Business Details
30 Years
experience
Award-Winning Chicago Architecture & Interior Design
Established in 1996, Wright Heerema Architects delivers high-level architectural and interior design solutions through collaborative client partnerships. Our interdisciplinary team prioritizes understanding client goals to create spaces that solve business challenges while reflecting brand identity. With over 5 million square feet of completed projects in our first five years, we specialize in corporate headquarters, hospitality, laboratories, and multifamily buildings. Based in Chicago's historic Marquette Building, our open workspace fosters innovation through seamless collaboration between architects and designers. We maintain long-term client relationships, evidenced by our continued work with our first 1996 client, and hold LEED certifications across multiple team members.Our portfolio includes over 1,700 projects across 10 sectors, with recognition from industry organizations like AIA and NAIOP. We emphasize sustainability in master planning and building repositioning, achieving LEED certification for 2+ million square feet of projects. Our leadership team brings decades of experience in commercial architecture, with principals like Stephen Wright (40+ years) and Roger Heerema guiding strategic design decisions. We combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving, maintaining active roles in Chicago's real estate community and supporting local causes like the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Master Planning
Sustainability
Repositioning
Technology
Branding
Workplace Strategy
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of commercial architecture experience from founding principals
- LEED-certified professionals across multiple disciplines
- Client retention since our first 1996 project
- Over 1,700 completed projects across 10 industry sectors
- Recognized by AIA, NAIOP, and IIDA for design excellence
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- AIA
- NAIOP
- IIDA
What people say
Exceptional communication
Innovative solutions
Attention to detail
Client-focused approach
Award-winning designs
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services combine artistic vision with technical expertise to create functional, aesthetically pleasing structures. We specialize in corporate headquarters and commercial buildings that balance client budgets with enduring design principles. Our team utilizes advanced modeling tools to visualize projects from concept through construction, ensuring alignment with client brand identity and operational needs.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that foster human connection and support business objectives. Our designers create adaptable spaces incorporating brand guidelines through strategic use of color, materials, and spatial organization. With 20+ years of experience, we deliver solutions that enhance employee engagement while maintaining aesthetic coherence across diverse project types.
Sustainability
Our sustainability practice focuses on achieving LEED certification standards while optimizing building performance. We implement energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials to reduce environmental impact without compromising design integrity. With over two million square feet of LEED-certified projects, our team balances environmental responsibility with economic viability in every design solution.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive master plans that align with clients' long-term organizational goals. Our approach considers environmental impact, economic potential, and future adaptability of spaces. By integrating sustainable practices with functional requirements, we create roadmaps for phased development that maximize value while maintaining design cohesion across expanding facilities.
Workplace Strategy
Our workplace strategy services focus on creating environments that enhance employee productivity and satisfaction. We analyze organizational culture and work patterns to design spaces that support evolving work styles. From technology integration to amenity planning, we create office environments that reflect brand identity while fostering collaboration and innovation.
People
Stephen T. Wright
Principal
With over 40 years of experience, Stephen Wright leads architectural strategy for corporate office properties nationwide. He maintains long-term client relationships and actively participates in Chicago's real estate community while overseeing strategic design decisions.
Roger Heerema
Principal
Co-founder Roger Heerema provides holistic project leadership, diversifying services beyond core markets. With expertise in strategic design direction, he ensures cohesive client relations and innovative solutions across the firm's architectural portfolio.
Daniel J. Elkins
Principal
Daniel Elkins combines architectural artistry with technical expertise, leading major commercial projects including LEED-certified developments. He oversees technology implementation while maintaining active roles in community design review commissions.
Ken Wardingley
Principal
With 35+ years in architecture, Ken Wardingley specializes in complex projects from corporate headquarters to pharmaceutical facilities. His hands-on approach ensures meticulous attention to detail and client satisfaction throughout project execution.
Scott Rubel
Technical Director
As Technical Director, Scott Rubel oversees architectural documentation and construction administration for complex projects. With 25+ years of experience, he ensures technical excellence and consistency in deliverables while mentoring project teams.
Questions
What architectural services does Wright Heerema Architects offer?
We provide full-service architecture, interior design, master planning, workplace strategy, and sustainability consulting for commercial, hospitality, and multifamily projects.
How long has Wright Heerema Architects been in business?
We've been delivering architectural solutions since our founding in 1996, with principals maintaining client relationships dating to our establishment.
Do you specialize in specific building types?
We focus on corporate headquarters, commercial offices, hospitality venues, laboratories, and multifamily residential buildings with specialized expertise in urban repositioning projects.
What sustainability credentials do you hold?
Our team includes multiple LEED Accredited Professionals with experience achieving LEED certification for over two million square feet of completed projects across various building types.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We prioritize understanding client goals through active listening, then develop customized solutions that align with organizational brand, operational needs, and budgetary requirements.
Where are your projects located?
While based in Chicago, we complete projects nationwide with recent work in Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Colorado, serving both urban and suburban markets.
