Business Details
Trusted Architectural Design & Consulting Services in Chicago
We are a full-service architectural practice dedicated to delivering tailored design solutions through close collaboration with our clients. Established with a commitment to excellence, we specialize in affordable housing, historic preservation, and educational facility design, serving diverse communities across Chicago and surrounding areas. Our team combines decades of experience with a passion for innovative, context-sensitive architecture. We prioritize client engagement, ensuring each project reflects unique needs while adhering to the highest standards of craftsmanship and sustainability. Recognized for our work on award-winning projects like Aurora St. Charles Senior Living and Grove Apartments, we remain focused on creating spaces that enhance community well-being.Our principals, including AIA members with over 40 years of combined experience, lead a collaborative studio culture that values transparency, technical expertise, and design integrity. From initial concept to final construction, we provide comprehensive services that address functional, aesthetic, and regulatory requirements. Our portfolio spans new construction, adaptive reuse, and renovations of historic structures, demonstrating versatility across project types. With a track record of excellence honored by organizations like the AIA Chicago and Landmarks Illinois, we continue to shape meaningful architectural solutions for future generations.
Services
Affordable Housing Design
Historic Preservation
Educational Facility Architecture
Adaptive Reuse Projects
New Construction
Senior Housing Development
Church Renovations
Museum Planning
University Buildings
Tax Credit Projects
Highlights and features
- We specialize in affordable housing and historic preservation projects with 40+ years of local expertise
- Our AIA-certified principals lead award-winning designs recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
- We implement a collaborative client-focused process for customized architectural solutions
- Our team has completed over 20 major adaptive reuse projects of historic structures
- We maintain LEED-certified professionals for sustainable design implementation
Services
Affordable Housing Design
We design modern, code-compliant affordable housing solutions that maximize livability while meeting regulatory requirements. Our expertise includes tax credit projects and senior housing developments. We integrate accessibility features and sustainable materials to create communities that uplift residents' quality of life. Our track record includes over 1,000 affordable housing units across Illinois.
Historic Preservation
Our team specializes in preserving architectural heritage through meticulous restoration of historic structures. We balance modern functionality with original design elements while navigating preservation guidelines. Projects include adaptive reuse of landmark buildings like the Wabash YMCA and Aurora St. Charles Senior Living. We maintain tax credit compliance and historical accuracy in every restoration.
Educational Architecture
We create inspiring learning environments for K-12 institutions and universities. Our services include classroom additions, campus master planning, and specialized facilities like art studios and laboratories. Notable projects include Northwestern University renovations and Chicago City Day School. We prioritize flexible spaces that support evolving educational methodologies and student engagement.
Adaptive Reuse Projects
We transform existing structures into functional modern spaces while maintaining architectural integrity. Our approach optimizes building potential through creative reconfiguration and systems upgrades. Recent projects include converting a 1932 hospital into senior housing and repurposing industrial buildings for residential use. We specialize in navigating complex zoning and historical regulations.
New Construction
We deliver comprehensive new construction services from site analysis to final inspection. Our expertise spans multi-family housing, institutional buildings, and commercial developments. We incorporate sustainable design principles and modern materials to create durable, energy-efficient structures. Recent projects include Lakeview Landing Apartments and Bellwood Senior Housing developments.
People
Dennis W. Langley
Principal
AIA-certified architect with over 40 years of experience, Dennis Langley leads affordable housing projects including North Avenue Phase III and Grove Apartments. He graduated from University of Illinois in 1970 and joined WLW in 1978, becoming principal in 1992.
Daniel Towler Weese
Principal
AIA member with Yale architecture training, Dan Weese has directed major projects like Chicago City Day School and Harris Hall Renovation since joining WLW in 1992. He previously chaired AIA Chicago's Design Committee.
Richard Klein
Principal
A University of Cincinnati graduate, Richard Klein specializes in higher education and church renovations. He has led numerous affordable housing projects since joining WLW in 1986 and became principal in 1996.
Katherine Heinz
Associate
With dual degrees from Washington University, Katherine Heinz focuses on accessible housing projects. She has contributed to Interfaith Housing developments and Over the Rainbow Association projects since joining WLW in 2004.
Nicol Zeller
Associate
LEED-certified architect Nicol Zeller specializes in historic renovations and affordable housing. Since joining WLW in 2014, she has worked on multiple tax credit projects including Midtown Crossing Apartments.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in affordable housing design, historic preservation, educational facility architecture, and adaptive reuse projects across Illinois.
How long has your firm been in business?
Our principals have over 40 years of combined experience in Chicago, with individual tenures at WLW ranging from 1978 to present.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we provide comprehensive services for new buildings and renovations, including historic structure restorations and adaptive reuse projects.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Chicago and surrounding suburbs, with recent projects in Bellwood, Matteson, and Evanston.
Are your architects certified professionals?
All principals are AIA-certified architects, with additional LEED accreditation for sustainable design expertise.
Can you help with tax credit projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with historic tax credit and low-income housing tax credit projects, including Aurora St. Charles Senior Living.
