We believe in research-driven design and people-centric preservation.

Our Expertise

Architecture & Interiors

While historic structures are our expertise, the talented architects, planners, and designers in our Architecture & Interiors practice area craft thoughtful and timeless designs for interior and exterior renovation and new construction projects.

Our services and expertise include:

Full-service architectural design and construction administration
Interior design for municipal, commercial, corporate, and higher education clients
Universal Design and Accessibility
Sustainable Design
Master Planning, Space Planning, Building Assessments, Programming Studies, and Feasibility Studies

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Historic Preservation

Secretary of the Interior-Qualified historic preservation architects in our nationally-recognized and award-winning Historic Preservation practice area specialize in the evaluation, assessment, and treatment of existing and historic buildings.

Our services and expertise include:

Full-service architectural design and construction administration
Historic building envelope assessments, including wall, window, and roof systems
Feasibility Studies, Historic Structure Reports, Conditions Assessments, and Preservation Plans
Historic Tax Credit design and consultation
Heritage Documentation (HABS/HAER/HALS)
Interpretive brochures, exhibits, and signage

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Transit & Infrastructure

The transportation architects and planners in our Transit & Infrastructure practice area offer unique design expertise for historic, existing, and proposed transportation systems and structures.

Our services and expertise include:

Full-service architectural design and construction administration
Architectural design for pedestrian, vehicular, bus, railway, airport, and marine transportation structures
Accessibility improvements and code-compliance assessments
Historic bridge rehabilitation, including movable bridges, lift bridges, and stylized reinforced concrete bridges
Historic infrastructure rehabilitation, including locks, dams, canals, and aqueducts

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Cultural Resources

Secretary of the Interior-Qualified historians, architectural historians, and preservation architects provide cultural resources consulting and planning services that help designers, owners, and agencies navigate environmental review, historic resource evaluation, and preservation design standards.

Our services and expertise include:

NHPA Section 106 & Illinois State Section 707 Compliance
Local Landmark & National Register Nominations
Historic Tax Credit Consulting
Historic Structures Reports
Architectural Resource Surveys
Preservation Plans, Covenants, & Ordinances
Heritage Documentation (HABS/HAER/HALS)
Interpretive brochures, exhibits, and signage

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Our Approach

Preservation and design led by research and delivered beyond expectations.

Research

Our design process always begins with research. Whether restoring a landmark, renovating an existing building, or designing for new construction, we diligently investigate the past and present to design for the future.

Design

Creativity and collaboration define our design process. We value client input, integrate other disciplines, and let structures speak. We believe that continuous listening and learning leads to responsible stewardship and innovative solutions that balance the practicalities of project budgets and timelimes.

Deliver

Project delivery is built on trust. When we are entrusted with a project, we commit ourselves to exceeding expectations and delivering the best outcome for all. Our local and national recognition in historic preservation and design excellence is a testament to our dedication to deliver.

Select Awards and Recognition

2023

Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award, National Trust for Historic Preservation
OSF HealthCare Ministry Headquarters

Preservation Award for Rehabilitation, Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation
OSF HealthCare Ministry Headquarters

Preservation Excellence Award for Restoration,
Commission on Chicago Landmarks
KAM Isaiah Israel Synagogue

2022

Silver Award – Existing Building/Mixed Use, Association of Licensed Architects
OSF HealthCare Ministry Headquarters

Restoration Award, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Prairie Chapter
OSF HealthCare Ministry Headquarters

Award of Merit – Best Renovation/Retrofit/Preservation Project, Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI)
OSF HealthCare Ministry Headquarters

Award of Merit – Health Care, ENR Midwest
OSF HealthCare Ministry Headquarters

2020

Award for Restoration, City of Highland Park Historic Preservation Commission
Henry Dubin’s Battledeck House

2018

Honor Award, Illinois Masonry Council
Grace Cathedral

2016

Honor Award, Association of Licensed Architects
Barrington White House

Historic Preservation Award, American Public Works Association Chicago Chapter
Barrington White House

Honor Award, Association of Licensed Architects
Pure Oil Station Brand Bank

2015

Honor Award, ACEC- Illinois Engineering Excellence Awards
Wells Street Bascule Bridge

2013

Honor Award for Restoration, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Illinois
Ragdale House

Restoration Award, Victorian Society in America
Ragdale House

Silver Medal Honor Award, Brick Industry Association
Navy Building 13

Restoration Award, Association of Licensed Architects
Ragdale House

2012

Honor Award for Restoration, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Illinois
Dana Thomas House

Renovation Honor Award, Lake Forest Preservation Foundation
Ragdale House

2011

Silver Medal Honor Award, Association of Licensed Architects
Navy Building 13

2010

Design Award of Excellence, Portland Cement Association
William J. Donovan Bridge

Preservation Award for Outstanding Reconstruction, Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation
St John’s Episcopal Church

2009

Honor Award DH Burnham Citation of Merit, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Illinois
William J. Donovan Bridge

2007

Design Award, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Illinois
St John’s Episcopal Church

2006

Award of Excellence for Arched Bridge Pier Design, Portland Cement Association
I – 74 Reconstruction

Biennial Design Awards Citation for Conservation, U.S. General Services Administration
United States Custom House

2005

Chicago Honor Award, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chicago
Wacker Drive Reconstruction

Restoration Award, Victorian Society in America
Martin Mitchell Mansion & Carriage House

Preservation Award for Rehabilitation, Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation
Animal Bridge South Lake Shore Drive

2004

Preservation Award for Rehabilitation, Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation
Martin Mitchell Mansion & Carriage House

Preservation Excellence Award, City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development
Glessner House Museum

Certifications

Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) in Illinois and Wisconsin

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), City of Chicago, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra, and Pace

Licensed Architects in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Maryland

Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Professional Qualifications Standards for Architectural History, Historic Architecture, Architecture, and History, as codified 36 CFR Part 61

City of Chicago (Department of Buildings) Self Certified Architect

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

Metra Contractor Rail Safety Orientation Training

Chicago Transit Authority Rail Right-of-Way Safety Training

Professional Memberships

We believe in the act of showing up and giving back to your community. Each year, JLK stays engaged in the historic preservation and design industry through involvement, leadership, and sponsorship. Team members at JLK provide support to and are actively involved in the following professional organizations, committees, and councils:

American Association of Architects, Historic Resources Committee

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
(AIC)

American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Architecture Specialty Group (ASG)

Arquitectos

Association of Preservation Technology, International and Western Great Lakes Chapter

Chicago Architectural Foundation, Newhouse Curriculum Program

Construction History Society of America

Docomomo US and Chicago Chapter

Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council

Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) Chicago-Midwest Chapter

Landmarks Illinois, Easements Committee and Skyline Council

Logan Square Preservation

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

National Trust for Historic Preservation

Society for Industrial Archaeology

Society of Architectural Historians

United States Green Buildings Committee, LEED AP

WB Griffen Society

WTS International (Women’s Transportation Seminar)

World Heritage USA

Our History

Meg Kindelin

Walker Johnson

Larry Lasky

Meg Kindelin, AIA worked under Walker Johnson and Larry Lasky for years before assuming the role of firm Owner and President in 2014 when Johnson Lasky Kindelin Architects formed. Today, as a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firm, JLK offers full-service architecture services as well as expanded services in both public and private sectors, transportation infrastructure, and cultural resources management. Under Meg’s leadership the firm has grown significantly into a diverse and talented team of architects, designers, planners, and historians.

Co-founded by recognized preservation architects Walker Johnson, FAIA and Larry Lasky in 1992, JLK Architects is an established historic preservation architecture firm in Chicago. Rigorous research, technical investigation, and thoughtful design have defined our approach to architecture and historic preservation since the firm’s inception.