Last month Downers Grove, Illinois resident Rich Kocek was named Associate Principal at DLA Architects, Ltd.

Rich Kocek earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he continued to obtain a Master of Science in Architecture. As an undergraduate in 2008, Rich interned at DLA. He has since advanced professionally, working on hundreds of projects in various roles with the firm. Rich is now a licensed architect with a passion for design. He is relentless in finding the best solution for his client’s project needs.

“Each design problem is often like a puzzle in which I try to put all the pieces together as perfectly as possible,” says Rich. “I like to think that I always deliver a functional design that meets as many of the client’s needs as possible. The one thing I find most rewarding to hear from clients is during the design process when they notice and acknowledge that we listen to their feedback and incorporate their feedback into the designs.”

This knack for creating spaces that serve the unique needs of a client can be seen in the recent Performing Arts Center Addition at Harold L. Richards High School for CHSD-218 and the new May Whitney Elementary School for Lake Zurich CUSD 95.

“We have built our firm around excellent client services that include strong DLA Architects partner involvement,” DLA President Carrie Matlock said. “With the addition of Rich Kocek as an Associate Principal, we can stay true to that hands-on commitment to excellence as our business continues to grow.”