Business Details
14 Years
experience
Community-Focused Architectural Design Services
At 845 Design Group, we provide comprehensive architectural services tailored to public and private sector clients. Our metric-based approach ensures innovative, informed solutions that advance client goals while enhancing community impact. Founded in 2012 by Megan Harte and Jamie Zaura, our firm combines over 25 years of collective experience in healthcare, municipal, commercial, and residential markets. We prioritize relationships, integrity, and quality of life through designs that foster human connection. Our team actively contributes to professional organizations and local governance, reflecting our commitment to community and industry leadership.Certified as a Womens Business Enterprise, we bring a unique perspective to every project. Our name honors the architectural roots of our founders at 845 W. Harrison, where relationships and design excellence converge. We specialize in navigating complex decision-making processes while delivering creative, functional spaces. Our services span pre-design to occupancy, ensuring seamless execution of projects that meet both client needs and community expectations.
Services
Building Design
Interior Architecture
Sustainable Design
Construction Administration
Healthcare Planning
Historic Restoration
Space Planning
Master Planning
ADA Compliance
Furniture Specification
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of combined experience in healthcare and municipal architecture.
- Our metric-based approach ensures data-driven, innovative design solutions.
- Certified Womens Business Enterprise with state and national accreditations.
- Proven expertise in navigating complex organizational decision-making processes.
- Client testimonials highlight timely communication and creative problem-solving.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Women's Business Enterprise (WBE)
What people say
Creative and responsive
Timely communications
Professional and experienced
Gifted and professional
Excellent communication
Services
Building Design
We create functional, aesthetically pleasing structures tailored to client needs. Our process integrates pre-design planning through occupancy phases, ensuring compliance with regulations and sustainability standards. Clients benefit from our expertise in healthcare, municipal, and commercial sectors.
Interior Architecture
Our interior solutions optimize space usage while maintaining design integrity. Services include space planning, material selection, and ADA compliance. Projects range from office renovations to healthcare facility upgrades, prioritizing user comfort and operational efficiency.
Sustainable Design
We incorporate eco-friendly practices into every project phase. This includes energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and LEED certification guidance. Our approach reduces environmental impact while meeting long-term client cost-saving goals.
Construction Administration
Our team manages construction processes to ensure adherence to design specifications and timelines. Services include site visits, contractor coordination, and budget tracking, guaranteeing quality execution from concept to completion.
Healthcare Planning
Specialized design services for healthcare environments focus on patient safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency. We address unique requirements like infection control, medical equipment integration, and regulatory compliance for hospitals and clinics.
People
Megan Harte
Founding Principal
Megan Harte co-founded 845 Design Group in 2012 with Jamie Zaura. She specializes in healthcare and municipal architecture, bringing creative solutions to complex projects. Her leadership emphasizes client collaboration and community impact.
Jamie Zaura
Founding Principal
Jamie Zaura serves as a founding principal with expertise in commercial and residential architecture. She actively contributes to the American Institute of Architects and prioritizes designs that enhance quality of life through functional spaces.
Nick Bernardi
Project Architect
Nick Bernardi leads project execution with attention to technical precision and client needs. His experience spans municipal buildings and healthcare facilities, ensuring designs meet both regulatory standards and user requirements.
Aisling Gray
Designer
Aisling Gray contributes creative design solutions to diverse projects. Her work focuses on integrating sustainable practices and innovative aesthetics across commercial and healthcare environments while maintaining functional integrity.
Questions
What architectural services does 845 Design Group offer?
We provide building design, interior architecture, sustainable solutions, healthcare planning, and construction administration for municipal, commercial, and residential clients.
How long has 845 Design Group been in business?
Founded in 2012 by Megan Harte and Jamie Zaura, we bring over 25 years of combined experience in architectural design.
What sets 845 Design Group apart from competitors?
Our community-focused approach, WBE certification, and expertise in navigating complex organizational processes ensure tailored, innovative solutions for every project.
Which areas does 845 Design Group serve?
We primarily serve Chicago, LaGrange, Wheeling, Bartlett, and LaSalle, Illinois, with experience in statewide and national projects.
Is 845 Design Group certified as a women-owned business?
Yes, we are certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by the State of Illinois, Cook County, and WBENC.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Randy Yoch
Dec 15, 2018
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I met Megan last year before Christmas on a rush office rehab. Very professional, concise and most remarkably was done with the drawings when she said she would be. Just started working with 845 on another project, number 4. Highly recommend 845 Design Group.
Jamie Abbott
Dec 02, 2018
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The team at 845 Design Group is currently helping us with a significant construction project. Such a professional, experienced, customer minded company. We are very happy with our partnership.
Amanda Kunzer
Oct 21, 2018
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845 Design Group did a wonderful job designing our new location in Lisle. Megan creative ideas, professionalism and availability made the whole experience delightful for our staff and clients.
Rebecca Gadomski
Sep 02, 2018
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We have done multiple projects with 845 Design Group and have been so incredibly impressed. Megan has been phenomenal to work with, always timely in her communications and most importantly, so on point with her design ideas and recommendations for our build-outs and remodeling projects. Would highly recommend. Happy to provide further information to anyone who would like to speak more or see the outcomes of the projects we finished with them so far.
Amy Baudouin
Aug 17, 2018
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845 Design Group has helped VNA Healthcare with solving big design problems on a small budget. Both owners, Megan and Jamie, are great at listening to our needs, supporting our mission and exploring options that address patient privacy and staff efficiency. They have assisted VNA Healthcare through both the design and construction process and are always accountable and offer trustworthy advise. They are a great team to work with!
