--- title: "Berneche2 Architecture PC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/berneche2-architecture-pc-pfvwus-pf~1577173564 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577173564.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Berneche2 Architecture PC" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/30a3caa90f11d038_3222-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "314 Illinois Street, Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137-5669, United States" latitude: 41.8661 longitude: -88.0648 phone: "(630) 534-6654" website: http://www.Berneche2.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 283 last_updated: 2026-09-21 --- # Berneche2 Architecture PC Original Houzz profile: [Berneche2 Architecture PC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/berneche2-architecture-pc-pfvwus-pf~1577173564) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Glen Ellyn, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Aurora, Fox Valley, Evanston, Schaumburg, Palatine, Wheaton, Hoffman Estates, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Lombard, Bartlett, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Addison, Glendale Heights, Elk Grove Village, Glen Ellyn, West Chicago, Melrose Park, Westmont, Lisle, Roselle, Villa Park, Bloomingdale, Darien, Bensenville, Bellwood, Franklin Park, Hinsdale, Westchester, Warrenville, Western Springs, La Grange Park, Northlake, Burr Ridge, Itasca, Clarendon Hills, Indian Head Park, Rosemont, Oakbrook Terrace, Wayne, Amf Ohare, Chesterton IN, Dyer IN, Medinah, Merrillville IN, Michigan City IN - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves People looking to build or modify their home seek an architect who understands their vision, yet who can also bring fresh ideas to the table. We have seen many unique scenarios for 30+ years and we use those experiences to your project. We're a husband wife architecture firm which does both residential and commercial work, new construction and renovations. We have both collectively worked at seven other firms before opening our own doors, and we bring knowledge from those experiences to shape our practice. Those offices included K-12 planners to firms providing both residential and commercial project types in many states. We carefully listen to and analyze how you live, work, and play We create design solutions tailored to your situation We collaborate with your and your team to build a sustainable product that will serve you for years to come "We create the 'box' by thinking outside of it!" ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Structural Engineering - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Site Preparation - Laundry Room Design - Home Gym Design & Construction - Custom Home - Swimming Pool Design ### Areas Served - Chicago - Aurora - Fox Valley - Evanston - Schaumburg - Palatine - Wheaton - Hoffman Estates - Downers Grove - Elmhurst - Lombard - Bartlett - Carol Stream - Hanover Park - Addison - Glendale Heights - Elk Grove Village - Glen Ellyn - West Chicago - Melrose Park - Westmont - Lisle - Roselle - Villa Park - Bloomingdale - Darien - Bensenville - Bellwood - Franklin Park - Hinsdale - Westchester - Warrenville - Western Springs - La Grange Park - Northlake - Burr Ridge - Itasca - Clarendon Hills - Indian Head Park - Rosemont - Oakbrook Terrace - Wayne - Amf Ohare - Chesterton IN - Dyer IN - Medinah - Merrillville IN - Michigan City IN ### Typical Job Cost $5,000 - 1 million Construction costs. We typically base our fees on the number of hours a project will take at our standard rate of $120/hour. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Berneche2 Architecture PC | | Address | 314 Illinois Street, Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137-5669, United States | | Phone | (630) 534-6654 | | Website | http://www.Berneche2.com | | License Number | See website for all licenses | | Followers on Houzz | 283 | **Social profiles:** - X (Twitter) — http://www.twitter.com/@berneche2 - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=5051491&trk=tab\_pro - Blog — https://www.Berneche2.com ## Offers (DEMO) OFFERS _(DEMO) DISCLAIMER_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Berneche2 Architecture PC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/berneche2-architecture-pc-pfvwus-pf~1577173564) - **Website:** http://www.Berneche2.com - **Phone:** (630) 534-6654 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Current licenses: IL IN MI WI - NCARB certified (allows easier reciprocity for other state licenses) - ALA (Association of Licensed Architects) Member - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2022), for Service. **Affiliations** - [Association Of Licensed Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-licensed-architects-pfvwus-pf~1888392227) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 10 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Robert, Sept. 2022** > We chose Berneche2 Architecture to design an addition on our house. We had a rough idea of what we wanted and Berneche2 Architecture was able to turn that idea into a beautiful design and create all the plans needed. Tim was flexible and quick to respond to any questions or changes along the way. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about his work. I would recommend him if you are looking to build a new home or adding on to an existing home. **★★★★★ — mcassidy1, April 2021** > I was referred to Berneche2 Architecture and I couldn't be more pleased with their services. From my first contact, to the end of the project, Tim was always very responsive to emails, texts, phone calls and meeting requests. He was very thorough in drafting plans for a new addition and did what it took to meet the needs of my project. I would highly recommend! **★★★★ — pbehnia, Dec. 2014** > I had the great fortune to work with Tim Berneche on an investment property I purchased this past summer. He is extraordinarily talented, detail focused, a good listener and prodigiously patient. He did an excellent job of hearing of my vision of transforming this house from its original 1957 fixtures to something more contemporary and functional for the 21st century family. He's very accommodating (in addition to patient) when fielding questions about why things are the way they are when it comes to architecture, building supports, plumbing and whatnot. I wholeheartedly recommend him. **★★★★★ — wdejonge, Nov. 2014** > We worked with Tim on a new build project, after being referred to him by our builder. Tim is a first-class professional who is very easy to work with. He is extremely creative and flexible, and works in accordance with the agreed schedule. He is easy to bounce ideas off of in order to come up with the best solution to issues/obstacles that typically arise during the building process. For example, we had to redesign a fireplace façade and after discussing with Tim, he came up with six different drawings from which we ultimately selected the final design. Tim was also invaluable during the variance process we had to go through with respect to a building code issue. We would not hesitate to recommend Tim to potential clients. **★★★★★ — wzahrt, Nov. 2014** > We first used Tim in the early 90's with a remodel for our residence (photos) and a proposal for our church. We are now using his firm to plan a retirement home. Tim is serious with a sense of humor and always has a positive attitude no matter our sometimes uncommon ideas. He is always prompt with his designs and his appointments with us. While working on plans for our retirement home, Tim listened to our wants and then explained in detail why some of the features we wanted would not work or would violate building codes. To help us visualize our ideas, Tim is scheduling a tour of one of his similar projects located in La Porte, IN. Tim has completed our plans and we are now in the bidding stage for the project. . **★★★★★ — swi2522, Nov. 2014** > Tim is easy to work with and listens to the wishes of the client. He understands the constraints of the budget and works well in developing a set of construction documents to meet the clients needs. He is a team player. > His creativity in accomplishing the desires of the client is always present in his work > He delivers his services in a timely matter on budget **★★★★★ — loving\_myson, Nov. 2014** > Berneche2 Architecture designed our mudroom addition. They came up with three wonderful ideas and we picked one that we still just love four years later. They definitely designed something with our preferred style/taste and created a look just right for us. They were considerate and professional the whole way through. We couldn't be happier with the design, the process and the end result. **★★★★★ — R W, Nov. 2014** > Berneche2 was very receptive to our desire to be involved in the design and planning of our modern home on the shores of Lake Michigan. Tim Berneche spent countless hours with us, listening, sketching, and going through each element of the design phase of the project as well as attending local meetings to secure our permit. Tim welcomed our interior design and space plan firm, Space Redefined, to aid in the design and overall look of the house. Berneche2 also very involved with the selection and communication with the structural engineer, and was able to implement their findings into our plans and through implementation. Berneche2's relationship with our builder, Duneland Fine Homes, was good in the planning and initial stages of the project, which allowed for open communication between all involved. We were pleased with Tim's ability to work with us, the builder, designer and other sub-contractors through the two year process of building our spectacular home. **★★★★★ — cathleenbyrne, Nov. 2014** > We had a fantastic experience with Tim Berneche of Berneche2 Architecture during our home renovation. He is highly professional and very easy to work with. We felt he really listened to our needs and responded with creative ideas and an abundance of knowledge. In addition, he was very flexible and worked within our budget and time constraints. We also admired the working relationship he fostered with our contractor. We were very pleased with the thoroughness of his work and found his fees to be extremely fair and competitive. We will definitely be utilizing his services for future renovation projects. **★★★★★ — Silver Leaf Construction & Renovation, Oct. 2014** > We met Tim at the Hinsdale Home Show in 2014 and continued to network and begin to work on a project together in Glen Ellyn, IL over past 6 months. Tim's attention to detail is above and beyond and has tremendous follow up and communication skills. Great design and 3D image/plans help the client see the project in a different form than most architects. > > I would recommend Berneche2 Architecture for your next project. > > -Silver Leaf Construction & Renovation ## Selected projects - [California Style Modern Beach House on Lake Michigan](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-style-modern-beach-house-on-lake-michigan-pj-vj~1279549) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 32 - Description: New four-level modern house on Lake Michigan, five bedrooms and a modernist's dream come true. The project had a long storied and fascinating history. The client initially approached us with an existing two-story home they wanted to renovate and add on an upper floor man cave. Then they decided to buy the house next door and connect the two. Local zoning difficulties made things difficult and it was decided to tear down and start anew. - [First Coast Home on the Third Coast](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/first-coast-home-on-the-third-coast-pj-vj~135420) - Location: Long Beach, IN - Photos: 18 - Description: This house had a very interesting history. Duneland Fine Homes approached us to design a home for a lot to help sell it to a potential buyer. We designed a modern style home to fit the narrow but steep lot. We were doing remodeling work for a client with a home a mile away and they heard the builder had a vacant lot right on the lake or sale, they expressed interest. They also pursued our design with heavy modification, specifically to the master bedroom level, which originally was set back from… - [Angled End Walls Capitalize on Great Wooded Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/angled-end-walls-capitalize-on-great-wooded-views-pj-vj~2155801) - Location: Michigan City, IN - Photos: 24 - Description: This project started out as a single addition for a master bedroom with renovations in other areas. We presented options to add on as the client requested. Yet we saw real potential with the heavily wooded south side of the lot and proposed a second option to reconfigure the house to capitalize on these views. We proposed a family room addition that followed the slight angle of the adjacent street and utilized angled end walls coming to a point at the desired fireplace. We also provided angled e… - [Additions Capitalizing on Views along a Small Lake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/additions-capitalizing-on-views-along-a-small-lake-pj-vj~2579776) - Location: Niles, MI - Photos: 31 - Description: Addition to a 70-year old lake house on a small midwestern lake. The owner has several relatives over on summer weekends and wanted spaces that could accommodate everyone for overnight stays, meals, and entertaining. While the lake was a great amenity, they also enjoyed watching sporting events, and therefore a TV wall in the family room drove the decision to maintain a TV wall toward the neighbors, where loss of view was not an issue. The upstairs in the new addition bedrooms step up to allow f… - [Split-Level Lakeside Remodel with Great Spaces and Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/split-level-lakeside-remodel-with-great-spaces-and-views-pj-vj~2074722) - Location: Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert, MI - Photos: 35 - Description: We designed the remodel and additions for this existing lake side home to add a master suite wing, renovate the existing master suite, replace a sun room with a bedroom, and fully renovate the complete house. The existing great room cathedral ceilings were maintained and the gable end wall was reconstructed to fill the entire wall with windows. A higher ceiling was provided in the kitchen and we decided to not do a kitchen cathedral to eliminate dust shelves with exposed structure. Unique exteri… - [Mid-Size Retro Lake Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-size-retro-lake-cottage-pj-vj~785499) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: New 1,600 square-foot house about 1/2 mile from a lake in a resort community, 1.5 story with three bedrooms, three baths, open living-dining-kitchen plan. The kitchen has a window seat that overlooks the back yard, and a laundry/mud room creates the frequently used rear entrance, Exposed rafters, a screened porch, and fireplace were important design features. - [Converting a Mancave into a Lake House in Northern Indiana](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/converting-a-mancave-into-a-lake-house-in-northern-indiana-pj-vj~1320620) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: The client designed and built a simple two-story lake house for himself in 2007. It was his weekend getaway to house his duck hunting equipment, gear, and trophies. He hired us at the time to dress up the exteriors with window and trim design ideas. They had a house elsewhere in town and decided in 2012 to downsize and build a 4,000 square foot house on this lot. We did studies to include what they wanted and the area came in around 6,000 square feet. The clients decided to change course and ren… - [One-story Addition and Renovation in Wooded Setting near Beach](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/one-story-addition-and-renovation-in-wooded-setting-near-beach-pj-vj~1808756) - Location: Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert, MI - Photos: 42 - Description: Addition to a 1.5 story home with cathedral ceiling, new spaces will allow couple to have all living spaces on one level. Site is less than a mile from Lake Michigan in a heavily wooded beach community. A solarium off the dining area was removed and replaced with a dining room having a vaulted ceiling on the same axis as the kitchen ceiling vault. The former detached garage was demolished, and a wing of the house with a new master suite and entry with a new attached garage was created. - [Spacious Lake Michigan Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spacious-lake-michigan-beach-house-pj-vj~139150) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Modern Michigan Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-michigan-makeover-pj-vj~321698) - Location: Grand Beach, MI - Photos: 22 - Description: Existing two-story home on Lake Michigan in SW Michigan. Owner wanted to preserve the upper level master bedroom and convert two adjacent bedrooms into a master suite. - [Facade Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/facade-makeover-pj-vj~320578) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: A few changes in elements on this house made for a dramatic visual transformation with minimal changes to the structure. - [Stainless Steel Kitchen Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stainless-steel-kitchen-makeover-pj-vj~821140) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: The owner wanted to replace their existing wood cabinetry with stainless steel. The semi-rural setting raised concern with the client that vermin could chew through wood cabinets, prompting a preference for stainless steel cabinetry. A new maple floor was also provided. Countertops are quartz. One challenge was to remove a bearing wall which allowed for the tall cabinet units shown in photo 4. All surfaces are new including drywall ceilings with new can lighting. Steven B. Schmidt Residential Re… - [Front Entrance Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-entrance-design-pj-vj~572551) - Location: Glendale Heights, IL - Photos: 6 - Description: Existing tri-level house scheduled for a new roof, clients decided to dress up front entrance at the same time to breathe new life into the traditional tri-level. Asphalt drive was replaced with concrete, concrete stoop was redone and formed to emphasize column bases. Area between stoop and drive was changed from concrete to brick pavers, and a paver walk was created to the public walk to create a more traditional town, less suburban setting. - [Exterior Makeover and Deck Expansion on Lake Michigan](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exterior-makeover-and-deck-expansion-on-lake-michigan-pj-vj~1552137) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Exterior makeover and deck expansion. The original house was constructed 12 years prior and budget suggested vinyl siding at the time. Owner decided to have the exterior redone in cedar. They also wanted to expand the upper deck and create a patio beneath. A dry deck was used, the upper deck was reconstructed to have a sloped membrane roof under the deck boards and tapered sleepers. This allowed for a wood ceiling under the deck / over the patio to keep folks on the patio dry in a rainstorm, and… - [Major Modifications to a Mid-Century Ranch along a Golf Course](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/major-modifications-to-a-mid-century-ranch-along-a-golf-course-pj-vj~6451737) - Location: Long Beach, IN - Photos: 26 - Description: This was renovation work done to an existing ranch style home with a basement under 75% of the original house and a crawl space under the remaining 25%. To help create an open concept, we relocated a stair between the kitchen and living room to straddle the crawl space, opening up both the main level and the basement. The Sunroom was a later addition with a small opening to the kitchen. We engineered a beam to open up the two spaces to each other, and figured another beam between the kitchen and… - [Great Room and Porch Additions to a Simple Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/great-room-and-porch-additions-to-a-simple-ranch-pj-vj~6451717) - Location: Wheaton, IL - Photos: 15 - Description: Our client is an engineer, a do-it-yourselfer who self-performed much of the work. He came to us with a floor plan of what he wanted which we helped develop into permit and construction documents. We were able to model the existing house and addition in 3d with our cad software and demonstrated to him and his wife what we looked to do to the house. Not everything is yet complete and we'll come back and get updated photos at a later date. We always suggest to clients doing additions or new houses… - [New Three-Seasons Room addition onto a Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-three-seasons-room-addition-onto-a-basement-pj-vj~6219105) - Location: Glen Ellyn, IL - Photos: 16 - Description: The challenge was to create a three seasons room off a partially sunken basement. The client's neighbor has a basketball court flooded and frozen in the winter for a hockey rink, and this sun room also serves as a changing and viewing area for hockey. Client also wanted screens/windows down to the ground for views. Our solution was to create a windowless connector from the house to the addition where grades could transition from house to sun room, with a retaining wall to create a flat grade for… - [Weekend retreat on a small Lake in Northwest Indiana](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/weekend-retreat-on-a-small-lake-in-northwest-indiana-pj-vj~5810153) - Location: Cedar Lake, IN - Photos: 10 - Description: This was a compact lake house we designed for a client looking to create a weekend getaway on a popular area lake. We had a lot of fun with the plan manipulating the front facade to create interesting effects, and angling the lake facade to maximize the lake views and create a wraparound effect viewed from inside. - [Modern House with Cantilevered Decks and Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-house-with-cantilevered-decks-and-spaces-pj-vj~5810137) - Location: Long Beach, IN - Photos: 7 - Description: Dynamic modern house that maximizes the available footprint and heights, design done in conjunction with AvroKO Design. - [Screened Porch Built on Steep Wooded Ravine](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/screened-porch-built-on-steep-wooded-ravine-pj-vj~5810109) - Location: Dune Acres, IN - Photos: 18 - Description: This was a Sunroom built atop an existing deck with 6x6 posts on a steep ravine. A kitchen window was changed to a sliding glass door to access this porch. A low slope metal roof was used to keep the height down to maintain an upper level bedroom window and its views. The ceiling was clad in a tongue and groove wood siding that matched ceilings in the existing house. [See all 22 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/berneche2-architecture-pc-pfvwus-pf~1577173564) ## Ideabooks - [Modern Homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34084121/list/modern-homes) — 19 ideas - [Architect Gone Wild](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34145744/list/architect-gone-wild) — 7 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/berneche2) ## Community Q&A **Q: what are the room dimensions for the addition?** *(in Photo Questions)* what are the room dimensions for the addition? love it!! A: Hi and thanks for your question.  The interior dimensions of the main space are approximately 17 feet wide x 12 feet long and a connecting portion that is roughly 5 feet long and 12 feet wide **Q: black countertops?** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the dark counter tops? Color and kind of stone? A: Hello and thanks for your question. My interior designer tells me it is a black granite that is no longer available, phased out years ago. The perimeter is a gray quartz. **Q: POLL: Light or Dark Bottom Pools?** *(in Polls)* So many pools and so little time! There are so many gorgeous pools to look at here, and it's hard to pick a favorite. If you were to choose between a light or dark bottom pool, what would you prefer? VOTE and tell us about it in the comments! A: For commercial pools in Illinois the IDPH requires the surface to be a light color with no logos. The rationale is that a person can be more easily seen at the bottom of the pool with a light finish. I'm designing a pool hotel right now and the client wanted a logo at the bottom center; our variance request for this was denied. The Illinois accessibility code will be updated soon. Currently in private multi-family facilities such as apartments and condos where a pool serves only tenants and their guests, this is considered a private pool and handicapped accessibility is not required. The updated code will classify these as public spaces, as I've always felt they should be, and pools will require either a pool ramp, a chair lift, or an accessible edged entry. And if the changes model those in the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act revisions, this requirements will be retroactive to existing pools. While what I've stated does not apply to single-family residences I feel it is information worth consideration in all pool design. **Q: what is the color used in the dining area?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thanks A: Wall color is Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter. **Q: Countertop** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the brand and color of countertop around the stove area? Looks different than the island granite. Thanks so much! A: Hello and thanks for your question. My interior designer tells me it is a black granite that is no longer available, phased out years ago. The perimeter is a gray quartz. **Q: where do you get the counter stool?where do you get the counter stool?** *(in Photo Questions)* where do you get the counter stool?where do you get the counter stool? A: Hello and thanks for your question. These were purchased from Ballards. In this photo we have green tags of various items purchased, hover your cursor over these and you can get more info. https://www.houzz.com/photos/first-coast-home-on-the-third-coast-beach-style-kitchen-chicago-phvw-vp~2345940 --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-21.*