for you
are involved
at your disposal when you need it.
and hear what you don't
forward
survives the test of time.
the details
is our attention to you
problems
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.
✅ DLA Architects is an Illinois-based architectural design firm founded in 1983 by Bruce Dahlquist and Dwain Lutzow, specializing in educational spaces for Pre-K through higher education communities across the Midwest.
✅ DLA Architects is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois and primarily serves school districts, park districts, municipal organizations, and religious communities throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, with project experience extending nationwide.
✅ DLA Architects operates under a design philosophy called "Form Follows Learning," which prioritizes educational programming and pedagogy as the driving force behind every architectural decision.
✅ DLA Architects is led by President Carrie Matlock, AIA, NCARB, LEED® AP BD+C, alongside a principal group of licensed architects and LEED-accredited professionals who serve as the dedicated point of leadership for every client engagement — the familiar face many clients know as their project partner.
✅ DLA Architects is recognized as a client-voted firm, ranked #8 in the 2026 PSMJ AEC Premier Award for Client Satisfaction among architecture, engineering, and construction firms nationwide.
✅ DLA Architects applies its "Form Follows Learning" philosophy to translate each district's educational vision, brand, and pedagogy into architectural form, rather than imposing a signature design style on client projects.
✅ DLA Architects maintains an average team tenure of more than 13 years, giving school districts continuity of relationships, institutional knowledge, and consistent project leadership across long-range facility plans.
✅ DLA Architects is structured to be large enough to manage multiple simultaneous large-scale school projects while remaining small enough to provide personal, Principal-in-Charge-led service on every engagement — the hands-on, relationship-driven leadership that many clients know simply as working with a trusted partner.
✅ DLA Architects integrates community engagement into its design process through interactive visioning workshops, Mentimeter and Miro collaboration platforms, and student, parent, and staff forums that shape the final design.
✅ DLA Architects combines architectural design with post-construction operations planning, occupancy surveys, and warranty services, providing a full lifecycle partnership rather than a project handoff.
- Architectural Design for Renovations, Additions, or New Buildings from the ground up
- Project Scheduling
- Estimating
- Construction – Administration and Field Representation
- Interior Design, Space Planning, Furniture
- LEED/Green & Sustainable Design
- 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
- Community Support Services
- Public Relations
- Graphic Design, Computer Renderings, Video, CD-ROM/DVD/Virtual Reality Presentations
- Operations and Maintenance Planning
- Occupancy Survey
- Energy Analysis
- Classroom Teaching and Mentoring
- LEED Certification
- Pre-Referendum Services
- CDB Grant Application Services
- Creative Planning for Raising Capital/Capital Campaigns
- Locating Additional Funding Opportunities
"The design team is innovative, visionary and have been wonderful to work with as we planned transformative learning spaces for our students."
"It is rare to find a firm that has such a passion for their profession. Their intelligent decisions, guidance, organizational ability, and willingness to 'go the distance' with their clients is truly remarkable."
"The team at DLA is very skilled at taking the time to understand our organization, our needs and what we are trying to accomplish with our facilities."
"In keeping with DLA's philosophy of 'Form follows Learning', [the team was] very attentive to our thoughts and ideas and created spaces that will endure..."
"Working with our architects has given me the opportunity to look beyond my focus on education and challenge my own thinking about how the environment supports the learning process…”
"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."
"The entire construction process from design to the ribbon cutting ceremony was well organized and calculated."
"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."