COOK ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO - Key Persons
Amanda's journey with CA / ds began as an intern during the summer of 2016. Her advanced understanding of architecture along with her easy-going personality proved to be a natural fit for our team. She earned her Master of Architecture and Minor in Interior Design from Ball State University and we are excited to have her working with us full-time. Her passion for architecture and interior design brings a unique energy and commitment to each project. With extensive Revit 3D modeling and rendering skills, she can assist clients in understanding the massing, details and materials of the final product before the shovel hits the ground. Her efficiency and thoroughness have beneficial impacts on every project she is involved with. She is passionate about the clients and providing their projects with devoted and thoughtful attention.
Carol has worked with Chuck for more than 20 years and is responsible for the day-to-day activities that keep our office running smoothly. In addition to the technical responsibilities of handling HR tasks, accounts payable/receivable, and planning company outings; she also enjoys making sure everyone is taken care of. Carol is often the first point of contact and embraces that critical role as our client liaison by helping to make sure all needs are responded to and resolved. Building relationships and being responsive are at the core of her character.
To the delight of all staff, and sometimes clients, Carol is an avid baker and often brings confectionery treats for all to enjoy. She uses most holidays (major or obscure) as an excuse to delight us with her thematic and delicious works of art. When not baking, she also loves to garden in her yard or dog-sit for Luke, her daughter's two-year old ‘puppy'. At home or the office ‘Carol' and ‘caring' are synonymous.
Chuck is the Founding Principal in charge of all operations of the firm and its team of talented professionals. With more than 25 years of experience as a licensed architect, his work includes many complex projects and buildings. Chuck's philosophy is to treat each client with respect and focused attention and add creativity and value to every step from big concepts to small details. Read More
Chuck's work has been honored with more than thirty-five design awards locally and nationally, and twenty-five awards for preservation and restoration projects. This recognition has led to residential commissions spanning from the Midwest to the West Coast. Projects include: expansion of a Spanish Mission Style private residence in the exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood in San Francisco, California; a new custom private residence in the resort community on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; renovation and expansion of a historical estate on Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota; and multiple homes on the shores of Lake Michigan from Chicago's North Shore to the dunes of western Michigan.
Chuck's commercial experience encompasses retail, offices, educational, recreational and residential uses. Notable projects include Toyota Technological Institute at the University of Chicago Campus, Hill Mechanical Group Corporate Campus, Porter Pipe/Bulldog Cartage, Lalique Crystal boutiques in Chicago, Las Vegas and Beverly Hills, Merrick Pet Care Marketing Office, and Farley and Sathers Candy Company Corporate Offices. These projects demonstrate sensitivity to critical issues such as departmental relationships, public perception of facilities and organizational efficiencies with dynamic work environments utilizing Green Building materials and techniques.
Prior to launching a private practice in 1995, Chuck worked for other prestigious firms including Pappageorge Haymes Ltd. and Perkins & Will and was honored to teach an architectural drawing course at Michigan State University. He is the proud father of 3 boys, happily married to his high school sweetheart and enjoys volleyball, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, skiing and sharing laughs with friends.
Nolan has experience on luxury residential projects in a design-build approach as well as high-end hospitality design for popular downtown restaurants. He's even worked on a rock-climbing gym. We love the creative diversity!
Originally from Michigan, Nolan moved to Chicago to obtain his Bachelor's degree at IIT. He is currently working through all the necessary steps of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards - Intern Development Program to become a licensed Architect. He keeps his technical skills sharp using Unreal Engine to develop architectural visualizations as well as VR experience experimentations.
Nolan enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog Hazel(nut). He is also an avid bicyclist and rides to the office every day, which is great for his wellbeing and the environment!
Patrick has over 15 years of architectural experience with an interdisciplinary approach to design. Academically, his background in mathematics and art history has led to a unique design methodology. Through his international studio research in Taiwan, Venice and Iceland, he developed an appreciation for vernacular design. It is these experiences that help position his sustainable methodology and his focus on passive strategies for environmental stewardship. Patrick advanced his commitment to sustainability by becoming a LEED Accredited Professional with a specialty in Building Design and Construction in 2014. Read More
His passion for architecture goes beyond design; Patrick has a commitment to improving the built environment by reexamining the traditional roles within the industry through his secondary degree and subsequent construction management experience. He has participated in numerous competitions and continues to explore the boundaries of design through algorithmic processes of optimization. His interest in tectonic relationships and representational constructs continues to motivate his research in computer modeling and software manipulation.
Outside of work, Patrick spends most of his free time coaching baseball and softball at Hamlin and Welles Parks. He also volunteers for Saint Andrew Parish and School serving on the Facilities and Construction Committee.