---
title: "Van Cleave Architecture + Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/van-cleave-architecture-design-pfvwus-pf~251995460
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~251995460.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Van Cleave Architecture + Design"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/4473a80300eda8eb_9030-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Call for Consultation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States"
latitude: 43.082
longitude: -87.8895
phone: "(414) 204-8917"
website: http://www.vancleavearchitecture.com
rating: 5
review_count: 10
best_of_houzz_awards: 8
followers: 146
last_updated: 2026-08-24
---

# Van Cleave Architecture + Design

Original Houzz profile: [Van Cleave Architecture + Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/van-cleave-architecture-design-pfvwus-pf~251995460)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Milwaukee, WI
- **Serves:** Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, West Allis, Wauwatosa, New Berlin, Greenfield, South Milwaukee, Cudahy, Whitefish Bay, Greendale, Shorewood, Glendale, Brown Deer, Burlington, Saint Francis, Lake Geneva, Hales Corners, Fox Point, Elm Grove, Twin Lakes, Waterford, Bayside, West Milwaukee, Butler, River Hills, Antioch, Gurnee, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2019–2026), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 25,000 Ideabook Saves

We are a small Architectural and Interior Design firm that specializes in commercial and residential design for smaller scale projects.  Much of our work is re-purposing or renovating existing buildings to improve the function, energy, quality, and even economic returns of a building. 
This focus also applies to housing where we can transform an existing home or multi-family building into a quality space that enhances original details and uniqueness but adds the functionality of our modern living standards.  Please contact us today to discuss your vision!

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Floor Plans
- 3D Rendering
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Green Building
- Bathroom Design
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Drafting
- Home Restoration
- Structural Engineering
- Barn Design & Construction
- Basement Remodeling
- Attic Conversion
- Basement Design
- Tiny House Construction
- Deck Design
- Garage Design
- Custom Home

### Areas Served

- Milwaukee
- Madison
- Green Bay
- Kenosha
- Racine
- West Allis
- Wauwatosa
- New Berlin
- Greenfield
- South Milwaukee
- Cudahy
- Whitefish Bay
- Greendale
- Shorewood
- Glendale
- Brown Deer
- Burlington
- Saint Francis
- Lake Geneva
- Hales Corners
- Fox Point
- Elm Grove
- Twin Lakes
- Waterford
- Bayside
- West Milwaukee
- Butler
- River Hills
- Antioch
- Gurnee
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Wisconsin

### Typical Job Cost

$20,000 - 1,000,000

No budget is too small, so please contact us to discuss your vision!

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Van Cleave Architecture + Design |
| Address | Call for Consultation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States |
| Phone | (414) 204-8917 |
| Website | http://www.vancleavearchitecture.com |
| License Number | 001-019413 |
| Followers on Houzz | 146 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Van Cleave Architecture + Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/van-cleave-architecture-design-pfvwus-pf~251995460)
- **Website:** http://www.vancleavearchitecture.com
- **Phone:** (414) 204-8917

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Wisconsin and Illinois Registration
- AIA Milwaukee chapter
- NCARB certificate holder

- **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2019–2026), for Design, Service.

**Affiliations**
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)
- [AIA Wisconsin](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-wisconsin-pfvwus-pf~2013700903)
- [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews**

### All 10 reviews

**★★★★★ — Eva Bishop, Sept. 2021**

> Vancleeve architecture helped us convert an attached garage into an extension of our kitchen in a 95 year old house. Results phenomenal! No end of compliments from everyone who’s seen it. Perfect design with maximum use of space in a tiny house. Extremely professional, Suzie was engaged throughout to ensure all went according to plan. Would highly recommend.

**★★★★★ — Josh, April 2018**

> Great job redesigning our kitchen in an older house while still staying true to the home. Suzie spent a good amount of time giving us various creative options on how to maximize the space for the way we live.

**Comment from Van Cleave Architecture + Design:**

> Thank you Josh!  You guys were perfect clients as well!

**★★★★★ — Alair Homes Milwaukee, April 2017**

> Suzie is truly a professional who understands how to listen to clients' needs and understands the value of having a team mantality on a project. We at Carmel Builders, are excited to work with Van Cleave Architecture, because we share the same beliefs when it comes to working with Home Owners;  of providing our expertise to help make design decisions that are right for them and their home. Suzie is a great listener, caring and approachable.

**★★★★★ — Michael Alan Kaskel, July 2016**

> I photograph primarily kitchens and baths for architects and designers. Here's what typically happens.  I'll photo a job for the architect, all the architectural elements are there, but the design quality is lacking...and when I photo for the designer, it's the opposite. Than there's Suzie. Suzie is the best of both worlds combined.  She has such a talent for including both the architectural and design elements into all her projects that I'm always salivating at the chance to photograph her work.  She's a pleasure to work with and of course is the consummate professional.

**★★★★★ — liverpool65, June 2016**

> Van Cleave Archictecture turned our visions into reality!
> Our kitchen and third floor remodel has exceeded our expectations. It makes us happy every time we enter the rooms.  The visual and functional appeal are amazing!
> Suzie's experience and talents are apparent in her work. She is professional, easy to work with and timely.  Thanks you Suzie!!

**★★★★★ — jlgardn2, March 2016**

> We are so glad we decided to use Van Cleave Architecture for our home renovation, Suzie was instrumental in making our vision a reality. She has a real eye for maintaining the integrity of a home while adding the desired features of today.
> She was a great "go-between" for us and the contractor. She drew up a detailed plan, after listening to what we were looking for. This eliminated any confusion with the hands on aspect of the job and expedited the renovation immensely. This plan also put our minds at ease, giving us a visual of what we could expect.
> She was approachable and easy to work with, patient and professional from start to end. She was promptly on-site when we needed her to be and a phone call away for anything else that popped up.
> We would highly recommend Van Cleave Architecture to anyone.

**★★★★★ — citygirl231, Jan. 2015**

> Wow...this place is unbelievable...these are usually the first words out of our family and friends mouths when they see what a wonderful job Suzie did for us on the renovation of our lake house.  From the photos you will probably have the same reaction.  Don't let the photos be your only reason for choosing to work with her.  Her attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and her willingness to listen to your dreams and turn them into reality are the reasons you should work with her.  Suzie has the ability to transform your space into your dream place and you will enjoy working with her in the process.

**★★★★★ — kvangek, Feb. 2013**

> Suzie helped us re-imagine, in a cost-effective and original way, the exterior of a century old farmhouse.  She has designed a multi-family porch, finding ways to add space within the limitations of the building code and existing structural supports.  She also helped us source a reasonably priced contractor for that project, as well. Suzie even helped with the layout design of both my mother's and my kitchen. I remember the redesign of Suzie's own kitchen, which was smartly laid out and added much to the value of her house. If there is ever a project that I need an architect for, I "go-to" Suzie Van Cleave of Burnham and VanCleave Architects.

**★★★★★ — elixur99, Feb. 2013**

> From concept to execution, working with Burnham and Van Cleave could not have been a more professional and positive experience.  An unfinished, raw attic space was the starting point for creating a unique and welcoming room for our teenage  son.
>     Capable of understanding our needs and working within our budget, they went above and beyond our expectations for what was possible, creating a unique room which met all of our needs.
>      Construction was implemented by an outside contractor, however, we used Burnham and Van Cleave as project manager for the job, as well as the designers, knowing that answers to specific questions were best coming from them. They proved to be problem solvers and really worked well with our contractor.
>      I would highly recommend this firm and will use them again in the future.

**★★★★★ — choonwh, Jan. 2013**

> Suzie was very considerate and creative of my family's needs and wants for her design for our basement,
> rec room, theater room and laundry room.  She was also prompt meeting the deadline.

## Selected projects

- [Arts & Crafts II](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-ii-pj-vj~6430430)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [1902 Family Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1902-family-lake-house-pj-vj~6430479)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Cream City Brick Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cream-city-brick-farmhouse-pj-vj~6677802)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [1870's Farm House Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1870-s-farm-house-transformation-pj-vj~5789763)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 18
- [Garage to Guesthouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garage-to-guesthouse-pj-vj~5651083)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
- [Lake House Retreat, Lake County, IL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-house-retreat-lake-county-il-pj-vj~161302)
  - Location: Mundelein, IL
  - Photos: 32
  - Description: An early 20th century vacation cottage becomes a 21st century paradise for the owners.
- [West Bend Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-bend-remodel-pj-vj~2142862)
  - Location: West Bend, WI
  - Photos: 25
  - Description: This home was a beautiful older house that needed some tender loving care to bring it into the 21st century for a family of 7! We opened up the kitchen, created a breakfast niche, added a Kid's bath and enlarged the Master Bath, all within the existing footprint.
- [Arts & Crafts Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arts-and-crafts-kitchen-pj-vj~3539118)
  - Location: Shorewood, WI
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: Beautiful Craftsmen-style kitchen to meld with the owner's unique Arts & Crafts bungalow.
- [Lexington Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lexington-kitchen-pj-vj~1207562)
  - Location: Milwaukee, WI
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: The owners wanted to keep the original footprint of the house and keep the kitchen in the same location. Their goal was to make the kitchen more open, efficient, clean and welcoming. We eliminated an existing window and peninsula, kept the cabinets classic and white, and opened the space into a small breakfast area. A catch-all cabinet only 6"d houses keys, TV, papers and phone chargers next to the back door.
- [Farmhouse Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-transformation-pj-vj~140432)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Cape Cod Addition in Glendale](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-cod-addition-in-glendale-pj-vj~2111973)
  - Location: Glendale, WI
  - Photos: 4
- [Deerfield Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deerfield-modern-pj-vj~2700359)
  - Location: Deerfield, IL
  - Photos: 2
  - Description: A new contemporary residence for a growing family in an established suburban neighborhood.
- [Staying within the Footprint](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/staying-within-the-footprint-pj-vj~171684)
  - Location: Wilmette, IL
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: An easy way to add square footage to your house is remodel it from the inside without changing its footprint. Reconfiguring existing spaces by tearing down walls, recapturing unused areas, opening up views, and small bump-outs are all ways to add square footage.
- [Capturing Attic Space](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/capturing-attic-space-pj-vj~161996)
  - Location: Chicago metro, IL
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: An existing attic space has much potential! Open it up using a dormer with windows and you have a treetop bedroom for the kids!
- [Bungalow treetop bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bungalow-treetop-bedroom-pj-vj~140410)
  - Location: Wilmette, IL
  - Photos: 8
- [Ornamental Ironwork in Chicago](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ornamental-ironwork-in-chicago-pj-vj~345969)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Playful stairway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/playful-stairway-pj-vj~147989)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Side yard gate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/side-yard-gate-pj-vj~140449)
  - Location: Wilmette, IL
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: Side yard gate creates access to the back with some fun!
- [Fibonacci Garden in Front / Chess Game in Back](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fibonacci-garden-in-front-chess-game-in-back-pj-vj~148033)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Pergola with water sculpture](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pergola-with-water-sculpture-pj-vj~148004)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6

[See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/van-cleave-architecture-design-pfvwus-pf~251995460)

## Ideabooks

- [Kurt's Lodge houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/153852624/list/kurt-s-lodge-houses) — 21 ideas
- [Greiwe](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140976668/list/greiwe) — 22 ideas
- [Farrell Camp](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137239868/list/farrell-camp) — 19 ideas
- [Great article](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/123602919/list/great-article) — 2 ideas
- [Landscape ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9700074/list/landscape-ideas) — 36 ideas
- [Gwenyn Hill](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/113334245/list/gwenyn-hill) — 22 ideas
- [River Hills](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102824057/list/river-hills) — 13 ideas
- [Hidden housing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77558335/list/hidden-housing) — 1 idea
- [Sponsored Ad- Photostream Photos](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75822545/list/sponsored-ad-photostream-photos) — 12 ideas
- [fencing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71857454/list/fencing) — 9 ideas
- [Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22891246/list/stairs) — 4 ideas
- [brick landscape walls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70467318/list/brick-landscape-walls) — 13 ideas
- [Ornamental iron](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23586465/list/ornamental-iron) — 4 ideas
- [trees](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/67912330/list/trees) — 4 ideas
- [Outdoor living ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12336266/list/outdoor-living-ideas) — 27 ideas
- [rain chains and rain barrels](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60354712/list/rain-chains-and-rain-barrels) — 4 ideas
- [Creative mudrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19787998/list/creative-mudrooms) — 10 ideas
- [favorite treehouses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52878543/list/favorite-treehouses) — 2 ideas
- [Kitchen ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22889604/list/kitchen-ideas) — 18 ideas
- [adding curb appeal](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51092296/list/adding-curb-appeal) — 4 ideas

[See all 26 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/svancleave)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Is it recommended to have no range hood over an island stove like this** *(in Photo Questions)*

I’m interested in possibly going with an island cooktop in my kitchen remodel and I like the look here, but thought it was required to have range hood ventilation, which this doesn’t seem to have.

A: Connie, this DOES have exhaust ventilation for the range!  It is a downdraft range from Best.  When you push the countertop button, the hood rises up 18" and the fan comes on to collect the fumes and exhaust them through ductwork that goes down through the cabinet and between the floor joists and out the side of the house.  The fan can be located below the cabinet, inside the duct, or on the outside of the house (which makes for a quiet installation).

**Q: what wood are the kitchen cabinets made from?** *(in Photo Questions)*

It’s just what I’m looking for!

A: Hi Dev, the wood is quarter-sawn red oak finished with a stain and glaze to match the patina of existing millwork in the house.  It was a long process and took 6 tries to get the staining and glazing just right!

**Q: what are the colors on the house** *(in Photo Questions)*

on the craftsman - what are the exterior colors?

A: Isn’t it a beautiful craftsman home? We were not involved with the original colors, so I do not know the names of the paint colors. Basically it is a chocolate brown on the trim and cream or warm white on the stucco.

**Q: Is this a downdraft vent? What model? CFM? Thx** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you share the type of stove vent used?

A: Hi Michael, this island range used a downdraft vent made by Best.  I do not know the exact model number but it vents down into the unfinished basement, then between the floor joists and out the side of the house.  There is a button that raises the vent about 18" when needed and the fan pulls the smoke & fumes out.  It is the only way to put the range on the island without a large hood suspended over it!

**Q: Is it normal to combine two colored medals?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I noticed the cabinet door hardware is different color than the sink fixtures such as stainless and bronze

A: Nothing is “normal” as all homeowners have different opinions and perspectives! But, yes, we often see two metal finishes in the same project

**Q: Cabinets** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you please tell us the wood and stain of the cabinetry?

A: Hi Steph, the cabinets are made from quarter-sawn white oak which was typical in the public spaces of Arts & Crafts homes and less typical now due to the expense.  The finish is a custom stain with a custom glaze and took 6 tries to get it right!

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*