We specialize in providing planning and architectural services to individuals and developers who aim to build responsibly and economically. In a world with diminishing resources, careful planning and design are essential to maximize construction budgets. We believe it is important for individuals and developers to collaborate with design professionals to achieve their objectives effectively.
Our commitment is to work closely with our clients to develop ideas that meet their needs while staying within budget. Each project is approached thoughtfully, always considering the benefits of innovative solutions. To test our theories on construction details and affordability, we have designed, built, and sold two single-family housing prototypes.
As a team of architects, we firmly believe that sustainable and energy-efficient buildings can be created through a practical approach to design. Our buildings should complement the built environment by utilizing the characteristics of the neighborhood and incorporating straightforward, familiar materials. Therefore, we offer custom design and construction services tailored to the individual needs of our clients.
Our individual experiences as professionals enable our firm to serve a wide range of clients. We have:
- Specialties in the art of the custom timber frame, from designing and building custom homes to wineries and restaurants throughout the Midwest.
- Worked on Net-Zero custom homes and other Deep Energy Retrofit applications for existing homes.
- Collaboratively worked on Civic projects for public amusement.
- Worked with developers to create designs & and execute construction for multi-family, mixed-use, and other commercial developments.
- Designed restaurants, shops, and religious structures, bringing together the thousands of parts that make up such special, people-oriented spaces.
- Renovated historic homes and buildings, earning them a place as Chicago Landmarks and registered in the National Parks District of Historic Places.
- Renovated urban homes and large mixed-use commercial spaces.
- Worked closely with not-for-profit agencies and arts groups.
- Been Vista Architects, working with community organizations.
- Surveyed the planning needs of urban and rural communities.
- Collaborated with other design professionals in intensive week-long design workshops to imagine entire new communities.
- Helped working people in dense urban settings achieve home ownership.
- Helped farming communities maintain their way of life while accommodating newcomers seeking to join in the pastoral setting.
With a presence in the Chicago area and throughout Michigan, we are well-positioned to extend our professional services to individuals and communities across the region, both urban and rural. We look forward to collaborating with you on your next project.
Thoughtful planning and design eliminate wasted effort and ensure that a structure fulfills its intended purpose. While the primary function of a building is to provide shelter, the art of architecture lies in making the time spent within the space a positive experience. The enduring strength and beauty of well-designed environments create a positive sense of enclosure through their volumes, materials, and efficient construction methods.
There is an old adage that states you are halfway done building when the design is finished. We believe this holds true for the time and effort invested by the owner, architect, and builder. Therefore, it is crucial to begin the design process as early as possible, ideally a year before construction begins.
Marts & Valentin Architects, Ltd. is committed to helping clients achieve their goals through effective planning and design. We have also worked with clients as far away as Nebraska and Hawaii. We look forward to working with you on your project.
