MGLM Architects

We highly recommend MGLM Architects. We live in a two-​story open plan urban loft and while we absolutely love the space (and the views), we also wanted a bit of privacy for our large second floor master suite. The master suite was open to the lower level living area and closing it off with a simple door would mean losing the open character of the loft, which we love.
After meeting with Mark, he suggested an ingenious solution– divide the suite into two distinct areas: a small semi-​open office and a dedicated bedroom area, separated and connected by an atypical 5′-6″ wide glass barn door. It was a perfect multifunctional solution. When we have company we slide the barn door closed (still catching the light from the living areas through the frosted glass), and when it’s just us, we keep the door open, retaining the open loft feel. Mark helped us pick the contractor, materials for build, and also helped with the redecorating and furniture planning of our living areas. Mark and MGLM were fast, responsive, and absolutely great to work with and we would love to do another project with them in the future!

We hired MGLM for a much-​needed and long overdue renovation to our loft in the West Loop this spring and Mark Garzon, Principal Architect, was great to work with throughout the entire process. One of the biggest and most exciting (for me anyway!) components of the overall project was the complete overhaul and revamping of our master bathroom. What previously had been a sorely out of date ca. 1980s-​90s facility– complete with the black and white checkered tiling on floors and shower walls from my childhood and a cracked bathroom vanity mirror we never got around to replacing– through Mark’s expert guidance & direction and Bloomfield Development’s hard work, transformed into a modern, sleek-​ified dream bathroom complete with clean lines, slate flooring, subway tiling for the shower and the perfect vanity and mirror set (non-​cracked!). The space looks twice as big now.
It was also a plus that Mark and my partner happened to share very similar sensibilities with regards to mid-​century modern design, lighting and aesthetics. His suggestions for fixtures and paint swatches as well as ideas with regards to the re-​configuration for the second floor’s build-​out were always varied in selection with a unified theme running throughout. I am not the most articulate or well-​versed with regards to interior design/​architecture but Mark was able to interpret what it was we wanted regardless.
Most importantly (for me), timeliness and quick communication between all the team players is a key feature that you should expect to experience if you work with MGLM. At one point, we had to tell Mark to stop emailing us back so quickly with answers to our questions as it was a holiday weekend and he should get out of the office. ;) We hope to work with Mark and his team again one day.

Having hired MGLM to design and oversee the build-​out of my retail store and company headquarters — I couldn’t be happier with the quality of the design, the construction, and the attention I received throughout the project. Matt and Elizabeth are creative thinkers who don’t compromise function for aesthetics — an important trait in architects who dream big and then when it comes time to living/​working in the space, you realize how dysfunctional «the big design» is.
I’d attach pictures of my store if I could (maybe you can see it in my profile, not sure about that). I can’t tell you the number of compliments I receive and I can’t adequately explain just how great it feels to be in the space. My parameters included a «green design» with all recycled materials and Matt and Elizabeth researched the options and were able to keep me in budget, on time, and in keeping with the strict eco-​friendly guidelines I required. I wholeheartedly recommend MGLM and look forward to having the opportunity to work with them again.

As the silly Seinfeld reference goes, Art Vandelay would be totally jealous of the work that MGLM architects do.
Mark Garzon has been an immense help on two projects for the crib. During a kitchen redesign, Mark sketched a clever reconfiguration of our refrigerator and washer/​dryer layouts. This new arrangement breathed new life into the dining area and opened up space! His ideas are sophisticated but he’s able to execute the approach in a way that’s practical so the contractors doing the grunt work are able to run with it.
And let me tell you from the horror stories I’ve heard when designers/​engineers/​contractors can’t see eye to eye, you don’t want to be caught in the middle of that my friends! Especially if it’s in your own house!
Mark also made some great recommendations for a custom marble coffee table. My handyman Uncle had a beautiful slab of marble in his backyard for years and was kind enough to donate it to me. We wanted to design a minimal steel base that would complement our modern white leather couch in the living room. Mark drew up some plans — but perhaps most impressive was that he was able to point us to a metal worker in Suburban Chicago! A graceful referral such as this is priceless!
To end it with a Seinfeld nod… if you need help with your next design project. these guys are the «Master of your domain!»