Michael Hershenson Architects

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

MHA has been a pleasure to work with for the past 8 on various projects. A very thorough and detail oriented firm.

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.

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.

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!

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.