--- title: "Michael Hershenson Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-hershenson-architects-pfvwus-pf~755449813 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~755449813.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Michael Hershenson Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e1e38b98015f14ae_0476-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1515 Sherman Ave, Suite 2 South, Evanston, Illinois 60201, United States" latitude: 42.0546 longitude: -87.6943 phone: "(847) 869-7700" website: http://mhadesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 12 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 248 last_updated: 2026-08-29 --- # Michael Hershenson Architects Original Houzz profile: [Michael Hershenson Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-hershenson-architects-pfvwus-pf~755449813) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Evanston, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Evanston, Skokie, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, Wilmette, Deerfield, Lincolnwood, Winnetka, Glencoe, Northfield, Kenilworth, Bannockburn, Golf, Glenview Nas - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Michael Hershenson Architecture, Ltd. is a full service architectural firm specializing in high-end residential new construction and remodeling. With over 30 years on experience, the firm is dedicated to a high level of design quality and strives to respond quickly to clients’ needs, with careful attention to scheduling and budget constraints. The firm creates structures in a variety of styles ranging from Contemporary to Second Empire Victorian, depending upon both the client’s individual vision and community context. Michael Hershenson Architects encourages building design and construction in a manner that provides healthier environments, reduces operating costs, and conserves resources. We have experience with a number of green building strategies and technologies, including geo-thermal heating and cooling, rain-water recovery systems, solar domestic hot water systems, Energy Star labeled materials and appliances, green roofing, efficient exterior wall insulation, hydronic radiant floor heating systems, engineered wood alternatives for floor framing, sustainably harvested wood flooring, and others. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - Home Restoration - Structural Engineering - Custom Homes - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Chicago - Evanston - Skokie - Glenview - Northbrook - Highland Park - Wilmette - Deerfield - Lincolnwood - Winnetka - Glencoe - Northfield - Kenilworth - Bannockburn - Golf - Glenview Nas ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Michael Hershenson Architects | | Address | 1515 Sherman Ave, Suite 2 South, Evanston, Illinois 60201, United States | | Phone | (847) 869-7700 | | Website | http://mhadesign.com | | License Number | 184.005504 | | Followers on Houzz | 248 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhershenson - Blog — www.mhadesign.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Michael Hershenson Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-hershenson-architects-pfvwus-pf~755449813) - **Website:** http://mhadesign.com - **Phone:** (847) 869-7700 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz 2017 - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2017–2018), for Design. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 12 reviews** ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Caryn Schuman, Sept. 2018** > We hired MHA after interviewing several other architecture design firms. Michael H. stood out above the others with his easygoing personality and can-do attitude. Michael spent weeks and months meeting together with my husband and myself, our builder, and design team. Together, he led and guided our team through each detail of what would eventually become our dream home extraordinaire! Michael was not only patient and fun to work with, but he was also creative and a talented problem solver-- especially when we ran into design and construction roadblocks. > We have been settled into our beautiful new home for over one year now, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the vision that Michael conceived to create our warm contemporary home. **Comment from Michael Hershenson Architects:** > Thank you Caryn! It was such a pleasure working with you on your home! **★★★★★ — Shalini Lulla, May 2018** > We interviewed 5 different architects before choosing Mike to design our new construction home, and we couldn't be any happier. We appreciated Mike's approach, which involved thoroughly understanding our vision, taking us to view some of his completed homes to allow us to see concepts brought to life, and establishing regularly scheduled meetings which made the process efficient. He incorporated everything on our wish list and went above and beyond in his design of certain features like the breathtaking skylight on our second floor. Mike is not only a creative designer, but also a creative problem solver, and always had a "I'll figure it out" attitude to every design challenge that arose throughout the process. On a personal level, Mike is genuine, warm, and wonderfully modest given the caliber of his work. We really loved working with him, had the utmost confidence in him, and would highly recommend him without any reservations. **★★★★★ — Alvin Katz, May 2016** > I have had the chance to work with many architects, including several famous ones, and Michael is among the best. Beyond excellent technical skills and creative vision, he is among the most user-friend professionals I have encountered -- responsive, professional at all times and refreshingly lacking in ego. While he has opinions that he shares, his goal is ultimately to design what the client wants, not what he wants to do. He is comfortable working in many styles -- he designed a prairie house for me, a Tudor for a neighbor, a Georgian down the block and a modern house a few blocks away. All have details appropriate to the style and are contextual with the surrounding homes, and are distinctive. Michael has probably designed 20+ homes in our small community; no two look alike and each reflects a great level of care and thought. I have subsequently worked with him on other projects and referred him to others, all of whom are equally as enthusiastic as I am. **★★★★★ — Bram Bluestein, May 2016** > MHA delivered well above our expectations on this project as demonstrated by the photo of the finished project attached to this evaluation. Michael Hershenson's design was truly modern, elegant and well developed. Post drawing decisions brought the design concept to life. We would not have achieved our objectives if MHA didn't have the professional skills, commitment to quality, and appreciation for meeting a budget and holding deadlines. I would recommend him without qualification. **★★★★★ — Fanette Singer, May 2016** > Michael Hershenson and his team did a great job in completely modernizing my historic home. They were easy to work with, proactive and completely available throughout the project. **Comment from Michael Hershenson Architects:** > Thanks very much for the kind words; we really enjoyed working with you! **★★★★★ — gerriegayle, March 2016** > Michael Hershenson Architects did a beautiful, thoughtful, and unique job in transforming our 1959 prairie style ranch house. The rehab was extensive and the results, incredible. We broke through walls and combined rooms - kitchen and family room and two bedrooms into an amazing master suite. The powder room was enlarged to enable us to move the laundry facilities from the basement to the ground floor. The kitchen was totally gutted as were the two bedrooms. The outside was re-roofed and new gutters, etc., as well as as transforming the front porch and pillars. The see-through fireplace between the living and family rooms was rebuilt as was a pass through wall between those rooms. There is now beautiful crown molding and soffit and ceiling detail that define and emphasize the rooms. Michael paid great attention to detail in his vision for our home. It doesn't even remotely look like what we started with. It's beautiful inside and out and anyone who has been with us through this process is amazed and impressed. Passers by also comment on how much they love what we did with the house. We couldn't be happier and know that the best decision we made after buying our house was hiring Michael Hershenson Architects. **Comment from Michael Hershenson Architects:** > Thank you so much! It was our pleasure working with you on your home! **★★★★★ — larcarpanozzo, Feb. 2016** > We loved working with Michael Hershenson as the architect on our new home in Northbrook which was completed in Fall of 2013. Michael has wonderful ideas as well as being patient and a great listener. Everything was done in a timely and professional manner. Michael was always available for the phone consultations and site visits that come up at the last minute during construction. We love the house and are very conscious of the meticulous attention to detail that makes it truly beautiful. We really enjoyed working with Michael and give him the highest recommendation! **★★★★★ — Rutledge Smith, Jan. 2016** > MHA has been a pleasure to work with for the past 8 on various projects. A very thorough and detail oriented firm. **★★★★★ — Daddio Green, Dec. 2015** > We sought an architect who could translate our vision for an "empty -nester" house into a reality. This is precisely what michael did and without the ego .He did it by listening and caring and became totally invested in our project. We consulted with him every step of the way, from design and blueprints to finishes and he was always available and willing to provide his input. We would do it all over again with michael and his staff and have not had one regret. We not only have found a great architect..We have found a great friend. **Comment from Michael Hershenson Architects:** > Thank you so much! It was a pleasure to work with you! **★★★★★ — chergil, Dec. 2015** > Prior to hiring Michael, my husband and I interviewed several other architects. Michael stood out immediately: he listened to our ideas and was helpful in his responses, was friendly but not obsequious, confident but not arrogant. This attitude continued into our work together. His initial designs immediately reflected the type of house we wanted, and our working relationship was convivial and collaborative. He never resisted our suggestions, instead incorporating them into the next step in the process.The evolution from the preliminary to the completed creation was fun to participate in and observe. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Michael and wholeheartedly recommend considering him. **★★★★★ — bethaldrich, Aug. 2013** > Michael Hershenson Architects designed my new house and I couldn't be happier. The layout, attention to detail and the special touches have lent to a fabulous house creation. The house has been featured in a couple magazines and catalogs and is the center point for some of my food blog posts and youtube videos. When people enter my home, the first thing they do is comment on the "WOW" factor of the home. It's elegant, yet so liveable and family-focused. I would highly recommend this firm again and again, not only for their ahead of schedule pace, but for their client "hand-holding" which made us feel so important and appreciated as clients. Great group! **★★★★★ — Studio Dearborn, March 2013** > Mike worked with us in 2004-2006 on the new construction of two townhomes in Chicago's Landmark Wicker Park neighborhood. He was fantastic to work with and we would have loved to work with him again had we not moved to the East Coast. ## Selected projects - [North Shore Transitional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-shore-transitional-pj-vj~7579886) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - [North Shore Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-shore-renovation-pj-vj~7153624) - Location: Highland Park, IL - Photos: 20 - [Northshore Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northshore-contemporary-pj-vj~5797375) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 - [Contemporary Rustic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-rustic-pj-vj~7579889) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Highland Park Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/highland-park-contemporary-pj-vj~2082994) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Lincoln Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-park-residence-pj-vj~2749273) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 29 - [Glencoe Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glencoe-contemporary-pj-vj~7579891) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Greenview Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenview-residence-pj-vj~275035) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - [Chicago Renovation & Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-renovation-and-addition-pj-vj~351869) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - Description: A prairie-style sub-station built in the 1920s in the heart of the city finds new life as a single family home with the addition of two floors to meet the needs of the family, light wells along the sides of the building to add natural light, and geothermal engineering. The historic facade was preserved as much as possible and blends with the new contemporary addition and interiors. - [North Shore Tudor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-shore-tudor-pj-vj~229095) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This new construction Tudor Residence showcased authentic Tudor details inside and out. Materials include granite, slate, limestone, copper and walnut. - [Sunset Lane Single-Family Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunset-lane-single-family-residence-pj-vj~229052) - Location: Evanston, IL - Photos: 26 - Description: This residence is a traditional French Chateau employing Valders limestone, Vermont slate roofing and stucco. - [Wake Robin Single Family Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wake-robin-single-family-residence-pj-vj~1627459) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This Transitional Tudor-inspired home features a clean white stucco with grey stone exterior. An unusual feature is the bowling alley in the lower level. - [Sheridan Road Contemporary Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sheridan-road-contemporary-residence-pj-vj~229044) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This contemporary home on a ravine celebrates the Owner's fondness for curves in plan and elevation. Modernist vocabulary and materials of metal and glass are enhanced by the natural materials of limestone and stained cedar. - [Greenwood Avenue Single-Family French Style Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenwood-avenue-single-family-french-style-residence-pj-vj~268536) - Location: Wilmette, IL - Photos: 10 - [Sunnyside Avenue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunnyside-avenue-residence-pj-vj~1630174) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Waverly Road Single Family Residence - New Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/waverly-road-single-family-residence-new-construction-pj-vj~1675908) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - [Chicago New Construction Residence 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chicago-new-construction-residence-1-pj-vj~268660) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Barrington Hills Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/barrington-hills-residence-pj-vj~2115744) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - [Lake Shore Drive Condo Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-shore-drive-condo-renovation-pj-vj~275053) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 9 - [Glenview New Construction Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glenview-new-construction-mediterranean-pj-vj~351904) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 [See all 31 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/michael-hershenson-architects-pfvwus-pf~755449813) ## Ideabooks - [Highland](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/185477076/list/highland) — 1 idea - [Heritage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/185434759/list/heritage) — 10 ideas - [Estate](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183766114/list/estate) — 214 ideas - [Cedar](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/181612858/list/cedar) — 46 ideas - [Octagon](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183973996/list/octagon) — 8 ideas - [Braeside](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183921511/list/braeside) — 13 ideas - [Bunk Beds](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183896761/list/bunk-beds) — 11 ideas - [Kenilworth](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183852939/list/kenilworth) — 10 ideas - [303](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183840256/list/303) — 34 ideas - [275](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183793466/list/275) — 6 ideas - [175](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183766165/list/175) — 41 ideas - [makeup table](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/183457464/list/makeup-table) — 23 ideas - [Gutters and Downspouts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/155570088/list/gutters-and-downspouts) — 84 ideas - [Four Seasons](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182811938/list/four-seasons) — 5 ideas - [Pool House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/146189773/list/pool-house) — 30 ideas - [Hybernia II](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/168106111/list/hybernia-ii) — 88 ideas - [New Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/182507156/list/new-home) — 161 ideas - [Georgian](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/181640095/list/georgian) — 44 ideas - [Cohen Bannockburn](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/178950041/list/cohen-bannockburn) — 89 ideas - [1915 Stone, Siding, and Rain Chains](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180765919/list/1915-stone-siding-and-rain-chains) — 50 ideas [See all 103 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mhadesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: can you tell us what stone you used for the patio flooring? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello. Thank you for our interest in our projects! I believe this is limestone. **Q: Which sink is this?** *(in Photo Questions)* Do you have the size and manufacturer of this sink? A: Thank you so much for your interest in our projects. The interior designer could answer this question for you. We recommend her highly; her name is Petra Adelfang and her website is PetraAdelfang.com. Best of luck with your project! **Q: Whats the SQFT of this home and approximatecost to build?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi and thanks so much for looking at our projects on Houzz! The first and second floor total just over 13,000 SF. This does not include the basement. We are unable to share the cost to build. **Q: roof color enquiry** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the color of the slate roof? A: Hello again! Our records indicate that the roof is Vermont Black from Evergreen Slate Company. **Q: columns material** *(in Photo Questions)* What material all the columns are made off? A: Hello and thank you so much for looking at our projects on Houzz! The pergola columns on the right of the photo are pre-fabricated. The columns at the house are concrete block covered with stucco. I hope this helps! **Q: Just need to know who is the interior designer?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Scott Yerkey was the interior designer for this residence and he is also on Houzz. I hope this is helpful to you. My apologies for the slow reply; I did not see this question until today for some reason. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-29.*