---
title: "Fraerman Associates Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/fraerman-associates-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1921172250
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1921172250.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Fraerman Associates Architecture"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/539319ad00a28b19_7968-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "609 Laurel Suite 200, Highland Park, Illinois 60035-5626, United States"
latitude: 42.1794
longitude: -87.8059
phone: "(847) 999-4510"
website: http://www.fraermanarch.com
rating: 5
review_count: 2
years_in_business: 27
best_of_houzz_awards: 9
followers: 165
last_updated: 2026-09-11
---

# Fraerman Associates Architecture

> North Shore/Chicago Premiere Architect
> 8 Time Best of Houzz Winner

Original Houzz profile: [Fraerman Associates Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/fraerman-associates-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1921172250)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Highland Park, IL
- **Serves:** Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, Highland Park, Wilmette, Lake Forest, Deerfield, Winnetka, Glencoe, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Lake Bluff, Northfield, Highwood, Riverwoods, Kenilworth, Bannockburn, Mettawa, Fort Sheridan, New Buffalo MI
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (2 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2023), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Pro Software User
- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- 50,000 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- High-end
- 27 years in business

### Business highlights

- Best of Houzz winner
- 27 years in business
- High-end

One of the most prestigious firms on the North Shore, Fraerman Associates Architecture, Inc. has won numerous awards and accolades for its work in new home construction and residential renovation throughout the Chicago area and beyond. The firm's work has been featured in local, national and international publications.

Founded in 1995, Fraerman Associates Architecture has consistently promoted excellence in design through its classic approach to architecture while reflecting the distinct individuality of each client. Understanding the lifestyle challenges facing contemporary families, the firm's work concisely distills clients' often complex requisites with unique and elegant expression. The exquisitely detailed, single-family residences are characterized by tranquil, light-filled spaces layered as processional 'events', each one unfolding into the next. The effect is a fluidity that melds the interior with the exterior while energizing the entire environment.

With an intuitive understanding of both the beauty and pragmatism of thoughtful design, Yale educated James Fraerman, the firm’s principal, has more than 30 years of experience in wide variety of residential, cultural and educational building types.

### Services Provided

- Building Design
- Custom Homes
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Multigenerational Homes
- Pool House Design & Construction

### Areas Served

- Chicago
- Evanston
- Skokie
- Glenview
- Buffalo Grove
- Northbrook
- Highland Park
- Wilmette
- Lake Forest
- Deerfield
- Winnetka
- Glencoe
- Long Grove
- Lincolnshire
- Lake Bluff
- Northfield
- Highwood
- Riverwoods
- Kenilworth
- Bannockburn
- Mettawa
- Fort Sheridan
- New Buffalo MI

### Typical Job Cost

$200,000 - 5 million

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Fraerman Associates Architecture |
| Address | 609 Laurel Suite 200, Highland Park, Illinois 60035-5626, United States |
| Phone | (847) 999-4510 |
| Website | http://www.fraermanarch.com |
| Years in business | 27 |
| Followers on Houzz | 165 |

**Social profiles:**
- Blog — http://fraermanarch.com/

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Fraerman Associates Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/fraerman-associates-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1921172250)
- **Website:** http://www.fraermanarch.com
- **Phone:** (847) 999-4510

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Best of Houzz 2014,2015,2016,2017,2020, & 2021; ALA Merit Award 2020; ALA President's Award 2016; Luxe Home & Interiors Gold List 2014; Trends Top 50 American Homes 2013; Trends Top 50 American Bathrooms 2013; ALA Merit Award 2013; AIA Chicago Small Projects Honor Award 2012; ALA Silver Medal 2012.

- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2023), for Design, Service.

**Affiliations**
- [AIA Custom Residential Architects Network](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-custom-residential-architects-network-pfvwus-pf~629398549)
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)
- [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)
- [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 2 reviews**

### All 2 reviews

**★★★★★ — jspatz55, Aug. 2016**

> One of the best decisions I ever made hiring Jim and his team! I wish all the other vendors I hired were like team Fraerman!

**★★★★★ — Kelly Cleveland Interiors, Jan. 2015**

> I have had the privilege of working with Jim Fraerman and his team on 2 residential projects. FAA creates beautifully planned structures that are timeless and elegant. Each collaboration has gone incredibly smoothly and our clients have been beyond happy with not only the results results, but the process as well. If you contract with this firm you will find yourself with an incredible home that will stand the test of time.

## Selected projects

- [Custom Modern Home Designed for Entertaining in Chicago North Shore](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-modern-home-designed-for-entertaining-in-chicago-north-shore-pj-vj~111776)
  - Location: Chicago, IL
  - Photos: 7
- [Custom Contemporary Shingled House in Northbrook](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-contemporary-shingled-house-in-northbrook-pj-vj~1364004)
  - Location: Northbrook, IL
  - Photos: 7
- [Custom Lakeside Home in Michigan](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-lakeside-home-in-michigan-pj-vj~408425)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Custom Modern Manor Design in Chicago North Shore](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-modern-manor-design-in-chicago-north-shore-pj-vj~111805)
  - Location: Chicago, IL
  - Photos: 4
- [Custom Transitional Home Design in Chicago North Shore](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-transitional-home-design-in-chicago-north-shore-pj-vj~1289377)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [A House Designed to Take In Views in Highland Park, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-house-designed-to-take-in-views-in-highland-park-illinois-pj-vj~111748)
  - Location: Highland Park, IL
  - Photos: 4
- [A House On a Hill in Chicago North Shore](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-house-on-a-hill-in-chicago-north-shore-pj-vj~111785)
  - Location: Chicago, IL
  - Photos: 5
- [A Contemporary Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-contemporary-barn-pj-vj~111760)
  - Location: Wauconda, IL
  - Photos: 5
- [A House that Melds Inside and Outside in Chicago North Shore](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-house-that-melds-inside-and-outside-in-chicago-north-shore-pj-vj~111722)
  - Location: Chicago, IL
  - Photos: 4
- [A Home Above It All](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-home-above-it-all-pj-vj~5893889)
  - Location: Chicago, IL
  - Photos: 5

[See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/fraerman-associates-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1921172250)

## Video

- [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840785809.m3u8?s=6ea9cc88e0851fa8bb976950671452a4228b0722&oauth2_token_id=1384357804)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?**
As part of our comprehensive architectural services for new construction and renovations, we guide clients through the permitting, zoning, and regulatory approval processes. We ensure your project adheres to all necessary requirements, making the complex process smoother for you.

**What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?**
We specialize in new home construction and residential renovation, including custom homes, additions, extensions, guesthouse design, and pool houses. Our work spans the Chicago area and beyond, focusing on unique, elegant designs for contemporary families.

**Do you provide full-service architectural services through construction?**
As an established architecture firm with over 30 years of experience, we provide comprehensive architectural services from initial concept and design development through the construction phase. We ensure your project is realized to our exacting standards, maintaining design integrity throughout.

**Do you design fully custom homes?**
Absolutely, we specialize in designing fully custom homes. Our approach focuses on understanding the distinct individuality and complex requisites of each client, creating unique and elegant expressions that perfectly suit their lifestyle and vision.

**Do you specialize in specific architectural styles?**
While we are known for our classic approach to architecture, our portfolio demonstrates versatility, including contemporary, modern, and shingled classic styles. We tailor each design to reflect the distinct individuality of our clients, creating unique and elegant expressions.

*FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.*

## Community Q&A

**Q: Who makes that shade?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: This is not a manufactured item. The pergola structure is custom designed and built.

**Q: What is the ceiling made out of and what color** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Thank you for your interest in this photo.  The ceiling is wood and painted in a warm gray color.

**Q: What type of flooring is used? Also what color is used for the ceiling** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The floor of the porch is bluestone.

**Q: what is the kitchen cabinet color? thank you!** *(in Photo Questions)*

.

A: The cabinets are white

**Q: I love the pendants. Can you share the make and model?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I love the pendants. Can you share the make and model? Thank you.

A: These pendants are Ralph Lauren

**Q: Fireplace- wall to ceiling made of?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Is that drywall wall with a heavy texture and then faux finish surrounding the fireplace to ceiling?  I read the mantle is limestone, the surround is stainless steel.   Does the other side mimic the inside.  Just beautifully done!

A: The porch floor is bluestone.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-11.*