--- title: "Hrivnak Associates, LLC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hrivnak-associates-llc-pfvwus-pf~939709819 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~939709819.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Hrivnak Associates, LLC" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/94a3d936009c196a_6783-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Valley, Nebraska 60864, United States" phone: "(630) 770-5900" website: http://HrivnakAssociates.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 17 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 153 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Hrivnak Associates, LLC Original Houzz profile: [Hrivnak Associates, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hrivnak-associates-llc-pfvwus-pf~939709819) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Valley, NE - **Serves:** Omaha, Fremont, Elkhorn, Wayne, Aurora, Valley, Bennington, Geneva, Yutan, Waterloo, Elgin, Mead, Leshara, Bartlett, Barrington, Batavia, Carol Stream, Elburn, Eola, Hanover Park, Kaneville, Lafox, Lily Lake, Mooseheart, Naperville, North Aurora, Offices in Chicago and Omaha, Palatine, Saint Charles, Schaumburg, South Elgin, Streamwood, Village of Campton Hills, Warrenville, Wasco, West Chicago, Winfield - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (17 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2022), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Online consultation - 43 years in business Hrivnak Associates is led by John Hrivnak, a nationally sought after specialist in design for aging in place, accessibility, accommodations for Alzheimers, Autism and mother-in-law suites. Licensed architect, LEED AP, and on the advisory board for the international Architects Designing Homes organization as well as AIA, John has staff specialists in historic architecture, contemporary architecture and interior design. Projects include additions, re-modeling, vacation homes, and new residential design. You can be guaranteed that you will have fun working with us to create your dream home. \* Offices in Chicago and Omaha ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Structural Engineering - Basement Remodeling - Attic Conversion - Staircase Design - Garage Design - Site Preparation - Earthquake Retrofitting - 3D Home Design - Aging in Place - Construction Drawings - Custom Homes - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Omaha - Fremont - Elkhorn - Wayne - Aurora - Valley - Bennington - Geneva - Yutan - Waterloo - Elgin - Mead - Leshara - Bartlett - Barrington - Batavia - Carol Stream - Elburn - Eola - Hanover Park - Kaneville - Lafox - Lily Lake - Mooseheart - Naperville - North Aurora - Offices in Chicago and Omaha - Palatine - Saint Charles - Schaumburg - South Elgin - Streamwood - Village of Campton Hills - Warrenville - Wasco - West Chicago - Winfield ### Typical Job Cost $40,000 - 1.5 million We help control total project costs and have been able, in most cases, to save our clients in excess of our professional fees. Ask us how! ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Hrivnak Associates, LLC | | Address | Valley, Nebraska 60864, United States | | Phone | (630) 770-5900 | | Website | http://HrivnakAssociates.com | | License Number | 020459 | | Followers on Houzz | 153 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/HrivnakAssociates - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/hrivnakassoc - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/hrivnak ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Hrivnak Associates, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hrivnak-associates-llc-pfvwus-pf~939709819) - **Website:** http://HrivnakAssociates.com - **Phone:** (630) 770-5900 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licensed Architect(s)LEED APAIA Design AwardHarry Hake AwardSpeaker nationally and internationally on environments for aging.American Institute of ArchitectsNational Council of Architectural Review BoardsAdjunct Professor of Architecture - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2016–2022), for Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [ArCH: Architects Creating Homes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/arch-architects-creating-homes-pfvwus-pf~219140685) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 17 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Dixie Kiscoan, July 2021** > We consulted with John on a remodel job on a 100yr + home. This was a major remodel project and we wanted to maintain the the original design concept of an older home. We were amazed at what John came up with. It was a true pleasure working with John and would highly recommend him for your design and remodeling needs. **★★★★ — Ann Sedlacek, May 2020** > I have enjoyed working with John. He's knowledgeable, funny, creative and very open to suggestions. He has many architectural resources and offers advice based on his many experiences. Our project is on hiatus due to illness; his empathy for our situation has been terrific and I hope we can continue to fulfillment. **Comment from Hrivnak Associates, LLC:** > Ann and Jon have become good friends as well as clients. My prayers for Jon to get better soon. **★★★★★ — HU-95977994, May 2020** > John helped our Church strategize, draw up plans and execute all the drawings for our new building. > His expertise was essential to our approval with the city planning committee and all the necessary code requirements. > The visual renderings were gorgeous and have helped our Church cast vision!!! **★★★★★ — Adam Karneboge, May 2020** > John and Kevin were instrumental in architecting and project managing my house addition and remodel. As I travel often for work, I am not always home and I needed someone trustworthy to hold my GC and subcontractors to their promises. Kevin visited often, particularly during the first part of the project, and kept in constant communication with me about the progress of the project. He became a trusted resource and a good friend in the process, and I wouldn't hesitate to hire him again should the need arise. No matter how big or small your project, I would highly recommend Hrivnak & Associates. **Comment from Hrivnak Associates, LLC:** > Thanks, Adam! I agree; Kevin really got his heart and mind into this one and enjoyed working with you as well. **★★★★★ — Sara McDonald, Oct. 2017** > John was very reassuring when I called him in a panic about the balcony we are trying to build. We had already hired a contractor and found out we were not going to satisfy the codes of the village, and had to hire an architect in order to do so. I had never had to do that before, and thought it would too expensive. John came to meet us right away so he could get started on the plans. The village codes are very numerous and strict, and John found a way to help us get exactly what we wanted, without having to sacrifice any space to meet these codes. At the beginning of the process, I asked John if he could give me a ball park on how much his services would cost, and the final bill was pretty much spot on what said it would be. John is a very talented architect with a kind and knowledgeable disposition. It was our pleasure to work with him. I would use his services again, and highly recommend him to others. **Comment from Hrivnak Associates, LLC:** > Sincere thanks for the review - looking forward to seeing the final product! **★★★★ — dsmithbass, Nov. 2016** > I recognized quickly that John was very knowledgeable and was concerned about drawing a deck and stairway plan that would remain a safe structure. Very happy with his plan. **★★★★★ — Tracy Whiteside, May 2016** > John is the nicest and most kind man! Very, very knowledgeable, honest, and giving. Although the project didn't work out, John took the time on the phone and in person to explain so many things about our area. **★★★★★ — User, Feb. 2016** > After my home inspection I had some concerns regarding the structure. I hired John to take a look at the home and give his expert opinion. He not only did a great job at that but went above and beyond and took a look at many other pain points I had from the initial report. He also spoke directly with the home owner regarding some repairs that should be made and instructed how the home owner could do so. The home owner ended up repairing the items John recommended saving me time and hassle in the future. Extremely impressed with John's work and would highly, highly recommend. **Comment from Hrivnak Associates, LLC:** > Appreciate your kind words and recommendation. I enjoyed helping you. **★★★★★ — Easy Street Building Company, Aug. 2015** > I am a general contractor and I used Hrivnak and associates on a fairly large (over $250,000) renovation project in Schaumburg Illinois. I have found John to be thorough, practical, and very approachable. I highly recommend him for any project you may be considering. **Comment from Hrivnak Associates, LLC:** > Todd is a phenomenal contractor. His training in architecture and experience as a carpenter make him easy to work with and his personality augments his value to his clients. **★★★★★ — czerspalace, July 2015** > Dear John Hrivnak, > Just a note to let you know how absolutely pleased we were with the plans you drew up for our house additions and renovations. After working with other architects and seemingly getting nowhere, you came in, listened to our needs and requests then added your expertise and talent. The results could not have been better - spot on! > Thank you - Thank you - Thank you > Sincerely, > Arthur & Susan Czer **Comment from Hrivnak Associates, LLC:** > Awwww.... thanks! The Czer's are wonderful friends and we stay in contact long after the project. She's also a phenomenal cook and wonderful host. **★★★★ — Andrea Demel, May 2015** > We hired John to provide a set of drawings for the purpose of getting permits, and thoroughly enjoyed working both with him and Sue, who was well suited to draft our project. John's doodles and creative ideas showed that he really thought about our project and what we wanted the house to end up like. **Comment from Hrivnak Associates, LLC:** > The Demel family presented a tough challenge - we love those! Their ideas and design sense helped this project be as successful as it is. We always welcome owner participation and that enhances the results. **★★★★ — lrt1216, May 2015** > John Hrivnak created a kitchen design for us and measured our entire house for future reference. In addition, he put together the plans for us to bring to our city to secure a permit for our kitchen remodel. John was easy to work with and gave his thoughts about the design but also allowed us to be part of the creative aspect. Finally, he worked within our budget and created a great design. We hope to get the demo started soon on our kitchen update. It was a pleasure working with John. > Sean and Stephanie Thomas **Comment from Hrivnak Associates, LLC:** > Sean and Stephanie are ideal clients - open to new creative ideas and willing to be part of the design team. ## Selected projects - [New Luxury Golf Course Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-luxury-golf-course-home-pj-vj~1117199) - Location: Omaha, NE - Photos: 35 - [Equestrian Community Master-Planned (five additions) Home w/Pool](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/equestrian-community-master-planned-five-additions-home-w-pool-pj-vj~1117194) - Location: St. Charles, IL - Photos: 4 - Description: Master Plan of multiple additions to a residence in a horse-friendly neighborhood. Features include swimming pool, hot tub, cabana house, second story addition, master suite addition and entire home facelift. - [Sketches-Custom Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sketches-custom-design-pj-vj~6206323) - Location: St. Charles, IL - Photos: 5 - [Paul Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/paul-residence-pj-vj~6270251) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-house-pj-vj~1305657) - Location: Barrington, IL - Photos: 7 - [Country Club Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-club-estate-pj-vj~1305672) - Location: Geneva, IL - Photos: 10 - [Educational Center](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/educational-center-pj-vj~1305666) - Location: Omaha, NE - Photos: 10 - [Kitchen Remodels](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-remodels-pj-vj~1117208) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 3 - [Home Bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-bar-pj-vj~1305651) - Location: Omaha, NE - Photos: 8 - [Basement](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/basement-pj-vj~1305647) - Location: Elgin, IL - Photos: 5 [See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hrivnak-associates-llc-pfvwus-pf~939709819) ## Ideabooks - [contemporary design ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93402877/list/contemporary-design-ideas) — 11 ideas - [jhrivnak's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7015528/list/jhrivnak-s-ideas) — 16 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jhrivnak) ## Community Q&A **Q: Granite Counter Seam Dilemma** *(in Remodeling)* I am redoing my counters and backsplash. The counters will be snowfall granite. I have 2 fabricators estimating my kitchen counters. The first says it will take two slabs because of the island and the peninsula not fitting onto the same slab. The second fabricator has solved the 2 slab issue by putting a seam somewhere along the peninsula to make the individual pieces all fit on one slab. They have suggested the middle of the sink hole. I think even with the front edge of the stove side of the counter may be another option. Either way there will be a seam somewhere on the long edge of the counter. The price difference is about $500 because I only have to buy part of the second slab from the first fabricator. Are seams like this common? Would you do the seam or pay extra to have the peninsula cut from a single piece? A: Seams in granite - if you can avoid them, great. One can't always do that. A quality installer will minimize the appearance of the seam - varies by the granite you select. If done well, not a deal killer. If the $500 is do-able, avoid the seam. You're OK either way. Bonus! Have them seal both the top AND the bottom of the granite slab at the dishwasher location. Steam from dishwasher will get onto the porous side of the granite and can grow mold there. Advice I got years ago from a granite installer who showed me that problem in a home we were remodeling for a client. **Q: Designers- how do you \*really\* feel about painting kitchen cabinets?** *(in Polls)* I see a lot of threads on how to paint kitchen cabinets, what to use, if you should hire someone to spray or do it yourself, etc. As we are planning a remodel on a new house and having some of these same discussions, a friend who is a designer turned up her nose. "I will let you in on a little secret..." she said, "painted finishes never last well and my clients are redoing/replacing those cabinets in 5 years. Especially those who DIY. So I always try to talk people out of painting cabinets, unless they use one of two people I trust who do this professionally and spray. But some clients are really set on this idea, or simply want a change and don't have a healthy budget." So I ask the many pros on here-- how do you really feel about painted cabinets? Worth it or waste of time? More trouble than is necessary? Do you just wish you could talk your clients out of this? Or is this a good option that you have seen work out well if the right materials and techniques are used? A: live\_wire\_oak has a terrific response. The only thing I can add might be to consider buying new fronts. There are people who can put new veneers of wood or laminate or painted finish onto the stiles as well. **Q: House Plan Input** *(in Building a Home)* Hello! I'm completely new here but I stumbled across this site while doing some research and I thought I would post here to receive some input on a house plan that we are working on. We have someone helping us out with the design and are pretty happy with where it is currently at. I have actually made some changes myself to make the dining room smaller and get rid of the wrap-around stairs but I won't bother including that because it is just in autocad format right now. I think the dining room area on this plan is much larger than it needs to be and I also think the deck is way too big... With that being said, my wife and I love to host people and we want to have a home that works well for hosting large groups (10-20 people), so maybe having the larger dining area would be good? I'd love to hear your guys' opinions on this! We are both first time builders and are going into this pretty blind. One other thing I'm concerned about is all of the corners on the foundation/roof line. I have actually had the designer remove quite a few already but I am still concerned that with the way it is it will have a fairly significant impact on building costs. Thanks! A: Alas... as an Architect and professor, this is very typical for early sophomores. It makes a HUGE difference to work with a licensed Architect who can clean this up - or, possibly better, start from your lifestyle and budget and site constraints and develop something more than functional - something of delight. A great Architect will save you more than their fee, the construction costs will be the same (same sticks and bricks more creatively placed creating more value such that the next owner will essentially pay for your fee again). You are investing a bunch of $$$ in this project - get professional advice. You could also save money doing your own dentistry and surgery, too. Equally unadvised. **Q: handicapped accessible kitchen remod** *(in Polls)* Can't bend over, or squat down and can't reach over my head or climb up/Down Need help with Reno plans to make my kitchen usable for me with my health and physical limitations A: As an Architect specializing in design for such needs and as one who gets around with a walker and has similar challenges - I'd love to help. So many things that can be done to adapt your kitchen to you instead of the other way around. From layout to placement of outlets and everything in between... **Q: Help Choosing an Architect/ Builder for New House Construction** *(in Building a Home)* I need to make a decision about an architect/ builder who can help me build a contemporary/ modern home on a lot I own in Houston. But I am having a hard time deciding which way to go, so I was hoping some of you could help me evaluate the following options: Option 1. Go with a design-build firm (architectural services are all inclusive, design selections/ floor plans are value-engineered with the builder in mind, site inspection+ 3d models are included, but architectural fees are $48,000) Option 2. Go with architect 1 who offers permit drawings, construction documents, and interior finishings selections (including wall materials, floors, light, but excluding faucets/ bathroom fixtures and so on, offers a 3d model of the house, does site inspection/ oversight at hourly charge, and charges $18,540) Option 3. Go with the architect 2 who offers architecture plans, permit set designs, and interior design set that includes cabinet plans, flooring plans, material plans. windows and door schedule, and electrical plan (but no 3d model, finishes selection, or oversight/ site inspection for $6,000) My evaluation: I like the idea of design-build because of the cost control, value engineering, builder know-how, and lack of uncertainty, but it seems like the cost savings are substantial if I go with an architect only and bid out the project at the end (savings of $30,000). As for the 2 architects I don't really know how to compare them since they use different terminology to describe what's included, but if I go with the cheaper option it seems I would need to hire an interior designer to help with finishes selection. I also don't get a 3D model. What do you all think is the best option? A: cpartist; excellent comments! This architect, many years ago, was working for a firm where we did D/B under the GC. I put code required insulation in walls and roof - GC demanded less "we'll see if the permit guys catch me" - I said "no". He reminded me that the firm got paid by him - as did my boss. That stuff happens. Your investment in your professional architect is less than the contingency (fudge factor) used by the GC in doing their pricing. That investment will leverage the success of all elements of your project. **Q: Addition to front of my split entry** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hey! Im looking for some inspiration and ideas to add an addition to the front of my house. Its a split entry with a very small congested landing just inside. I was thinking of bringing the front wall/door out 5-6 feet so I could put in a bigger closet etc. Should I add another peak for the roof line? vs just a rectangle on the front? I want to paint the brick and change the door and front step as well so would do it all together. I mocked up a very basic example at what Im thinking. My biggest worry is that it looks too big coming off the front of the house. Sticking back the garage etc. Also thoughts on painting brick? I was thinking a light or dark grey or white? A: 1\. Zoning. Can you build any further forward? 2\. Massing. Be careful to not get to visually noisy with too much articulation. 3\. Simple is elegant. Simple is also much harder to accomplish. 4\. Engage an Architect. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*