---
title: "Hess Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hess-architects-pfvwus-pf~470320093
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~470320093.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Hess Architects"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/22937ff608f50b5e_1616-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "815-528-2945, hessarchitects@aol.com, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014, United States"
latitude: 42.2308
longitude: -88.3324
phone: "(815) 528-2945"
website: "http://Hess Architects - Houzz"
rating: 5
review_count: 6
best_of_houzz_awards: 3
followers: 41
last_updated: 2026-09-01
---

# Hess Architects

> Northwest Suburb & North Shore's Professional Architecture Firm

Original Houzz profile: [Hess Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hess-architects-pfvwus-pf~470320093)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Crystal Lake, IL
- **Serves:** Crystal Lake, Carpentersville, Saint Charles, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Huntley, McHenry, Woodstock, Geneva, Cary, Hinsdale, Wauconda, Barrington, Burr Ridge, Gilberts, Island Lake, West Dundee, Inverness, Johnsburg, Volo, Lakemoor, Lake Barrington, South Barrington, Fox River Grove, Barrington Hills, Kildeer, Deer Park, Sleepy Hollow, East Dundee, North Barrington, Oakwood Hills, Prairie Grove, Port Barrington, Tower Lake, Bull Valley, McCullom Lake, Cuba, Holiday Hills, Trout Valley, Greenwood, Lakewood, Dundee, Ingleside, Kane County, North Shore, Northwest Suburbs
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (6 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2018–2024), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Pro Software User
- Houzz Industry Research - Barometer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 250 Ideabook Saves
- Responds Quickly

### Business highlights

- Responds Quickly

We are Architects of Custom Residences, spending the time necessary to develop the design with the family to meet their specific needs, and compliment the neighborhood environment.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Sustainable Design
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Floor Plans
- Green Building
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Historic Building Conservation
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Basement Remodeling
- Barn Design & Construction
- Mudroom Design
- Attic Conversion
- Basement Design
- Deck Design
- Garage Design

### Areas Served

- Crystal Lake
- Carpentersville
- Saint Charles
- Algonquin
- Lake in the Hills
- Huntley
- McHenry
- Woodstock
- Geneva
- Cary
- Hinsdale
- Wauconda
- Barrington
- Burr Ridge
- Gilberts
- Island Lake
- West Dundee
- Inverness
- Johnsburg
- Volo
- Lakemoor
- Lake Barrington
- South Barrington
- Fox River Grove
- Barrington Hills
- Kildeer
- Deer Park
- Sleepy Hollow
- East Dundee
- North Barrington
- Oakwood Hills
- Prairie Grove
- Port Barrington
- Tower Lake
- Bull Valley
- McCullom Lake
- Cuba
- Holiday Hills
- Trout Valley
- Greenwood
- Lakewood
- Dundee
- Ingleside
- Kane County
- North Shore
- Northwest Suburbs

### Typical Job Cost

Every project is custom, and your architectural fees can be determined at the first meeting at your home.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Hess Architects |
| Address | 815-528-2945, hessarchitects@aol.com, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014, United States |
| Phone | (815) 528-2945 |
| Website | http://Hess Architects - Houzz |
| License Number | Available upon request |
| Followers on Houzz | 41 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Hess Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hess-architects-pfvwus-pf~470320093)
- **Website:** http://Hess Architects - Houzz
- **Phone:** (815) 528-2945

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Member American Institute of Architects
- Member Association of Licensed Architects

- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2018–2024), for Service.

**Affiliations**
- [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)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 6 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### Featured Review

**★★★★★ — Dennis Dadej, May 2019**

> Mr. Hess is amazing! That is as simple as I can put it. I am military and my wife and I are finally wanted to build our last, never move ever again, home. We searched plans for years, Literally years. By the time we contacted Mr. Hess we were so confused and overloaded we actually no longer had any idea what we wanted in a house. All we could give him were vague references to how we wanted to live after being military for several decades. His designs were awesome. We instantly knew this was what we had no idea we wanted. Additionally, this interaction was from over 1400 miles away as we do not yet live where we are building. He was interested, positive and extremely responsive to all our myriad questions and concerns. You definitely NEED to work with Mr. Hess if you want a fairly stress free design phase!

### All 6 reviews

**★★★★★ — smit76pejd, Oct. 2023**

> James stepped in for my prior architect, who was retiring, to work on an addition, a deck expansion, and new garage design for me.  There were a few mid-stream changes that required continued involvement and analysis.  James was always responsive and helped me through those changes, as well as generating the needed documentation for City review.  I'd recommend him for any residential project and will definitely use him for any future architectural needs!

**★★★★★ — Walter Lung, May 2019**

> Mr Hess help evaluate some structure damage to the basement floor supports for my foreclosure I purchased recently.  I had add footings and new 6" x 6" supports under his direction.  Very helpful with his recommendations and he followed up with me also.  Thank you again!

**★★★★★ — Amy Fritz, May 2019**

> Jim did an incredible job drawing up plans to create 2 functional  bathrooms from 2 very funky, very NOT functional bathrooms in my 1898 home in Geneva.  He was very patient, and willing to work through the multiple iterations needed to work around all the challenges that a 1898 structure presented.  It was a pleasure to work with Jim.  Unfortunately, I moved before I was able to execute on his plan,  but the drawings were an asset in selling my home.

**★★★★★ — Kenneth Koeppen, Sept. 2017**

> Jim is an outstanding Architect, knowledgeable with great ideas. Jim was always on time for appointments and he worked them into your schedule.

**★★★★★ — Pat Olinger, Sept. 2017**

> My husband and I decided to add a first floor master on to our home.  We spoke with several architects prior to meeting James Hess, that could not give us the look that we wanted on the exterior of the house.  James helped us work through some tricky situations.  We did not want our addition to look like an afterthought!!  When the project was completed, the addition looked as though it should have always been there!  I have recommended James to friends and neighbors.  Thank you, James!  We truly love the work that you provided for us!

## Selected projects

- [Custom Residence, Libertyville, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-residence-libertyville-illinois-pj-vj~2461189)
  - Location: Libertyville, IL
  - Photos: 1
- [Custom 2 Story Residence, Crystal Lake, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-2-story-residence-crystal-lake-illinois-pj-vj~2461190)
  - Location: Crystal Lake, IL
  - Photos: 1
- [Private Residence, Lake Barrington, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-lake-barrington-illinois-pj-vj~1258867)
  - Location: Lake Barrington, IL
  - Photos: 4
- [Custom Residence, Highland Park, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-residence-highland-park-illinois-pj-vj~1258923)
  - Location: Highland Park, IL
  - Photos: 1
- [Custom Residence, Highland Park, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-residence-highland-park-illinois-pj-vj~2537674)
  - Location: Highland Park, IL
  - Photos: 2
- [Custom Residence, Bull Valley, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-residence-bull-valley-illinois-pj-vj~3007247)
  - Location: Bull Valley, IL
  - Photos: 1
- [Custom Residence, Highland Park, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-residence-highland-park-illinois-pj-vj~3007255)
  - Location: Highland Park, IL
  - Photos: 1
- [Custom Residence, DesPlaines, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-residence-desplaines-illinois-pj-vj~3007296)
  - Location: Des Plaines, IL
  - Photos: 1
- [Historic Renovation, St. Charles, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-renovation-st-charles-illinois-pj-vj~3007306)
  - Location: St. Charles, IL
  - Photos: 1
- [Custom Residence, Kingston, Tennessee](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-residence-kingston-tennessee-pj-vj~3007317)
  - Location: Kingston, TN
  - Photos: 2
- [Additions and Remodeling, Barrington, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/additions-and-remodeling-barrington-illinois-pj-vj~3007319)
  - Location: Barrington, IL
  - Photos: 1
- [Second Story Addition and Remodeling, Barrington, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/second-story-addition-and-remodeling-barrington-illinois-pj-vj~3007332)
  - Location: Barrington, IL
  - Photos: 2
- [Screen Room Additions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/screen-room-additions-pj-vj~3007327)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4

[See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hess-architects-pfvwus-pf~470320093)

## Video

- [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840736582.m3u8?s=a309ab6474ae4858990b36cad77f8eebdc783d9f&oauth2_token_id=1384357804)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?**
We specialize in custom residences, dedicating time to develop designs that meet each family's specific needs and complement their neighborhood. Our services include custom homes, basement remodeling, home additions, and extensions, ensuring a tailored approach to every project. We are experts in creating unique living spaces.

**Do you design fully custom homes?**
Absolutely, we specialize in designing fully custom homes. Our approach involves spending the necessary time to develop a unique design with your family, ensuring it meets your specific needs and complements the surrounding neighborhood environment in Crystal Lake, IL. Your vision is our blueprint.

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

## Ideabooks

- [Walkup](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/130088640/list/walkup) — 111 ideas
- [Naples](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127892993/list/naples) — 45 ideas

[See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jameswhess)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Is the tile on the porch floor slate? or ceramic?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: It's bluestone, and the homeowners love it. Thank you for asking!

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-01.*