Louis F. Noto, Jr., AIA, LEED® AP BD+C

PRINCIPAL, ARCHITECT, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Lou Noto serves as the Chief Operating Officer at DLA Architects, bringing a wealth of experience and an exceptional knack for leadership and organization to the firm. His meticulous approach ensures the seamless daily operations of our architects, production staff, and projects. With a focus on detail and efficiency, Lou expertly guides our dedicated team to deliver top-notch results on our projects.

Lou is an accomplished architect who has led transformative improvements in numerous K-12 schools. He specializes in designing athletic facilities for schools, park districts, and YMCAs. His prequalification as an Illinois Swimming Facility Architect by the Illinois Department of Public Health adds an extra layer of expertise, benefiting his clients immensely. Lou’s impressive portfolio features the successful management of large-scale projects, including the near-simultaneous design and construction of two new high schools. This demonstrates his exceptional ability to handle complex initiatives with precision and finesse.

Client relationships are the cornerstone of Lou’s professional philosophy. He takes client trust to heart, consistently delivering exemplary service with honesty, transparency, and a touch of humor. His straightforward approach and unwavering dedication have earned him respect and admiration, as evidenced by glowing client testimonials.

Lou’s leadership extends well beyond the office walls. An avid pickleball player, he participates in a local league, exemplifying his commitment to teamwork and community involvement. This active lifestyle contributes to his dynamic presence both professionally and personally. For over a decade, Lou volunteered as an assistant coach for his two sons’ football and baseball teams, underscoring his dedication to mentorship and community involvement. This passion for fostering teamwork and camaraderie is evident in his leadership at DLA, where he cultivates a collaborative and supportive environment.

Family is central to Lou’s life. He cherishes time spent with his wife, children, and extended family, bringing this same spirit of togetherness and support to the workplace. Lou’s ability to create a harmonious and forward-thinking atmosphere speaks volumes about his character and leadership, making DLA Architects a thriving and innovative firm.

Interests

  • Family
  • Pickleball
  • Football
  • Architecture
  • Baseball
  • Travel
  • Watersports
  • Landscaping
When I was growing up, I was fascinated how drawing lines and shapes on a piece of paper could be transformed into blueprints for constructing buildings and that’s what led me into the Architecture field.
I can’t tell you how fulfilling it is to now be the author of those lines and shapes, the information used by contractors to build DLA’s innovative 3-dimensional spaces and buildings.

Lou Noto
New Indoor Aquatic Center
Hononegah Community High School Fieldhouse Addition, Rockton, IL
Play Doesn’t End at the Playground
Renovations and New Amenities at Existing Park
Fieldhouse Rises from the Rubble
Fieldhouse Addition at Hononegah Community High School, Rockton, IL
Top Midwest Design Firm
Performing Arts Addition & Remodeling at Harold L. Richards High School, Oak Lawn, IL
Expansion Yields Limitless Possibilities for Performing Arts
Richard & Sharon Portillo Performing Arts Center Addition at Argo Community High School
Richard & Sharon Portillo Performing Arts Center Addition at Argo Community High School, Summit, IL
Top 300 Architecture Firms
Richard & Sharon Portillo Performing Arts Center Addition at Argo Community High School, Summit, IL
Ample Practice and Performance Spaces Enhance Performing Arts Program
Science, Corridor & Administrative Addition at Shepard High School, Palos Heights, Illinois
Science, Corridor & Administrative Addition at Shepard High School, Palos Heights, Illinois
Science Classroom Design Breaks the Boundary Between Lecture and Lab
Form and Function Meet
Taking it to the MAX
Rising to New Heights

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