Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design and Restoration Services in Chicago
Established in 1990, Bauer Latoza Studio has built a national reputation for excellence in architectural restoration, preservation, and planning. Our Chicago-based team specializes in revitalizing existing buildings through culturally sensitive design, sustainable practices, and technical expertise. With decades of experience serving public and private sector clients, we collaborate closely with stakeholders to create solutions that honor historical significance while meeting modern needs. Our interdisciplinary approach combines preservation of the built environment with innovative design, ensuring long-term value for communities.Recognized as a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), we maintain affiliations with leading industry organizations including the American Institute of Architects and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Our leadership team brings specialized knowledge in federal, state, and local government projects, delivering architectural solutions that balance heritage with functionality.
Services
Historic Preservation
Urban Design
Building Evaluation
Restoration Planning
Cultural Site Renovation
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized expertise in architectural preservation
- Our team holds MBE/DBE certifications for government contracting
- We implement sustainable practices in all restoration projects
- Our portfolio includes nationally recognized historic sites
- We maintain active partnerships with preservation organizations
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Association for Preservation Technology (APT)
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
- United States Green Building Council
What people say
Exceptional preservation expertise
Deep historical knowledge
Professional execution
Excellent communication
Timely delivery
Services
Historic Preservation
Specialized preservation of historically significant buildings and sites. Our team employs advanced techniques to maintain architectural integrity while implementing modern functionality. Services include condition assessments, materials analysis, and compliance with preservation standards for both public and private sector clients.
Building Evaluation
Comprehensive evaluation of existing structures to determine preservation needs and renovation potential. We conduct detailed inspections, material testing, and code compliance reviews to develop cost-effective restoration strategies that extend building lifecycles while maintaining historical accuracy.
Urban Design
Integrated urban planning solutions that balance historical context with modern development needs. Our approach focuses on sustainable community development, streetscape improvements, and adaptive reuse of historic structures to create functional, aesthetically cohesive urban environments.
Restoration Planning
Strategic planning for building restoration projects from concept through execution. Services include budget development, phasing plans, and coordination with regulatory agencies to ensure successful implementation of preservation goals while meeting contemporary performance requirements.
Cultural Site Renovation
Specialized renovation of cultural institutions and heritage sites. Our team combines technical expertise with sensitivity to historical context, delivering solutions that enhance visitor experiences while preserving architectural authenticity through careful materials selection and construction methodologies.
People
Edward Torrez
President | Principal
Edward Torrez leads Bauer Latoza Studio's architectural practice with over 25 years of preservation expertise. Specializing in historic building restoration, he oversees project execution while maintaining active involvement in client relations and business development.
Andrea Terry
Principal | Partner
Andrea Terry brings extensive experience in architectural preservation and urban design. As principal partner, she focuses on project strategy and client engagement, ensuring technical excellence across all restoration and planning initiatives.
Kirk Sippel
Associate Principal
Kirk Sippel specializes in building diagnostics and restoration methodology. With 20+ years in the field, he leads technical teams in developing innovative solutions for complex preservation challenges while maintaining strict adherence to historical standards.
Tim Vacha
Principal
Tim Vacha oversees project delivery and quality control. His expertise in historic materials conservation and code compliance ensures all projects meet both preservation standards and modern regulatory requirements.
Gareth Tucker
Senior Project Architect
Gareth Tucker manages large-scale preservation projects with a focus on federal and municipal clients. He specializes in adaptive reuse strategies that balance historical integrity with contemporary functionality for public sector buildings.
Questions
What types of architectural projects does Arda Design specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation, building restoration, urban design, and cultural site renovations for both public and private sector clients.
Is Arda Design certified for government contracting?
Yes, we hold MBE/DBE certifications with multiple agencies including CTA, IDOT, and the State of Illinois.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Chicago, we work on projects nationwide with extensive experience in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
How does Arda approach historic building restoration?
Our approach combines technical analysis with cultural sensitivity, using sustainable methods to preserve architectural integrity while meeting modern needs.
Can you handle complex preservation projects for government agencies?
Yes, we have extensive experience with federal, state, and local government projects including compliance with Section 106 requirements.
What professional organizations are you affiliated with?
We maintain memberships with AIA, APT, USGBC, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation among others.
