Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Glen Ellyn, IL
Berneche2 Architecture, founded by Tim and Lauren Berneche, is a husband-wife architectural practice with over three decades of combined experience. Since 1990, we have specialized in creating tailored residential and commercial designs that reflect clients' lifestyles, values, and functional needs. Our approach prioritizes active listening, sustainable practices, and collaborative problem-solving throughout every project phase.With licenses in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, we bring technical expertise and NCARB-certified adaptability to diverse building types, from lakefront homes to commercial spaces. Our commitment to continuing education ensures we integrate modern technologies and design trends while maintaining a focus on timeless, client-centric solutions.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Renovations
Additions
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of architectural expertise across residential and commercial sectors.
- Our client-first approach ensures designs reflect your unique lifestyle and business needs.
- NCARB-certified professionals with multi-state licensing for flexible project execution.
- Specialized experience in coastal/lakefront properties and complex renovations.
- Comprehensive services spanning design, documentation, contractor coordination, and construction oversight.
Associations and certifications
- NCARB
What people say
Deep knowledge base
Flexible scheduling
Pragmatic code solutions
Excellent communication
Creative problem-solving
Services
Residential Architecture
Crafting personalized residential spaces that reflect homeowners' lifestyles and values. Our services include new construction, renovations, and additions tailored to site-specific challenges like coastal environments. We prioritize energy efficiency, functional layouts, and aesthetic harmony while maintaining open client collaboration throughout the design and construction process.
Commercial Architecture
Designing innovative commercial environments that enhance user experience and operational efficiency. From office buildings to religious facilities, we create spaces that align with organizational goals while addressing zoning requirements, accessibility standards, and sustainable practices. Our expertise spans renovations, new construction, and specialized spaces like financial offices and hospitality venues.
Renovations
Transforming existing structures through strategic renovations that improve functionality and aesthetics. We specialize in modernizing outdated spaces while preserving architectural integrity, with particular experience in complex projects like parsonage renovations and commercial kitchen rehabilitations. Our process ensures minimal disruption to occupants during construction phases.
Additions
Expanding living and working spaces through seamless architectural additions. Whether connecting a garage to create a duplex or adding second-story bedrooms, we ensure new elements integrate with existing structures. Our approach balances spatial continuity with innovative solutions for challenging configurations like sloped sites or coastal building codes.
Sustainable Design
Incorporating environmentally responsible practices into every project phase. We optimize natural light, recommend energy-efficient systems, and specify sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact. This approach extends to site analysis for passive solar design and selecting construction methods that minimize waste while maintaining structural integrity and long-term cost savings.
People
Timothy Berneche
Architect
Licensed in four Lake Michigan states with NCARB certification, Tim brings 30+ years of experience in residential and commercial architecture. His expertise includes coastal design challenges, construction documentation, and client advocacy through permitting processes.
Lauren Berneche
Architect
Co-founding partner with equal experience in new construction and renovations. Specializes in translating client visions into functional designs while maintaining technical accuracy in drawings and specifications for diverse project types.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in residential and commercial architecture, including new construction, renovations, additions, and sustainable design solutions tailored to client needs.
Do you work outside the Chicago area?
Yes, with licenses in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, we handle projects across Lake Michigan states and can pursue reciprocal licenses elsewhere through NCARB certification.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We begin by thoroughly understanding your lifestyle or business operations, then maintain continuous dialogue throughout design and construction to ensure alignment with your evolving needs.
Can you handle complex renovation projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with challenging renovations including historic buildings, coastal properties, and projects requiring code-compliant modernization of older structures.
What makes your firm unique?
Our husband-wife partnership combines large-firm expertise with personalized service, offering technical precision alongside creative problem-solving tailored to each client's specific situation.
Do you provide construction oversight?
Yes, we offer comprehensive construction administration services including contractor selection, submittal reviews, progress meetings, and issue resolution to ensure design intent is maintained.
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