--- title: "Northlight Architects LLC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/northlight-architects-llc-pfvwus-pf~1862365612 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1862365612.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Northlight Architects LLC" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d5f3de4908d328ba_2408-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2823 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60618, United States" latitude: 41.9464 longitude: -87.7042 phone: "(773) 719-3180" website: http://www.northlightarchitects.com rating: 4.8 review_count: 9 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 141 last_updated: 2026-11-07 --- # Northlight Architects LLC Original Houzz profile: [Northlight Architects LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/northlight-architects-llc-pfvwus-pf~1862365612) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Chicago, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Evanston - **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (9 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2012–2017), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves The philosophy of the firm is based on design ideas which will enhance the client's environment. Good design solves problems, is reminiscent and innovative, and meets the needs of function and budget. The design process is a collaborative effort that identifies the client's sensitivities, goals, and dreams to produce the best result. Services that are provided include planning, cost estimating, design and construction administration. Each project is unique to Northlight and will be designed thoughtfully and creatively. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Structural Engineering - home restoration - remodeling ### Areas Served - Chicago - Evanston ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Northlight Architects LLC | | Address | 2823 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60618, United States | | Phone | (773) 719-3180 | | Website | http://www.northlightarchitects.com | | Followers on Houzz | 141 | ## Offers (DEMO) OFFERS _(DEMO) DISCLAIMER_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Northlight Architects LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/northlight-architects-llc-pfvwus-pf~1862365612) - **Website:** http://www.northlightarchitects.com - **Phone:** (773) 719-3180 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2012–2017), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [AIA Chicago](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-chicago-pfvwus-pf~437317530) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 9 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### All 9 reviews **★★★★★ — Michael Lipman Photography, Sept. 2020** > Excellent Architect ! I have worked on many projects with Frank for many years. He is always responsible , thoughtful and has a great perspective on completing projects. **★★★★★ — Pryor Construction Inc, Jan. 2018** > We have had the pleasure of working with Northlight Architects on the full renovation and addition of a single-family home. Their new design was thoughtful, and their plans were well detailed. They spent quality time understanding what the homeowners were trying to achieve. At the end, the clients where extremely happy with their beautiful and functional new space for their growing family. We confidently recommend Northlight Architects often and hope to collaborate again with them in the future. **★★★★★ — Anne Divita, Oct. 2016** > We had a great experience with Frank and his team. He quickly understood our aesthetic and designed a new back room for our house that was respectful of our house's age and architecture, but included the new features we wanted. For our next project, we hope to use Frank again. **★★★★★ — Brenna H, Aug. 2016** > Frank did an exceptional job helping us completely reconfigure, update, and modernize a home that was built in the 1880's. Every detail was planned perfectly to fit the needs of our family. People who see our home comment that they can tell we used an architect. The home flows really well and we have great light throughout which I don't think we could have accomplished without Frank. He is very knowledgeable on Chicago building codes which was extremely helpful. We also found bidding out the final job of rebuilding our home was much easier and precise when it came to the estimates because of the drawings Frank provided us. We would definitely use him again if we ever have an more projects in the future. **★★★★★ — Bob Glennie, Aug. 2016** > This is our second project with this firm and are quite happy. Both projects were historic homes that needed the proper integration of modern needs with the character of the house. Both projects began with closed in feel and space and ended with more than adequate, bright living areas. > > We did not have an unlimited budget and the firm worked with us to address our needs with a budget in mind. > > Many factors that I would not have thought of were addressed and professionally resolved. Great living here now! **★★★★★ — Jason Williams, Aug. 2016** > Frank helped my wife and I design our dream home. He was easy to work with and was always available. He stayed in close contact with us during construction and checked in on the progress of the house to make sure it was moving forward as planned. I would use Frank again in a heart beat on my next project. **★★★★ — cdm79, July 2016** > My husband and I purchased a brick bungalow in Chicago. We wanted to create a more spacious home with an open floor plan, but also didn't want to just throw a big box addition on the top like other homes in the neighborhood. It was very difficult to find an architectural firm willing to do our project. Northlight was willing and equipped with the expertise in bungalows. Frank listened to our wants and needs and gave us some excellent options. He customized the plans based on our laundry list of preferences. We ended up doing a complete gut and expanding the existing addition. The layout of our house is beautiful, functional for our family and still respectful of the character of a home from that era. Frank handled the permits and communication with the city pre-construction. He was easy to work with and very professional in our interactions. I am so pleased with the design of our home. When I see other homes in our area being rehabbed I can immediately tell that they did not make the investment of working with a reputable architect. Every detail was really very well thought out, from large windows allowing light, adding a second floor furnace (which my husband did try to fight, but we are happy we did) to preserving the stained glass windows in the living room and brick wall in our back porch. There are bigger homes in the area, but people often comment on how spacious our home feels because the layout was so well thought out. > > The main reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is because since this was a new home to us and extensive project we used a Homestyle Loan. only certain contractors are certified to work on this type of project which requires the bank to review the detailed estimates and send a consultant to regularly review the work and disburse funds, similar to a 203K. North-light had not worked on a project with this type of loan so was not familiar with the contractors we had to choose from. I think it's important to work with folks who have a relationship which might have saved my husband some back and forth between Northlight and the contractor (in fairness the contractor was not the greatest communicator and not always easy to get a hold of). I think this also impacted the potential estimates of cost Northlight made because they were not familiar with the contractor's costs. Not sure that it could have been helped since we hired Frank first because of his experience and knowledge of bungalows as well as endorsement on the historic bungalow site. This was our first renovation so again some of the hiccups were likely related to our inexperience. No complaints with the quality of the work, Northlight was super responsive to communication and got things done promptly when the city required alterations to the plan. In addition, unlike working with some other professionals throughout the process, we were never treated like our project wasn't a priority, despite the fact they had many others simultaneously. > > We recommend Northlight, especially if you are particular like us and have an old home that requires creative design to update! **★★★★ — strudebaron, Jan. 2015** > Two Great qualities of Frank and Northlight Architects were Frank’s wonderful listening skills as well as his timeliness. We were on a bit of a deadline and Frank took every effort to get the drawings to us quicker than anticipated. Frank also has a wonderful style of listening fully to his clients. He takes copious notes during meetings as well. **★★★★★ — sarahludden, Nov. 2014** > Frank was the perfect architect for us! He listened and asked all the right questions. He understood our "big picture" issues, our aesthetic, functional and financial concerns-- and designed a perfect space for us. The job was a complete basement renovation and involved construction complications that we knew nothing about--didn't matter because Frank explained everything very carefully and comprehensively. The contractors he recommended were excellent and he helped us evaluate the bids, ask more questions of the contractor and decide which was one was best for us---without really giving his opinion (no favorites). He was generous with his time and knowledge, came back to the house to answer questions and talk with the contractors, and stayed helpful to the very end. The cost of his excellent service was affordable and reasonable. I highly recommend Northlight Architects LLC! ## Selected projects - [Cullom Ave. Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cullom-ave-bungalow-pj-vj~6038147) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Printers Row Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/printers-row-loft-pj-vj~6035407) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 6 - [Whipple Street Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whipple-street-renovation-pj-vj~694634) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Sawyer Ave. Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sawyer-ave-residence-pj-vj~2009) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Ravenswood Manor Conversion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ravenswood-manor-conversion-pj-vj~191738) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 4 - [Bernard Street Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bernard-street-renovation-pj-vj~741) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 5 - Description: LOGAN SQUARE VICTORIAN RENOVATION DESIGN CHALLENGE: This existing frame Victorian home had been neglected since the 1970’s. Originally a single family home, it had been converted to a rooming house following World War II. Interior walls were added blocking light and views. The new Owners wanted to bring it back to its Victorian splendor, but with the modern conveniences of the 21st century. DESIGN SOLUTION: On the first floor, walls were removed to restore light and views through the house. An e… - [Two Story Rear Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/two-story-rear-addition-pj-vj~347688) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Beacon St. Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beacon-st-residence-pj-vj~2010) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Wrightwood Avenue Dormer Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wrightwood-avenue-dormer-addition-pj-vj~347728) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Chicago Bungalow Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-bungalow-addition-pj-vj~347717) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Second Floor Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/second-floor-addition-pj-vj~347695) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Mayfair Neighborhood Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mayfair-neighborhood-residence-pj-vj~2012) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 4 - [Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~191627) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 4 - [Leavitt Avenue Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leavitt-avenue-addition-pj-vj~191755) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Harding Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harding-avenue-pj-vj~191716) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 6 - [Delaware Place Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/delaware-place-residence-pj-vj~2011) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Oakley Ave. Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakley-ave-residence-pj-vj~2008) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 [See all 17 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/northlight-architects-llc-pfvwus-pf~1862365612) ## Ideabooks - [Michalski Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183137309/list/michalski-kitchen) — 10 ideas - [Cadilhac Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180370333/list/cadilhac-bathroom) — 5 ideas - [Sharer Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154121162/list/sharer-residence) — 4 ideas - [Morris Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137629199/list/morris-residence) — 16 ideas - [Bergen Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/139198897/list/bergen-bungalow) — 3 ideas - [Raterman Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137063321/list/raterman-kitchen) — 3 ideas - [Stenesa Loft](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110247097/list/stenesa-loft) — 9 ideas - [Zupko Loft](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111053194/list/zupko-loft) — 9 ideas - [Simanis Addition](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104501437/list/simanis-addition) — 9 ideas - [Beasley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/87984010/list/beasley-residence) — 6 ideas - [Loos Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79265370/list/loos-residence) — 19 ideas - [Gaonkar Canopies](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77785596/list/gaonkar-canopies) — 3 ideas - [Murray Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76560947/list/murray-residence) — 6 ideas - [Stephenson Deck](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68313721/list/stephenson-deck) — 5 ideas - [Gorcyca Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61536943/list/gorcyca-bungalow) — 10 ideas - [Fitzgerald Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61146331/list/fitzgerald-bungalow) — 5 ideas - [Christensen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32545375/list/christensen) — 2 ideas - [Dougherty Porch](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30064871/list/dougherty-porch) — 8 ideas - [LeBaron Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25097331/list/lebaron-bathroom) — 5 ideas - [Kirschbraun Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24877770/list/kirschbraun-residence) — 7 ideas [See all 25 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/northlight) ## Community Q&A **Q: what stain will hide the wood grain in kitchen cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)* I have cabinets that have a lot of wood grain. I would like to stain them and hide the grain look. Is there a stain that will do that or will I need to paint them? A: If you want to hide the grain, use an opaque stain, or just paint them. **Q: flooring question** *(in Photo Questions)* What brand/stain/species are the floors? Thanks! A: Flooring was white oak. not sure of stain - almost clear **Q: Counter stools** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi there. I love the counter stools! They are so simple and the height of the backs looks perfect for our counter. Could you tell me who makes them? Thank you! A: Owner purchased. I'll try and find out from them. **Q: Is the floor an engineered wood? Manufacturer and stain?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This project is 11 years old, so I can't be sure. But I believe it was an oak floor. No idea on stain at this point. **Q: Pool house bathroom** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the wall material in the shower? Where can I find it? I love how it matches the bath floor. A: sorry this is so late. 12 X 24 ceramic tile, floor and walls, bought online, **Q: Top connecting piece** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi Northlight - beautiful design! Is the piece that connects between the partition and the ceiling tiled or just drywall, and does it sit on the same dimensions as the top of the partition or is it narrower? I love the way the extension elongates the feeling of the short partition. Thank you! A: Top portion is just drywall, same width as tile wall below - wanted to provide a visual connection, while maintaining the areas of tile below. Thanks for your question --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-07.*