BBA Architects

This renovation transformed a conventionally built Chicago two-flat into a custom single-family residence with a modern, open floor plan. The cost-sensitive design maintains the existing exterior walls and floor framing structure, but a creative new layout offers open yet defined living spaces and brings abundant natural light deep into the home. A custom-designed stair offers a stunning focal point for this transitional space with clean contemporary lines blended with the warmth of natural wood.

BBA Team: Gary Beyerl & Jack Callahan
PHOTOGRAPHY: Mike Schwartz

"This stunning recently renovated brick home on a 38x123 lot on a one-way tree-lined street in the heart of Lakewood/Balmoral is a breath of fresh air. A front porch welcomes you to an elegant front hall entry opening to a large living room with fireplace, separate dining room with bay windows, and a fabulous light-filled white chef's kitchen with island seating and glorious windows overlooking the backyard. A new addition provides a super cool and delightful open staircase down to access the large yard and 2-car brick garage - and the lower level with a large family room, laundry room, fourth bedroom and bath and loads of storage. Upstairs are three large bedrooms and two baths including a wonderful primary suite with large walk-in closet and dreamy en-suite bath. Original historic features mesh beautifully with modern updates. 2-zone central air/heat. Super cool, super fabulous. Wow!" Brad Lippitz

BBA Project Lead: Gary Beyerl
Listed by: Brad Lippitz Group
Sold with: Hayley Westhoff & Colby Price
Photos: VHT Studios

The clients’ appreciation for English country architecture, with elements of stone, stucco, brick and slate, became the basis of the design. The goal was to achieve an understated elegance with generous warmth. Lots of large windows, and exterior transitions to the terraced patios allow expansive views of the Golf Course.

Interior Design: Pam Maher Design
Photography: Aimee Mazzenga
Windows: Loewen Windows

Our project on the Hawks Eye Golf Course near Bellaire Michigan is up and framed. It peeks out at #3 as it awaits it’s skin.

This beautiful home was designed by Robert E. Seyfarth, a prominent Chicago architect. The existing home was an "el" shaped building set anonymously upon the site. A third wing was added and a courtyard was created by reshaping the front yard and entry drive. In order to preserve the elegant character of the home, materials were carefully removed at the addition site for re-use on the front. Salvaged clay tile roofing was installed on the rear of the home and the original roofing was installed on the front to assure a perfect match. The interior of the home was extensively reconfigured: the original garage was crafted into the family room and primary suite was reconfigured to take advantage of the lake views of the ravine below.

BBA LEAD: Gary Beyerl
LANDSCAPE DESIGN: Rosborough Partners

For the 2nd year in a row, BBA Architects was an event sponsor at The PAWS Chicago Peter Fasseas Golf Open. This year’s event was held at Shoreacres golf course in Lake Bluff, Illinois. PAWS mission is to build No Kill communities, while respecting and valuing the life of every cat and dog. PAWS Chicago.

This little structure was built on the shore of an inland Michigan lake, which will be a staging area for all manner of lakefront recreational activities, as well as provide a dynamic dining space on the lake shore. The clients have a main house that is up a significant bluff from the lakeshore, so some amenities at the shore are required if they intend to spend time near the water. The steep roof mimics the roof of the original Tudor style home up the hill, but the style of this little house borrows more from traditional boathouses often found on Michigan lakes. The exposed structure of the roof deck is stained glue lam beams and Douglas fir, evoking the interior of a wooden canoe. The plan is simple, a main room with kitchen cabinetry and a stone fireplace. Behind the cabinets is a small bathroom, changing area and a shower. In the summer, the owners can tether their ski boat to the deck. In the winter, the fireplace will provide a nice warm-up spot for ice skaters and hockey players who populate the frozen surface.

BBA LEAD: Ed Twohey

Our client's goal was to create a timeless house that fit the Traditional character of the neighborhood. They were also keenly interested in a sustainable residence with a focus on air quality and convenient living without sacrificing comfort or elegance. Natural light was also very important to our clients, so the home is centered around a naturally-lit stairwell and second floor sky-lit gallery. Both living floors are arranged to focus on these light-filled spaces. The large city parcel also assured that all rooms are amply illuminated. The buildings style and orientation was created to be a good neighbor. Many adjacent homes have front porches with Traditional details, while others are more Contemporary. This home sought to be compatible with both.

BBA LEAD: Gary Beyerl
Landscape Design: Prassas Landscape Studio
Interior Designer: Janet McCann Design

To preserve the architectural integrity of this historic Chicago greystone, the existing facade and significant original interior features have been restored. Blending the home’s rich history with modern functionality, the grand front rooms are returned to former glory, with modern systems for enhanced comfort, while previous inharmonious additions have been replaced to create seamless floor plans for contemporary living.

BUILDER: Kelly Smith Construction
INTERIOR DESIGN: Kate Taylor Interiors
BBA TEAM: Ed Twohey, Jack Callahan, Farnaz Sadeghi