Van Cleave Architecture + Design

Architects

About Us

We are a small Architectural and Interior Design firm that specializes in commercial and residential design for smaller scale projects. Much of our work is re-purposing or renovating existing buildings to improve the function, energy, quality, and even economic returns of a building. This focus also applies to housing where we can transform and existing home or multi-family building into a quality space that enhances original details and uniqueness but adds the functionality of our modern living standards. Please contact us today to discuss your vision!

Services Provided

3D Rendering, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Attic Conversion, Barn Design & Construction, Basement Design, Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Design, Building Design, Custom Home, Deck Design, Drafting, Energy-Efficient Homes, Floor Plans, Garage Design, Green Building, Guesthouse Design & Construction, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Home Restoration, Kitchen Design, New Home Construction, Pool House Design & Construction, Space Planning, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Design, Tiny House Construction, Universal Design, Custom Homes

Areas Served

Bayside, Brown Deer, Butler, Cudahy, Elm Grove, Fox Point, Glendale, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee, New Berlin, River Hills, Saint Francis, Shorewood, Wauwatosa, West Allis, West Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Twin Lakes, Green Bay, Madison, Racine, Kenosha, Gurnee, Antioch, Burlington, Waterford, Lake Geneva

Awards

Wisconsin and Illinois Registration AIA Milwaukee chapter NCARB certificate holder

Back to Navigation

23 Projects

Credentials

Back to Navigation

Write a Review

10 Reviews for Van Cleave Architecture + Design

Newest first

Eva Bishop

Relationship

Client

Vancleeve architecture helped us convert an attached garage into an extension of our kitchen in a 95 year old house. Results phenomenal! No end of compliments from everyone who’s seen it. Perfect design with maximum use of space in a tiny house. Extremely professional, Suzie was engaged throughout to ensure all went according to plan. Would highly recommend.

September 14, 2021

Josh

Relationship

Client

Great job redesigning our kitchen in an older house while still staying true to the home. Suzie spent a good amount of time giving us various creative options on how to maximize the space for the way we live.

April 5, 2018

Comment from Van Cleave Architecture + Design:

Thank you Josh! You guys were perfect clients as well!

Carmel Builders

Relationship

Professional within the Industry

Suzie is truly a professional who understands how to listen to clients' needs and understands the value of having a team mantality on a project. We at Carmel Builders, are excited to work with Van Cleave Architecture, because we share the same beliefs when it comes to working with Home Owners; of providing our expertise to help make design decisions that are right for them and their home. Suzie is a great listener, caring and approachable.

April 27, 2017

Michael Alan Kaskel

Relationship

Colleague

I photograph primarily kitchens and baths for architects and designers. Here's what typically happens. I'll photo a job for the architect, all the architectural elements are there, but the design quality is lacking...and when I photo for the designer, it's the opposite. Than there's Suzie. Suzie is the best of both worlds combined. She has such a talent for including both the architectural and design elements into all her projects that I'm always salivating at the chance to photograph her work. She's a pleasure to work with and of course is the consummate professional.

July 26, 2016

liverpool65

Relationship

Client

Van Cleave Archictecture turned our visions into reality! Our kitchen and third floor remodel has exceeded our expectations. It makes us happy every time we enter the rooms. The visual and functional appeal are amazing! Suzie's experience and talents are apparent in her work. She is professional, easy to work with and timely. Thanks you Suzie!!

June 6, 2016

jlgardn2

Relationship

Client

We are so glad we decided to use Van Cleave Architecture for our home renovation, Suzie was instrumental in making our vision a reality. She has a real eye for maintaining the integrity of a home while adding the desired features of today. She was a great "go-between" for us and the contractor. She drew up a detailed plan, after listening to what we were looking for. This eliminated any confusion with the hands on aspect of the job and expedited the renovation immensely. This plan also put our minds at ease, giving us a visual of what we could expect. She was approachable and easy to work with, patient and professional from start to end. She was promptly on-site when we needed her to be and a phone call away for anything else that popped up. We would highly recommend Van Cleave Architecture to anyone.

March 31, 2016

citygirl231

Relationship

Client

Wow...this place is unbelievable...these are usually the first words out of our family and friends mouths when they see what a wonderful job Suzie did for us on the renovation of our lake house. From the photos you will probably have the same reaction. Don't let the photos be your only reason for choosing to work with her. Her attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and her willingness to listen to your dreams and turn them into reality are the reasons you should work with her. Suzie has the ability to transform your space into your dream place and you will enjoy working with her in the process.

January 3, 2015

kvangek

Relationship

Client

Suzie helped us re-imagine, in a cost-effective and original way, the exterior of a century old farmhouse. She has designed a multi-family porch, finding ways to add space within the limitations of the building code and existing structural supports. She also helped us source a reasonably priced contractor for that project, as well. Suzie even helped with the layout design of both my mother's and my kitchen. I remember the redesign of Suzie's own kitchen, which was smartly laid out and added much to the value of her house. If there is ever a project that I need an architect for, I "go-to" Suzie Van Cleave of Burnham and VanCleave Architects.

February 23, 2013

elixur99

Relationship

Client

From concept to execution, working with Burnham and Van Cleave could not have been a more professional and positive experience. An unfinished, raw attic space was the starting point for creating a unique and welcoming room for our teenage son. Capable of understanding our needs and working within our budget, they went above and beyond our expectations for what was possible, creating a unique room which met all of our needs. Construction was implemented by an outside contractor, however, we used Burnham and Van Cleave as project manager for the job, as well as the designers, knowing that answers to specific questions were best coming from them. They proved to be problem solvers and really worked well with our contractor. I would highly recommend this firm and will use them again in the future.

February 1, 2013

choonwh

Relationship

Client

Suzie was very considerate and creative of my family's needs and wants for her design for our basement, rec room, theater room and laundry room. She was also prompt meeting the deadline.

January 31, 2013

Back to Navigation

31 Ideabooks

Back to Navigation

50 Comments

Commented: what are the colors on the houseIsn’t it a beautiful craftsman home? We were not involved with the original colors, so I do not know the names of the paint colors. Basically it is a chocolate brown on the trim and cream or warm whit...

July 15, 2021

Commented: Is this a downdraft vent? What model? CFM? ThxHi Michael, this island range used a downdraft vent made by Best. I do not know the exact model number but it vents down into the unfinished basement, then between the floor joists and out the side o...

April 14, 2021

Commented: Is it normal to combine two colored medals?Nothing is “normal” as all homeowners have different opinions and perspectives! But, yes, we often see two metal finishes in the same project

August 4, 2020

Commented: CabinetsHi Steph, the cabinets are made from quarter-sawn white oak which was typical in the public spaces of Arts & Crafts homes and less typical now due to the expense. The finish is a custom stain wit...

June 6, 2020

Commented: I love the unique counter stools. Who is the manufacturer?Yes, these are definitely unique stools! Unfortunately, the homeowner chose them so I do not know the manufacturer. I love how the modern stools look in the Arts & Crafts kitchen.

May 24, 2020

Commented: wood and stain typeThese cabinets are a custom mixed stain with glazing. It took 6 tries to get it right as we were trying to match the original oak trim in this Arts & Crafts home from the 1920’s.

January 26, 2020

Van Cleave Architecture + Design