Business Details
35 Years
experience
Chicago Architects for Affordable Housing & Senior Living
Founded in 1991, WJW Architects has spent three decades pioneering research-driven architectural solutions that prioritize accessibility, community impact, and innovative design. Our firm originated with a mission to create buildings that solve real-world problems while fostering dignity for underserved populations. Through adaptive reuse projects, affordable housing developments, and senior living facilities, we combine creativity with technical expertise to deliver spaces that improve lives. Our collaborative approach emphasizes listening to clients and communities, ensuring each project aligns with specific needs while maintaining architectural excellence.With over 100 low-income housing tax credit projects completed, we maintain a strong regional presence across seven Midwestern states. Our commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through LEED-certified buildings and forward-thinking designs for memory care facilities. As a Chicago-based firm, we continue evolving our practice while staying true to our founding principles of social responsibility and design excellence.
Services
Affordable Housing Design
Senior Living Architecture
Adaptive Reuse Projects
Memory Care Facilities
LEED Certified Buildings
Community Enrichment Design
Historic Tax Credit Projects
Supportive Housing Solutions
Transit-Oriented Development
Research-Informed Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have 30 years of experience in affordable housing and senior living design
- Our firm pioneered research-based memory care facility designs
- We maintain LEED-certified building expertise
- Our collaborative approach involves communities in the design process
- We operate across seven Midwestern states with regional expertise
Associations and certifications
- LEED
Services
Affordable Housing Design
We specialize in creating purpose-built affordable housing solutions that address social challenges while maintaining architectural integrity. Our designs prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and community integration through innovative use of space and materials. With over 100 completed low-income housing tax credit projects, we deliver cost-effective, durable housing that transforms neighborhoods.
Senior Living Architecture
Our senior living facilities combine research-based design with practical functionality to create supportive environments for aging populations. We develop both affordable and market-rate assisted living communities that emphasize dignity, safety, and social connection through thoughtful spatial planning and regulatory compliance expertise.
Adaptive Reuse Projects
We transform existing structures into modern, functional spaces through creative adaptive reuse strategies. Our expertise includes historic tax credit projects and converting underutilized buildings into vibrant residential and commercial spaces while preserving architectural heritage and reducing environmental impact.
Memory Care Facilities
We design specialized environments for memory care that incorporate seven evidence-based design principles developed through extensive research. Our facilities create safe, calming spaces that support residents with cognitive impairments while providing effective care environments for staff and family members.
LEED Certified Buildings
We integrate sustainable design principles into all project types, with expertise in achieving LEED certification. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with functional requirements, creating energy-efficient buildings that reduce operational costs while maintaining high design standards.
Questions
What geographic areas do WJW Architects serve?
We operate across seven Midwestern states including Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, North Dakota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
What building types are WJW Architects specialized in?
We specialize in affordable housing, senior living communities, memory care facilities, and adaptive reuse projects with LEED certification expertise.
How does WJW Architects approach community engagement?
We use collaborative design processes that involve community members, particularly for projects serving underserved populations and affordable housing developments.
What sustainability credentials does WJW Architects have?
We have LEED-certified building experience and incorporate sustainable design principles in all our architectural solutions.
How long has WJW Architects been in business?
We've been creating architectural solutions since 1991, celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2021.
What makes WJW Architects different from other firms?
Our research-driven approach combines social responsibility with architectural innovation, focusing on underserved populations and community impact projects.
