What kind of change are you looking for? We’ll make it happen.

  • We’re here for you
    We respond immediately to you.
  • We look forward
    Universal planning that survives the test of time.
  • Our Partners are involved
    Experience, guidance & power at your disposal when you need it.
  • We listen
    We hear what you tell us... and hear what you don't.
  • We focus on the details
    Our attention to detail is our attention to you.
  • We solve problems
    Our wealth of knowledge and creativity yields solutions to your unique needs.

Welcome to DLA Architects.


We’re an architectural design firm specializing in creating spaces that WORK for our Clients.

We love designing spaces that reflect our client’s unique brand, personality and mission. To do this, we roll up our sleeves, listen, and learn about what’s important to them.

From minor renovations to complicated additions or ground-up new construction, we are here to transform your vision into reality.

What kind of change are you looking for? We’ll make it happen.

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Spotlight

TV and Radio Broadcast Studio gets a State-of-the-Art Renovation

This design showcases the collaborative nature of a top notch media/broadcasting program and features state of the art digital TV and radio production equipment.

Research and Collaboration are the Common Core in this Science Lab Design

Inquiry and exploration, along with collaboration, are emphasized in this Science Center design, complete with lab space and a learning commons.

Library Media Center Design creates space for Collaborative Learning

Developing 21st century learning skills is the focus for this Library Media Center Design.

Auditorium Design is a Showcase for the Performing Arts

A 50-year old, antiquated auditorium is transformed into an intimate performance space, with integrated cutting edge lighting technology.

A Hardworking Sports & Recreation Center Design

With features such as an indoor turf field and a 200 meter track, this versatile Sports & Rec Center will be a great asset to the community.

A 21st Century Education in an existing School

The renovation of an existing building, including a new STEM Lab and a new Commons and Administration areas.

Testimonial

  • I have been involved in a lot of construction projects both big and small over the years, and I would never consider going forward with any building project without having the architectural firm of DLA at my side.. They have great insight and appreciation for schools and how they function.
    Lawrence A. Wyllie, Superintendent at Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210

  • We began this endeavor to showcase our Green Design capabilities, now that it is done, we really love the higher quality, more efficient lighting. In many instances, the light levels, with the lamps dimmed 50%, is adequate. To put that in perspective, if having all the lamps at 100% on uses 31% less energy than code, then having the lamps dimmed 50% is a huge savings.

    Brian Berg, Jr., Principal at Berg Engineering Consultants, Ltd.
  • Having never gone through this process, I was very worried that I would overlook something important or miss a deadline along the way. Your patience with me, my staff, and our hard-to-please school board and superintendent helped calm my anxiety, and resulted in an outstanding building...
    Steve Hekert, Principal at Byron Middle School
  • “Working with DLA we have found their budgets to be very accurate and the number of change orders almost non-existent. This means I can plan with confidence and I don’t have to go back to my Board and explain things”
    Josh Aurand, Asst. Supt. for Business & Operations at Harlem Community Consolidated School District 122
  • They worked hard to understand the history. philosophy. and curriculum of Elgin Academy and to design a building that would best meet our needs.”
    John Cooper, PhD, former Head of School at Elgin Academy
  • DLA’s planning process helped us focus our priorities and programming. They listened to faculty as well as students in developing our Long Term Plan.”
    Cheryl Flinn, Business Manager at Ridgewood High School District 234
  • ..The AIA Illinois has named you the Distinguished Firm of the Year for the State of Illinois. We certainly can understand, having had the pleasure of working with you and your firm over a number of years, why they have chosen you. It is a matter of pride for us also that you are involved in our building program for which you have done an excellent job over the years and currently.
    John Kohler, former Director of Construction Management School District U-46
  • We have found DLA to demonstrate an excellent ability to work with our district in a collaborative relationship throughout the design and construction process. The firm has shown an ability to successfully work with contractors in both construction management and general contracting situations. Additionally, the firm has shown a thoroughness in the design documents resulting in tight bids.
    Dr. Brian Knutson, former Superintendent Rich Township High School District 227
  • Thanks to you and your firm for your wonderful design and plans for our new addition. The staff, students, parents and neighborhood residents have all expressed their excitement over the beauty of the building. You have helped make the increase in our student body easier for all to adjust to. Thank you for listening and taking our concerns into consideration when planning our addition.
    Parent Teacher Association, Washington Elementary School

Our Services

  • Design & Construction Administration

  • Assessment & Planning

    • Facility Assessments
    • Needs Analyses
    • Master Planning, Strategic Planning, Long Range Planning
    • Feasibility Studies
    • Life Safety Surveys, Amendments, Safety Reference Plans
    • Americans with Disabilities Act Surveys
    • Educational Specifications
    • Site Evaluation/Site Development Impact
    • Roof Reports
    • Structural Analysis
    • Urban Planning/Preservation
    • Environmental Planning
    • Eco-Charrettes
    • Grant Writing

  • Sharing your organization's Vision with the Community and Stakeholders

    • Community Support Services
    • Public Relations
    • Graphic Design, Computer Renderings, Video, CD-ROM/DVD/Virtual Reality Presentations

  • Post Construction

    • Operations and Maintenance Planning
    • Occupancy Survey
    • Energy Analysis

  • Warranty & Post-Warranty Services

    • Classroom Teaching and Mentoring
    • LEED Certification

  • Funding & Financing

    • Pre-Referendum Services
    • CDB Grant Application Services
    • Creative Planning for Raising Capital/Capital Campaigns
    • Locating Additional Funding Opportunities

News

Newly Renovated TV/Radio Broadcasting Studio Unveiled

We're very excited to see the folks over at WCIU's You & Me This Morning give a shout-out to the newly unveiled TV/Radio Broadcasting Studio at Homewood Flossmoor High School. Take a look...
May 23, 2013
by Wendy Covich
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A celebration of commitment and expertise

At DLA we realize that our people are what make the firm stand out. Employees recognized for service include: Jose Pareja, Matt Lowe, Tracy Biederstadt, Hilarion Amaro, & Sandy Warren
May 03, 2013
by Wendy Covich
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Community Connections in the Great Outdoors

I love the outdoors and I'm an avid fisherman. As a member of the Bloomingdale-Roselle Rotary Club, I had the privilege of participating in the annual fish release at Lakeview Park in Bloomingdale...
April 17, 2013
by Bruce Dahlquist
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Part of our Community

Last Friday, I had the privilege of serving as Principal for a Day at Otter Creek Elementary School in School District U-46, a school that we designed several years ago.
April 11, 2013
by Bruce Dahlquist
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About Us

DLA Architects is a full service architectural firm. This means that we will assist you from the time you start thinking about changes to your environment until well past the final completion of a project.

First and foremost, we see ourselves as your representative. We take this role very seriously and everything we do will be approached from your perspective. Our team is available from start to finish, to guide you through the process.

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Contact Us

Two Pierce Place, Suite 1300 Itasca, Illinois 60143 Ph: 847.742.4063 info@dla-ltd.com
Copyright © 2000-2013 DLA Architects, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.