---
title: "AWARDA Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/awarda-architects-pfvwus-pf~566850411
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~566850411.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "AWARDA Architects"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/d603e9fc03af4b08_2392-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Oak Park, Illinois 60302, United States"
phone: "(708) 209-6712"
website: http://www.awarda.com
rating: 5
review_count: 5
best_of_houzz_awards: 1
followers: 2
last_updated: 2026-08-13
---

# AWARDA Architects

Original Houzz profile: [AWARDA Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/awarda-architects-pfvwus-pf~566850411)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Oak Park, IL
- **Serves:** Chicago, Cicero, Evanston, Schaumburg, Palatine, Skokie, Des Plaines, Oak Lawn, Berwyn, Oak Park, Glenview, Elmhurst, Park Ridge, Northbrook, Elk Grove Village, Niles, Melrose Park, Westmont, Elmwood Park, Villa Park, Darien, Brookfield, Bensenville, Bellwood, Franklin Park, Lemont, Hinsdale, Westchester, La Grange, Norridge, Forest Park, Wood Dale, Western Springs, La Grange Park, Lincolnwood, Northlake, River Forest, Schiller Park, Summit, Lyons, Riverside, North Riverside, Stickney
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (5 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2024), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Recommended on Houzz
- Online consultation
- Award winning
- 30 years in business

We offer creative and helpful solutions to have a design which brings beauty and living together. We believe good design is affordable, and clients programs are very important. We take time to listen to an owners unique requirements. We work with owner's specialists in different team settings. Established since 1992, the firm is award winning, in design publications and exhibits, including the Chicago Magazine Home+Garden, HGTV, Chicago Tribune Home Section, LUXE Home+Interiors magazine, AD Architectural Digest, and received awards from Better Homes and Gardens magazine.Work has been exhibited at Chicago Chapter AIA, Chicago ArchiCenter. See more on our website: www.awarda.com

Also completed green permits courses and seminars for homes in City of Chicago and Suburbs. The firm can collaborate, in team settings and LEED certified architecture.

We welcome small projects: renovations, house additions, room additions, chicago room additions, rooftop decks and porches, chicago roof decks, Chicago porches, exteriors, Chicago exteriors, and Chicago garages. We give a free consulation at first appointment

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Floor Plans
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- 3D Rendering
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Bathroom Design
- Green Building
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Multigenerational Homes
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Drafting
- Home Restoration
- Historic Building Conservation
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Barn Design & Construction
- Basement Remodeling
- Mudroom Design
- Attic Conversion
- Basement Design
- Staircase Design
- Garage Design
- Site Preparation
- Laundry Room Design
- Home Gym Design & Construction

### Areas Served

- Chicago
- Cicero
- Evanston
- Schaumburg
- Palatine
- Skokie
- Des Plaines
- Oak Lawn
- Berwyn
- Oak Park
- Glenview
- Elmhurst
- Park Ridge
- Northbrook
- Elk Grove Village
- Niles
- Melrose Park
- Westmont
- Elmwood Park
- Villa Park
- Darien
- Brookfield
- Bensenville
- Bellwood
- Franklin Park
- Lemont
- Hinsdale
- Westchester
- La Grange
- Norridge
- Forest Park
- Wood Dale
- Western Springs
- La Grange Park
- Lincolnwood
- Northlake
- River Forest
- Schiller Park
- Summit
- Lyons
- Riverside
- North Riverside
- Stickney

### Typical Job Cost

$30,000 - 20 million

Our Fees are done on one fixed fee, after project and owner's project program and plans initial review. We will provide you a fixed fee proposal, followed by our provided written contract. We here as architects accept cash, check, or credit card payments..

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | AWARDA Architects |
| Address | Oak Park, Illinois 60302, United States |
| Phone | (708) 209-6712 |
| Website | http://www.awarda.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 2 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://m.facebook.com/awardaarchitect
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/awarda
- Blog — www.awarda.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [AWARDA Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/awarda-architects-pfvwus-pf~566850411)
- **Website:** http://www.awarda.com
- **Phone:** (708) 209-6712

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Illinois Registered Architect, 1992-Present
- REP, Registered Energy Professional
- Self Certified Architect, City of Chicago

- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (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)
- [Illinois Green Alliance](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/illinois-green-alliance-pfvwus-pf~973972130)
- [Green Built Alliance](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/green-built-alliance-pfvwus-pf~881622133)
- [AIA Chicago](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-chicago-pfvwus-pf~437317530)

## Reviews

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

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

### All 5 reviews

**★★★★★ — QB Construction Inc. dba Quality Builders, Dec. 2025**

> We’ve been working with Arlene for the past year!
>
> We in the 2025 received plans for our client’s single family house two level new kitchen open plan and second floor master bath remodeling project in the Logan Square neighborhood.
>
> The house as historic Victorian frame home was located on the west side of Chicago in the Logan Square neighborhood.
>
> This is for us is for our permit as for plans in the City of Chicago,
>
> We got the required sheets for our single family home as needed but our client also got it delivered we were able acquire the bids for the review we needed got the M,E,P mechanical, electrical and plumbing bid sheets in  record time if under two weeks which is exactly what we needed.
>
> We and our clients love our new historic home project plans for our new open plan kitchen and master bath house addition and we will hope to continue working with Arlene in new projects in the new year 2026!
>
> -Jonathan Klemm

**★★★★★ — HU-957082476, Dec. 2023**

> We’ve been working with Arlene for the past months in the summer 2023.  We had a definite plan for our addition and all ideas were implemented on new plans.
>
> We love our 3 season room and hope to continue working with Arlene!

**★★★★★ — sadi1982, Dec. 2023**

> We’ve been working with Arlene for the past 12 months in 2023.  We find her work and approach to our projects done with careful attention
> and we happy with the level of detail.
>
> We are doing interior buildouts as our projects are in large buildings and working with CBRE building managers in which Arlene has always been ready and
> happily met our deadlines promptly.
>
> What’s more we love our space! The plans presented and layout works and we we able to include any new ideas we came up with,
>
> This firm also does M,E,P mechanical, electrical, plumbing consulting, She and her engineers were able to navigate and deliver all M,E,P on our projects on
> major downtown buildings with professionalism, detail and ones as results of high quality.
>
> We have 7 Chicago locations, we plan more next year! We look forward to working with Arlene our projects and ones as future projects in 2024
> Best part Arlene is always a text or call away she always answers:)

**★★★★★ — RDW CONSULTING SERVICES LLC, Jan. 2023**

> I have worked with Arlene on projects in 2022 and known her for the past two years.
>
> Arlene is very hands on and provides great information on projects. She brings your artistic side to blueprints! She's been seen in some of the major publications & press releases in the world. And highly credited in her field. I recommend Arlene for your next big or small reconstruction projects."

**★★★★★ — Greg Kawula, Dec. 2022**

> Arlene Warda and her work is top shelf and award winning design firm. Her work also is award winning as professional!
>
> Arlene is great to work with us as we are custom home builders and contractors. We have worked together on residential projects in the past year in 2022.
>
> Her 30+ years experience have proved to be have helped in clients with the many complexities and components of projects. I like to recommend people that take a dedicated approach to their architecture work! I look forward to recommending her for many projects coming in the new year 2023!

## Selected projects

- [Laedtke Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laedtke-residence-pj-vj~7102118)
  - Location: Oak Park, IL
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: Exterior Facade makeover, breakfast room and new back porch with craftsman Calfifornia style influences
- [HGTV Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hgtv-bath-pj-vj~7102140)
  - Location: Chicago, IL
  - Photos: 6
- [Modern Apartment](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-apartment-pj-vj~7102131)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [River Forest Garage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-forest-garage-pj-vj~7102133)
  - Location: River Forest, IL
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: New Garage renovation of an existing two car brick masonry garage new addtiion for car lift for 2 more cars and new storage addition for bicycles, toys etc.
- [Simmons Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/simmons-residence-pj-vj~7102623)
  - Location: Lombard, IL
  - Photos: 5
- [Chicago Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-bungalow-pj-vj~7113760)
  - Location: Chicago, IL
  - Photos: 15
- [Bissell](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bissell-pj-vj~7102629)
  - Location: Chicago, IL
  - Photos: 6
- [Homer](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/homer-pj-vj~7102625)
  - Location: Chicago, IL
  - Photos: 9
- [Evanston Residence-Master Suite: Better Homes & Gardens Winner](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/evanston-residence-master-suite-better-homes-and-gardens-winner-pj-vj~7102627)
  - Location: Evanston, IL
  - Photos: 9
- [French Country Chateau](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-country-chateau-pj-vj~7113764)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Lewis Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lewis-residence-pj-vj~7113765)
  - Location: Chicago, IL
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: New house remodeling of a small cottage style house. A new kitchen with open plan living dining was added. The second story featured a new upstairs master bedroom and bath addition extending as new size in the house.
- [Laedtke Garage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laedtke-garage-pj-vj~7113773)
  - Location: Oak Park, IL
  - Photos: 6

[See all 12 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/awarda-architects-pfvwus-pf~566850411)

## Ideabooks

- [Marble Tiles](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/168446348/list/marble-tiles) — 3 ideas
- [LED Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165432036/list/led-lighting) — 1 idea
- [My Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165189586/list/my-project) — 1 idea

[See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/awardas)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Help with the layout of my new ADU** *(in Building a Home)*

Hi everyone!
This is the first time I am writing here. Pretty exciting. We are building an ADU on my property in California. We have a first design from the architect but I am not quite satisfied and I would like to see what ideas the community could provide. 
This is the current design:



These are things I would like to change:

Have a kitchen that is less "long" on a single wall, and with an island where we can put high chairs and make cooking a social event.
A place to put a TV in the living room. I would like to keep the location of the windows
Dining seems too big here
An entry to the ADU where you can put your shoes, coat, etc. In the past we designed something like this:




The location of the bedrooms and the entry cannot be changed. The property is on the hill and it is optimized for the right level. 
I would really appreciate any design advice! Thank you all

A: Hi Replier.ai, What are the views to outside and where is this on the lot? That makes the room locations and placement inside the plan as  criteria. Is the bottom wall facing the inside yard? What is the top wall facing? Is it facing another house as property or an open piece of land? This will give your plan priorities on views and windows from each room as priority   and criteria.

**Q: Updating the kitchen&walls are accessible beige -what cabinet color?** *(in Paint)*

Hi all!
We will be updating our kitchen in the spring and i am trying to figure out what color cabinets go with accessible beige walls?
We have an open layout living room to kitchen there is not much wall in the kitchen area but whatever is there the accessible beige.
I had my heart set on light gray cabinets and mostly white quartz and some kind of white ish backsplash... i cant find / decide on a gray that goes with accessible beige.
The kitchen windows are northwest facing.
I completely underestimated choosing colors for the kitchen cabinets/quartz/backsplash =O feeling overwhelmed.
Any input / help is much appreciated, thank you in advance.
s

A: If you look online there are some interesting results on the search word 'accessible grey' including narration and descriptions below.
Here are some of answers and some choices.   
Is accessible beige lighter than agreeable gray?  
Accessible Beige LVR is 58 and Agreeable Gray's LVR is 60, therefore Agreeable Gray is slightly lighter. Also Agreeable Gray is a slightly cooler color, (hence the word gray in the name) while Accessible Beige is warmer, more beige

**Q: Snappy, modern-transitional siding feedback requested!** *(in Design Dilemma)*

Its time to dial this in! Love mixed textures and contrast in materials/colors. Asian...mid-cen modern...dashes of cedar to compliment new cedar soffits...artsy. Open to feedback! :) Window package is off black color. I've tried looking for a DIY app/website to load photos too. Closest I've found was Hover. Thank you!!

A: I would choose a siding company first. It will narrow down your choices of colors. 

1\. Smartsiding and Hardiboard are good to start with.

2\. Hover app also links to siding companies and colors from each company are there to plug in on yor exterior.

3\. Definitely pull up some inspiration pics like ones on Houzz or online and see which style and color you prefer.

**Q: Need window treatment advice** *(in Home Decorating)*

I am looking for advice on what to do with this large picture window in my living room for windows treatments.  I do not need total privacy. Just something that looks nice.  Clean and simple. Photos ideas would be great

A: Yes. It's very good to have and get estimates. Plan ahead. It's good to know estimates ahead before starting any home interior and any improvement project.

**Q: help me pick out granite please** *(in Design Dilemma)*

I had to change granite choices. Looking at these would you choose any of them? I don’t want to have to change the back splash and there is a pic of the floor tile as well.

A: \#3 or 4 is best. I agree with above. The less busy counter provides a better contrast to the multicolor tile. The less busier the better. You'll notice the backsplash, it will stand out more.

**Q: design Delma on how to arrange furniture rug etc** *(in Home Decorating)*

Have bought these expensive pieces for my new apartment
need some ideas cannot return furniture any suggestions want to make room arty etc. with my picture and suggestions for a rug?

A: A floor plan would be helpful.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*