--- title: "Cook Murphy Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cook-murphy-architects-pfvwus-pf~469857105 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~469857105.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Cook Murphy Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/86737a700b3b8c09_1300-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "350 North Orleans, Suite 9000N, Chicago, Illinois 60654, United States" latitude: 41.8923 longitude: -87.6373 phone: "(312) 846-6292" website: http://www.cookmurphy.com rating: 5 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 15 followers: 766 last_updated: 2026-09-17 --- # Cook Murphy Architects Original Houzz profile: [Cook Murphy Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cook-murphy-architects-pfvwus-pf~469857105) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Chicago, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Evanston, Arlington Heights, Glenview, Northbrook, Niles, Lincolnwood - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2012–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - High-end - Offers Custom Work Cook Murphy Architects (formerly Cook Architectural Design Studio) is client focused and design driven. We believe great design comes from listening carefully, distilling the essence of our clients desires, and manifesting that goal into inspired solutions. Cook Murphy Architects and its team of talented professionals provide a primary focus on design and service, supported with an acute attention to detail. Services provided include Master Planning, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents and Construction Observation phases for projects ranging from complex mixed-use commercial structures to single family residential. The firm principal and design team members are LEED Accredited Professionals embracing sustainability, Green Technology and energy conserving solutions. Their work has received more than eighteen national design awards, twenty local design awards, and twenty-five awards for preservation and restoration projects. Professional Affiliations: American Institute of Architects (AIA) Association of Licensed Architects (ALA) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) ### Services Provided - Custom Homes - Sustainable Design - Home Restoration - 3D Home Design - Home Addition - Interior Renovation - New Construction - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Chicago - Evanston - Arlington Heights - Glenview - Northbrook - Niles - Lincolnwood ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Cook Murphy Architects | | Address | 350 North Orleans, Suite 9000N, Chicago, Illinois 60654, United States | | Phone | (312) 846-6292 | | Website | http://www.cookmurphy.com | | Followers on Houzz | 766 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/cookmurphyarchitects - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/cookmurphyarchitects/ - Blog — https://www.cookmurphy.com - Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/cookmurphyarchitects/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Cook Murphy Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cook-murphy-architects-pfvwus-pf~469857105) - **Website:** http://www.cookmurphy.com - **Phone:** (312) 846-6292 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - LEED Accedited ProfessionalsNumerous Historic Preservation Awards - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2012–2025), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 13 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Jane Brooks, April 2020** > I would like to commend Chuck Cook, Patrick Murphy and the entire staff at Cook Architectural for exceeding our expectations regarding our new home. They not only designed a beyond wonderful home for us but worked alongside our builder and all the other team members with professionalism & grace. I wake up each morning marveling at our home; the place where we will make wonderful memories with family & friends for our lifetime. They were at the helm of what I call our “A+” team! I would do another project with them in the future in a heart beat! Thanks so much for a beautifully well executed project from beginning to end and beyond...... **★★★★★ — Julieta LaMalfa, March 2020** > We initially hired Chuck and his team to renovate our kitchen and with his vision our project morphed into so much more. Our home was initially a bungalow built in the 1920s with an addition built-on in the 1990s. As a result, while spacious, our home was compartmentalized and not used to its full potential. Chuck designed a space which we could not be happier with. We knocked down the wall that separated the "original" home from the 1990s addition and moved our kitchen from the back of the house to the center of our footprint. As a result, we now use our entire space! In addition, we moved our laundry room from the basement to the second floor and I am much happier doing laundry! > > Our contractor commented that he had never seen plans as detailed as Chuck's. Because of his attention to detail, there was very little room for error. In addition, he was always available to brainstorm any changes. > > It is amazing that so many people think we added to our space when all we really did was optimize our footprint. **★★★★★ — Kendra Drozd, Oct. 2019** > We had the absolute best experience in renovating our home with Cook Architectural Design Studio from start to finish!! We expanded our kitchen and added a bathroom, mudroom, office and modified our family room. It was a major undertaking and Cook held our hand, as much or as little as we needed, through the entire process. They were professional and personable, guided us and listened to us, and blended the renovation/addition so that the scale perfectly matched with our existing home. We honestly could not be more thrilled and delighted with the end product - it more than exceeded our hopes and expectations. It is utterly beautiful as well as extremely functional with all of the customization to match with how our family lives. We highly recommend anyone to use Cook and would work with them again in a heartbeat. We feel lucky to have found them! **★★★★★ — kathays, Feb. 2019** > We worked with Chuck and his team to build our single family home in Lincoln Park Chicago. We felt everyone was extremely professional, responsive and detail-oriented throughout the entire process. They were very accommodating to our needs and felt confident that they always had our best interests in mind. It was truly a pleasure to work with Cook Architectural Design Studio! **Comment from Cook Murphy Architects:** > Thanks for the kind words, it was our pleasure to work with you both as well. Have a great day! **★★★★★ — Kim McElhenie, Nov. 2016** > We thoroughly enjoyed working with Chuck and his staff at Cook Architectural during the renovation/addition to our 1927 Wilmette home. Initially we were presented with several creative design solutions which exactly met our needs and desires. CA followed through with excellent attention to detail during the development of our project. They were helpful, approachable, responsive and encouraging as we sought a variance, selected a general contractor from four bidders and proceeded through the construction phase. We found Chuck, Sarah and Carol to be very professional but also fun to work with. We continue to receive many compliments on the improvements to our home, and we couldn't be happier with our finished product. **★★★★★ — rknight3, Oct. 2016** > CAds designed our new construction dream home. Their design work was beautiful, and reflected our every want and need. The home feels both elegant and comfortable at the same time. Their studio was very responsive at every turn. The project manager and staff architects working with Chuck were all first rate. Our mission going in, was to realize our every dream with this home, so that we could grow old and die here :) With that said, if I ever needed to do this all over again, I would go back to CAds in a heartbeat. **★★★★★ — Michael Flynn, Sept. 2016** > We hired COOK ARCHITECTURAL for a residential renovation/addition project. In addition to expanding our living space our objective was to bridge the contemporary style of the addition with the traditional style of the existing home without creating a fractured two style result. The firm's approach, ideas and support throughout the project was impeccable. They were able to seamlessly manage our input with their experience and creativity. They solved every challenge associated with the blending of the old with new, established a strong relationship with the builder and did it with a high degree of professionalism. In the end, we could not have been more pleased with the results. While many are hesitant to endure the uncertainty that comes with with such a big project we enjoyed the process and that credit goes to Charles Cook and his team. **★★★★★ — suerutherford30, Sept. 2016** > Chuck Cook took advantage of every element in designing and implementing an expansion of our home. Through detailed planning, thorough communication and careful execution he created beautiful, usable spaces that perfectly fit our family. He was hands-on and detail oriented. We are as happy today after eight years of living in our new space as on day one. There were no negative surprises and we still get lots of complements on his work! **★★★★★ — 10carlton, Aug. 2016** > We could not have been more pleased with the work of Chuck Cook and his entire team. They provided the design and project oversight for a large scale renovation and addition to our 100+ year old house and the reconstruction of our two story garage. They were very efficient saving us significant time. We liked that they took the time to listen to our needs. At our request, the team then provided a detailed design, lead the permitting process (we need an exemption), gave very specific and tasteful recommendations for all our fixtures, and was on site working very well with our contractor. This is the second large project we have done with Cook and would not use anyone else. **★★★★★ — Peter Cummins, July 2016** > I have worked with Charles Cook over the last 20 years in a variety of ways. We have partnered together on real estate development projects, I was a client on a $1.5 million renovation and expansion of our family home at 249 Cumnor in Kenilworth and I have been the source of more than a dozen referrals in which Chuck was engaged to work with my real estate clients on projects ranging from minor additions and interior remodeling to brand new homes. I refer him with pride and without hesitation. He is the only architect I recommend. > > I have lived and worked very successfuly in real estate on the North Shore for more than 20 years and have been exposed to and on a few occasions worked with highly regarded architects. I can say based on that breath and depth of that experience Chuck is head and shoulders above the rest. > > How you ask: > > Chuck is an exceptional and practical designer. His work is not only handsome and unique his product is functional, efficient and designed to meet the objectives of each individual client. He achieves this through his tireless efforts to listen intently to his clients wants, needs and dreams and then offers a myriad of concepts for consideration making sure he has got it right before moving forward with more final plans. When adding new to old his work is seamless. When building new his work blends into the natural environment and will from a design perspective never appear out of place and will stand the test of time. He understands very few budgets allow for everything a client wants so he makes sure budgets are met and his clients get the most bang for their buck. > > Chuck is super talented but more importantly he his kind, patient, thoughtful and offers unparalleled service from the first meeting through the day his clients move in. There is not a finer man in his field. **★★★★★ — mekilleen, July 2016** > Chuck Cook has helped us with several projects over the years ranging from small in scope to a complete home addition/renovation. He also designed my husband's company Chicago work space. We have loved his thoughtful, intelligent, inspired approach to solving our issues as well as his calm and steady professional demeanor. But most importantly, we love his work. He is a talented designer. Things we didn't even consider to be important in the beginning (ceiling and lighting details, for example) turned out to be our favorite part of the finished project. As my mother said when entering our light and spacious new kitchen for the first time, "Chuck Cook is a genius!" If my mom said it, y'all, you know it must be true. **★★★★★ — With Grace, Aug. 2014** > Chuck. Cook ( Principal) and Sarah LaVigne (Project Manager) at Cook Architects were instrumental in designing, and running my 13 month long build of a 12,000 square foot home north of Chicago on Lake Michigan. > Their firm spent countless hours meeting with me ( the designer on the project) and my husband ( the real client!). Chuck and Sarah allowed us to personalize our home and they truly allowed us to design the home of our dreams without interfering with what can sometimes be in the architectural industry a professional ego. > They were excellent at front end design so that the builder ( Rocco De Felipis of Legacy Homes) was able to seamlessly build a truly custom built home down to every piece of trim being hand designed and custom cut.. > Sarah, the Project Manager, established a weekly meeting ( Tuesdays) where the designer ( me), builders ( Rocco De Filipis ), Construction manager ( Roger Griffen), and Chuck Cook and Sarah LaVigne would work our way through a punch list of items that were needed to be dealt with to keep the project running smoothly. All of the sub contractors knew we would meet on Tuesday mornings and they would often line up to ask us important questions that could be answered in a timely manner thus allowing the project to run like a well oiled machine. > Chuck and Sarah helped us design a home that truly looks as if it has been on this property for a century but with all of the perks a new home brings! > I will attach pictures taken at a welcome to "Marlowe" ( the home's name) / 80 th Birthday party for my dad. The house was full of overnight guests (16) when the pictures were taken so things are out of place but you'll get the idea. > I want to mention that my contractor ( Rocco De Felipis of Legacy Homes) and my Landscape Architect ( James O'Brien) deserve to be nominated as well. I would give the entire team 5 stars. ## Selected projects - [Marlowe Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marlowe-residence-pj-vj~1388096) - Location: Wilmette, IL - Photos: 16 - Description: This new 2.5 story 8,500 sq. ft. home located on the shores of Lake Michigan was designed to have the appearance of an East Hamptons estate that evolved over decades. The design was carefully crafted to provide lake views from all living spaces and flood the house with daylight. - [Cortland Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cortland-residence-pj-vj~1388293) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This new contemporary 4,000 sq. ft. with finished basement single-family home has large expanses of glass and crisp clean lines. - [Winnetka Private Residence 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/winnetka-private-residence-1-pj-vj~2662) - Location: Winnetka, IL - Photos: 21 - Description: A 1920s’ estate on the shores of Lake Michigan underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and was transformed into an Italian villa worthy of the shores of Lake Como. Structural modifications allowed floors and ceilings to be raised, and plan modifications were made to provide vistas with views from room to room and improve the circulation. Modern conveniences were also added to the house, including an underground garage that houses up to six cars, an elevator, his and her home offices, and a h… - [Paulina Private Residence Chicago](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/paulina-private-residence-chicago-pj-vj~2663) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 12 - Description: This Craftsman style home wraps around an outdoor courtyard, allowing natural light to spill deep into the interior living spaces throughout the home. - [Kenilworth Residence 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kenilworth-residence-1-pj-vj~2675) - Location: Kenilworth, IL - Photos: 21 - Description: Inspired by the stately aesthetic of French Provincial architecture this new 10,500 sq. ft. residence is perched on the bluffs of Lake Michigan’s shoreline in Kenilworth. In addition to the many wonderful spaces for family and entertaining, the home includes seven bedrooms, nine bathroom, and seven fireplaces. The lower level offers special features including a large wine cellar with sampling table, recreation room with full bar, home theater, fireplace and full size windows with views into the… - [Barry Private Residence Chicago](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barry-private-residence-chicago-pj-vj~2677) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This city home has a traditional exterior design utilizing brick, limestone, and French doors with transoms on the first floor. The interior of this 5,000 sq. ft. home is intended to provide a tailored aesthetic that is classical in its organization and use of symmetry. - [Deerfield Private Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deerfield-private-residence-pj-vj~2678) - Location: Deerfield, IL - Photos: 6 - Description: The axial approach to this Georgian-style brick home sets the stage for the comfortable elegance found within. - [Kenilworth Private Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kenilworth-private-residence-pj-vj~2679) - Location: Kenilworth, IL - Photos: 5 - Description: This home was completely renovated and expanded to enhance the original Dutch Colonial character. The addition of the covered stone front porch, which wraps around the house and ties into the new sunroom, offers a variety of outdoor living spaces appropriate for every season. - [West Bloomfield Private Residence 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-bloomfield-private-residence-1-pj-vj~2681) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Situated on a beautiful lakefront site, the client desired to maximize the lake view from every room with a plan that was very open yet provided comfortable, defined spaces. - [West Bloomfield Private Residence 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-bloomfield-private-residence-2-pj-vj~2682) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: The approach to this lake front home is deliberately understated allowing the beautiful setting and landscaping to take center stage. - [Bridgman Private Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bridgman-private-residence-pj-vj~2684) - Location: Bridgman, MI - Photos: 7 - Description: Nestled in the woods of the western Michigan dunes this vacation home utilizes natural materials and a refined sensibility to provide a comfortable place to relax and recharge. - [Kenilworth Private Residence 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kenilworth-private-residence-2-pj-vj~7051) - Location: Kenilworth, IL - Photos: 8 - Description: The addition and renovation of this French Provincial-inspired home integrates seamlessly with the existing residence featuring a limestone exterior, slate mansard roofs, and copper accents. Expansive arched openings and interior art glass open up the once-segmented floor plan providing free-flowing interior spaces and an open floor plan. Taking advantage of a nearby existing ash tree, the Second Floor rear roof terrace is nestled below this expansive tree canopy creating the sense of an outdoor… - [Minnesota Private Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/minnesota-private-residence-pj-vj~7053) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 - Description: Perched on wooded hilltop, this historical estate home was thoughtfully restored and expanded, addressing the modern needs of a large family and incorporating the unique style of its owners. The design is teeming with custom details including a porte cochère and fox head rain spouts, providing references to the historical narrative of the site’s long history. - [Greenview Private Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenview-private-residence-pj-vj~7233) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - Description: Incorporating refined stone and masonry details, this Chicago neighborhood home greets guest with its expansive front porch, providing a comfortable and sheltered respite from the bustling urban surroundings. - [Glencoe Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glencoe-residence-pj-vj~7338) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: The challenge presented by this charming estate was to design an addition for a new library and bedroom suite while not detracting from the charm and character of the home. Through careful detailing and blending of the exterior's most vital features, the transition from existing to new is almost indistinguishable. This project was honored with the 2003 Preservation Award for excellence in renovation and restoration of an Illinois landmark structure from the Glencoe Historic Preservation Commissi… - [Wilmette Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wilmette-residence-pj-vj~7340) - Location: Wilmette, IL - Photos: 4 - Description: Great care was taken to integrate a family room, mudroom and master suite addition to this brick colonial home. The master bath, located above the existing sunroom, is wrapped with wood pilasters and a ribbon of windows, to create a light and delicate element above. - [San Francisco Private Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-private-residence-pj-vj~7999) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: This hillside rowhouse overlooking Presidio Park was completely renovated and expanded to incorporate enlarged living spaces, a skylit stair hall and a roof terrace. Large north-facing windows on each floor capture views over the park and bay while multiple skylights fill the living spaces with natural light. Both the exterior and interior are skillfully detailed with dark-stained timber and wrought iron accents blending the Spanish mission style character of the existing house with modern ameni… - [Wilmette Private Residence 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wilmette-private-residence-2-pj-vj~8010) - Location: Wilmette, IL - Photos: 7 - Description: The objective of this renovation project was to almost double the livable space without increasing the building footprint and to develop an exterior aesthetic in harmony with the context of the historic neighborhood. Raising the roof allowed the full footprint of the second floor to be utilized for three children's bedrooms, a hall bath, and a master suite. The new third floor provides a home office and separate children's study/play room. - [Glencoe Private Residence 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glencoe-private-residence-2-pj-vj~11527) - Location: Glencoe, IL - Photos: 3 - Description: The addition and renovation of this home included a new kitchen with desk and bar, a new breakfast/sun room, and a new powder room on the first floor, as well as a new master bathroom with make-up vanity and his and her walk-in closets. - [Ligan Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ligan-residence-pj-vj~6150241) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - Description: Lavish new 22,000 sq. ft. two-story contemporary French Provincial style single family house with walk out lower level and detached pool house on the shores of Lake Michigan. Welcomed by a grand two-story foyer with features that include lake views from all living spaces as well as master bedrooms on two levels, home theater, exercise room and lower-level bar. Outdoor features include an infinity pool and spa, multiple terrace and roof decks. [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/cook-murphy-architects-pfvwus-pf~469857105) ## Ideabooks - [Wilkins Idea Book](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/136211905/list/wilkins-idea-book) — 67 ideas - [1225 Idea Book](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82526549/list/1225-idea-book) — 2 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/cookmurphyarchitects) ## Community Q&A **Q: Hello, are there additional mini lights on the ceiling?** *(in Photo Questions)* Or is this an effect from the paint / wallpaper? Many thanks! A: Thank you for your inquiry. This was a custom painted mural, the effect is all in the painting, no additional mini lights were added. **Q: Wall Color?** *(in Photo Questions)* Just the perfect amount of contrast with the trim and not competing with the other beautiful finishes. Would you mind sharing this color? A: Thank you for your interest in our project. the interior designer Lauren Coburn selected the paint finishes for this home. **Q: what is the color of this hardwood floor?** *(in Photo Questions)* What color is this hardwood flooring? A: Thank you for your interest in our project. The hardwood floors are Woodcraft Dark Mission Dye-2coats and 1 coat of Dura Seal in Spice Brown. Good luck with your floors. **Q: knobs or pulls?** *(in Photo Questions)* We’re putting in new cabinets and drawers in our 20 year old kitchen. The old ones had cut outs on both rather than hardware. So I’m debating hardware and trying to figure out why you would use both. Wouldn’t one or the other on both look more consistent? Seconding guessing myself here and appreciate your thoughts! A: Thanks for your interest in our project. In this butler's pantry we used one style on cabinet doors and another on the drawers. Knobs versus pulls is part; the look you want to achieve and what feels comfortable for daily use. Go with what you like best and you cant go wrong. Good luck with the decision. **Q: bath tiles on shower wall** *(in Photo Questions)* What size are the white subway tiles? A: Thank you for your interest in our project. The interior designer Lauren Coburn and the homeowners selected the finished materials for this project. **Q: bathroom makeup vanity** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you say where the makeup vanity came from? A: Thank you for your interest in our project; the vanity was custom built for this home. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-17.*