone: "(262) 248-8391" website: http://www.mccormacketten.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 369 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # McCormack + Etten / Architects LLP Original Houzz profile: [McCormack + Etten / Architects LLP](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mccormack-etten-architects-llp-pfvwus-pf~1350781427) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Lake Geneva, WI - **Serves:** Lake Geneva, Glencoe - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2013–2021), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves McCormack + Etten / Architects, LLP is located in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and serves clientele primarily in the Northern Illinois / Southern Wisconsin region, as well as California, Michigan, Texas, Florida, Colorado, and the Virgin Islands. The firm was founded in 1992 by Ronald H. McCormack and Kenneth L. Etten as a design partnership, combining a wealth of diverse architectural experience and talent spanning four decades. From the beginning, McCormack and Etten set out to offer a boutique-scaled professional office; one that would maintain the highest level of personal service for its clientele. 20 years later, M+E remains that same "hands-on" firm, structured to allow the close, personal attention that their luxury-market residential clients demand. The result: its client list is a Who’s Who of Chicago-region executives and celebrities. McCormack + Etten are well known in the region for their uncompromising creative design work, particularly for lakefront, golf course, and other unique properties. The firm specializes in estate, vacation, and urban homes and enjoys working in a variety of architectural styles, ever mindful of the importance of client tastes, locale, and context. McCormack + Etten / Architects offers a full range of architectural services to its clientele from concept to completion, and offers a complete team of professional consultants as needed including interior design, landscape design, high-tech consultants, and structural, civil, and mechanical engineering. We look forward to the opportunity to share our expertise, to provide our personal brand of service and, simply, to allow us to exceed your expectations. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Space Planning - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Lake Geneva - Glencoe ### Typical Job Cost $250,000 - 10 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | McCormack + Etten / Architects LLP | | Address | 400 Broad St Ste 2, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 53147, United States | | Phone | (262) 248-8391 | | Website | http://www.mccormacketten.com | | Followers on Houzz | 369 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071974655980 - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-mccormack-9777a06 - Blog — http://www.mccormacketten.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [McCormack + Etten / Architects LLP](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mccormack-etten-architects-llp-pfvwus-pf~1350781427) - **Website:** http://www.mccormacketten.com - **Phone:** (262) 248-8391 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Member, American Institure of Architects - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2013–2021), for Design. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Scherrer Construction, Aug. 2017** > We have worked with Ron McCormack and his team for over 20 years and value our strong relationship. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, creative, meticulous with details, and very accommodating with all of our clients. We look forward to continuing our great partnership with this company on future projects and give them our highest recommendation. **★★★★★ — 41 West, Dec. 2015** > As a builder in Naples, Florida, we recommend Ron and his team at McCormack & Etten Architects to anyone in the Midwest, as well as anyone who owns in Naples, Bonita Beach, or Marco Island, who wants to either design and build a custom home, or wants to remodel a luxury home or condo. > Ron understands that you want your own special place, that reflects your style and taste. It is imperative that you trust the team you have chosen to design your dream. McCormack & Etten Architects is a team you can trust and we highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — User, April 2015** > As an architecture enthusiast, I believe McCormack & Etten produce timeless designs that evoke great quality. Their attention to detail as well as their understanding of various home styles is evident in the homes they design. I enjoy following their work on Houzz and looking forward to seeing more of their work as the months and years pass. **★★★★★ — Page One Interiors, Nov. 2012** > Mc Cormack &Etten are my favorite Architects. The are logical, they listen and they do outstanding work! > > I have worked with them for years and they consistently come up with great designs and we have won many awards together. > > They are great team leaders and involve the builder, client, and designer through the design process. they are organized and have great follow up > > They have done wonderful new construction and seamless additions. They are also experts on exterior planning and hardscapes. > > They have the best sense of style and architecture of anyone I've worked with > > Adele Lampert ASID **★★★★★ — cathcarpenter, Nov. 2012** > Ron McCormack and his staff did a remarkable job with a challenging commission: To replace a 1500 square foot cottage on a narrow lot with a 4500 square foot, six bedroom new home. The design was aesthetically remarkable, blending in to the surrounding lot and homes yet standing out as a distinctive, historically respectful design while providing remartkable use patterns and views. > > His firm also acted as owner's representatives, and managed the contractor to a timely, on- budget conclusion with few wrikles or surprises. > > An impressive expiernce throughout. Reasonable service fees and a remarkable outcome. **★★★★ — parkhaven, Nov. 2012** > Ron McCormack and his team are top notch and have done numerous outstanding houses on Lake Geneva. Together we finished my home on the lake last year and it turned out beyond expectations. A large English Tudor with stone walls, timber ceilings using reclaimed barn beams, and excellent wood working makes this house very special. > > In parallel with the lake project I had Ron and his team design my ranch house in southern California which will also be a landmark project that rivails the Ponderosa Ranch on the old TV series Bonanza. > > I highly recommend McCormack and Etten, they are talented, professional, and easy to work with. **★★★★★ — johncannon, Oct. 2012** > I am currently working with Ron McCormack on a home and not only are the details wonderful, the experience has also been one of mutual respect and admiration. Ron is the ultimate professional, and is willing to entertain concepts from designers and the client and is creating not only a home for our client but he is creating a lifestyle for them, and all their criterea and needs have been met. Overall, our experience has been one of the best in my career. > > John Cannon **★★★★★ — marion57, Oct. 2012** > Highly referred by clients for their integrity and pure professionalism, Ron McCormack and his team are continually chosen for their timeless, classical, designs. > > Respected by contractors for their strict commitment to quality, client satisfaction and timely completion; McCormack + Etten Architects are a privilege to work for as their designs and management result in award winning projects! > > Regarded by other architectural firms as industry leaders, McCormack + Etten have set the standards for many to follow. Very well respected! > > SanFilippo Landscape Architects......Barrington, Illinois ## Selected projects - [Classic Shingle Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/classic-shingle-style-pj-vj~222300) - Location: Lake Geneva, WI - Photos: 12 - Description: This classic shingle-style home hugs the Lake Geneva shoreline with multiple entertaining areas, sunny bluestone terraces, shaded pergolas, and a large vaulted screened porch located to capture the summer breezes. - [Stone Manor House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stone-manor-house-pj-vj~222597) - Location: Williams Bay, WI - Photos: 11 - Description: This French manor house, built in 1995 of stone, slate,and copper,has aged beautifully with time and remains timeless in style and popularity. - [Green Lake Compound](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-lake-compound-pj-vj~1984960) - Location: Green Lake, WI - Photos: 13 - [Lake Geneva Shingle-Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-geneva-shingle-style-pj-vj~220757) - Location: Lake Geneva, WI - Photos: 14 - Description: This spectacular new shingle-style lake home and carriage house were completed in 2010. Designed for gracious living and entertaining both inside and out. - [Country French Manor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-french-manor-pj-vj~2889950) - Location: West Bend, WI - Photos: 13 - [Private Residence- Fontana, Wi](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-fontana-wi-pj-vj~82472) - Location: Fontana, WI - Photos: 15 - Description: This craftsman shingle style lake home was completed in 2011 in Fontana, Wi on Lake Geneva. The project includes a large family home with sleeping for 20 or more, a boathouse, stone bridge to ford a stream, detached garage, and stone entry gates. The dark brown and white color scheme echoes classic old lake cottages built around Lake Geneva in the last century. Interior Design by Page One Interiors, Barrington, IL. - [Summer Wind Fontana](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/summer-wind-fontana-pj-vj~222382) - Location: Fontana, WI - Photos: 7 - Description: A grand lakefront home on Lake Geneva,Wisconsin. - [Sespe Creek Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sespe-creek-ranch-pj-vj~2889500) - Location: Ojai, CA - Photos: 6 - [Lake Geneva Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-geneva-retreat-pj-vj~85966) - Location: Lake Geneva, WI - Photos: 18 - [Lake Geneva Shingle Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-geneva-shingle-style-pj-vj~2890187) - Location: Lake Geneva, WI - Photos: 13 - [Prairie Revisited](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prairie-revisited-pj-vj~256296) - Location: Fontana, WI - Photos: 12 - Description: Built in 1912 and designed by Robert Spencer, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, this lakefront home had seen it's best days, suffering from several bad additions. In 2001, more than half the home was demolished and replaced, basement floor dug two feel lower, and entire home was modernizedand refinished. All detailing maintained the original designs, and the best original woodwork and fireplaces were retained and re-furbished. - [North Barrington Manor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-barrington-manor-pj-vj~255310) - Location: North Barrington, IL - Photos: 7 - Description: A home with character clad in stone, brick, and stucco, this home was built for a young family and includes an indoor gymnasium. Expansive golf course views are enjoyed from most living areas. - [Rustic Hilltop Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-hilltop-cabin-pj-vj~254942) - Location: Lake Geneva, WI - Photos: 4 - Description: This rustic lake cabin was built on the site of a former home that burned and utilized the original fireplace in the new home. A large wrapping open deck offers commanding views 80+ steps above the lake. - [Lakeshore Modern Shingle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeshore-modern-shingle-pj-vj~254894) - Location: Fontana, WI - Photos: 13 - Description: This crisp, soft contemporary shingle style home enjoys panoramic views of Geneva Lake from three levels, overlooking a large indoor swimming pool. The floor plan utilizes a subtle 15 degree skew for the outer two bays that truly maximize the best lake views for this home. - [Stone Cottage by the lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stone-cottage-by-the-lake-pj-vj~222515) - Location: Lake Geneva, WI - Photos: 8 - Description: McCormack + Etten Architects designed this home in 1993-94, and it has certainly withstood the test of time. This stone cottage on the north shore of Lake Geneva, WI is in a French country style with low, cottage-scaled roof lines and forms that belie its true size. - [St John USVI RETREAT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/st-john-usvi-retreat-pj-vj~2890142) - Location: Cruz Bay, St. John - Photos: 9 - [Craftsman Revisited](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-revisited-pj-vj~156797) - Location: North Barrington, IL - Photos: 11 - Description: This craftsman style home in North Barrington,IL was completed in 1999. Built to enjoy spectacular golf course views, this 14,000 SF home pays homage to the English roots of the Arts and Crafts movement. The home was designed around a wonderful collection of Stickley furniture amassed by the owner, resulting in spaces perfectly matched to the scale and detail of these furniture pieces. This is a home that looks good in snow, to be sure. - [NORTH BARRINGTON FRENCH CONTEMPORARY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-barrington-french-contemporary-pj-vj~127998) - Location: North Barrington, IL - Photos: 24 - Description: This French country home on a large private pond offers a warm and inviting street presence in rich earthy materials of stone, brick, slate roof, and cedar trim. The rear of the home offers multiple private entertaining spaces overlooking the pond on three levels. The interior of this home offers a surprisingly fresh and crisp soft contemporary feel, still earthy, with a high contrasting neutral color pallette. - [Geneva Lake Poolhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/geneva-lake-poolhouse-pj-vj~93504) - Location: Lake Geneva, WI - Photos: 16 - Description: Known as “The Poolhouse”, this east coast shingle style building was designed as an “accessory” lakeside structure for the Owner’s multi-acre family compound. Despite having a full kitchen and four guest bedrooms and baths, it’s primary function is for family gatherings and entertaining at the lakeshore and pool. The generous wrap-around porch includes a large portion in the center that can be screened at the push of a button with Phantom Screens, enclosing the bbq and outdoor dining areas when… - [Wynstone N Barrington](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wynstone-n-barrington-pj-vj~110077) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mccormack-etten-architects-llp-pfvwus-pf~1350781427) ## Ideabooks - [RUSTIC](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184941851/list/rustic) — 11 ideas - [exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182725670/list/exterior) — 18 ideas - [Red Road](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/168741959/list/red-road) — 10 ideas - [beamed ceilings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90907348/list/beamed-ceilings) — 11 ideas - [shingle style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21263264/list/shingle-style) — 29 ideas - [pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21228024/list/pools) — 10 ideas [See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mccormacketten) ## Community Q&A **Q: What color is the roof? Exterior paint colors? Gutter color?** *(in Photo Questions)* I assume the roof is grand manor and the gutters are bronze? A: The roof is slate, gutters zinc. I can't say what paint colors were used, sorry. **Q: Love the dome! What was the type of metal used?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thanks for your inquiry. The dome is copper with a nice patina after a couple years in place. **Q: What kind of Cedar?** *(in Photo Questions)* Is the Cedar White or Red? What is the stain or color. Your one of my favorite architects. This project killed it! Great job! A: Thanks for your kind words and support. It is western red cedar, but we don't have a record of the final color selection, sorry. **Q: Light in cupola** *(in Photo Questions)* We are in the process of building a home with an open cupola into the living area. Our cupola is 6x6 and it is in the center of an open/vaulted ceiling over the living area. I really want to hang a lantern or chandelier in the cupola, but, our builder isn't really sure how the wiring will be done. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you in advance! A: Hello- thanks for stopping by! Not sure what the wiring concern is, but in general I would always recommend hanging a chandelier from a high ceiling with a motorized lift, so it can be lowered for cleaning and re-lamping. **Q: Can you provide the garage door designer/manufacturer? Thank you.** *(in Photo Questions)* Looking for the name of the garage door designer/manufacturer. Thanks A: These garage doors were custom built for this home, although Designer Doors would certainly offer something very close to this. **Q: RE: CAL KING HEADBOARD,** *(in Photo Questions)* WHERE IS THIS AVAILABLE IN CALIFORNIA A: Glad you like the photo but really can't help you with that question. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*