When Design Works, Life Flows
ARCHITECTURAL INSIGHTS
When Design Works, Life Flows
ARCHITECTURAL INSIGHTS
At Jaffe Architecture, aging in place home design is reimagined through thoughtful, client-centered architecture. Blending universal design principles with refined, modern aesthetics, these homes are crafted for long-term living, multigenerational flexibility, and everyday ease—beautifully supporting how you live now and in the future.
Designing a Home That Grows With You: A Fresh Look at Aging in Place
April 8, 2026
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When it comes to creating a custom home, success isn’t just about good design—it’s about thoughtful coordination. A full-service architecture and interiors firm provides more than just plans and finishes. We provide continuity, clarity, and confidence—from first sketch through client move-in...
Top Kitchen Design Features You Didn’t Know You Needed
November 26, 2025
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A behind-the-scenes look at how building our own family retreat shaped my approach to residential design.
Designing a home for yourself is a humbling experience. As architects, we’re used to guiding others through decisions large and small—balancing beauty, function, and cost. But when the client is you, every choice feels personal.
What I Learned from Designing My Own Vacation Home
October 24, 2025
When building or renovating a home, many clients wonder: Do I need an architect or an interior designer? It’s a common and important question—and one that deserves a thoughtful answer. These professionals bring distinct expertise, but when their roles are integrated, the result is a home that functions beautifully and feels cohesive.
Architect vs. Designer: What’s the Difference—and Why It Matters for Your Home
October 13, 2025
The punch list may feel like the “last 1%,” but it has an outsized impact on how you experience your home every day. Small corrections add up to big improvements in comfort, function, and beauty.
At Jaffe Architecture, led by Lisa Jaffe, we see the punch list as a vital step in protecting your investment
Finishing Strong: How the Punch List Protects Your Investment
October 2, 2025
At Jaffe Architecture, our commitment doesn’t stop when construction starts. The Construction Administration (CA) phase is when your vision becomes real—and it’s also when clear communication, advocacy, and oversight matter more than ever. Just like you wouldn’t leave a concert before the encore, we don’t walk away before the final detail is in place.
Construction Administration: Advocacy Until the End
September 25, 2025
When it comes to creating a custom home, success isn’t just about good design—it’s about thoughtful coordination. A full-service architecture and interiors firm provides more than just plans and finishes. We provide continuity, clarity, and confidence—from first sketch through client move-in.
The Value of Hiring a Full-Service Architecture & Interiors Firm
September 18, 2026
After early sketches have been refined and design details clarified, it’s time for your vision to take its most precise form.
In the Construction Documents phase, ideas evolve into instructions—clear, coordinated, and ready for the job site.
At Jaffe Architecture, this is the stage where technical rigor meets design intent.
Construction Documents: Where Design Becomes Buildable
September 10, 2025
If your current home no longer fits the way you live—but you’re hesitant about moving—you’re not alone. Whether it’s rising interest rates, limited inventory, or emotional attachment, many Chicago-area homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than relocate.
Why Staying in Your Home and Renovating Might be the Best Decision Right Now
September 3, 2025
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At Jaffe Architecture, we often remind our clients: it takes a lot of effort to create an effortless home.
That effort begins in earnest during the Design Development (DD) phase—the critical step where we turn early concepts from Schematic Design
Design Development: Bringing Your Vision Into Focus
August 27, 2025
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If you’re considering building a new home, renovating a vintage property, or finally creating that weekend getaway you’ve been dreaming of, one important question may be on your mind:
“Do I really need to hire an architect for this project?”
Why You Should Hire an Architect for Your Custom Home or Renovation
August 13, 2025
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Building a custom home on Chicago’s North Shore is an exciting opportunity—but it comes with unique considerations. From working with challenging topography to navigating zoning approvals and protecting natural landscapes, thoughtful planning is essential.
Building a Custom Home on Chicago’s North Shore: What to Know Before You Start
July 30, 2025
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Starting a home renovation in Chicago—or along the North Shore—is an exciting opportunity to reshape the way you live. But without the right planning and team in place, it can quickly feel overwhelming.
What to Know Before Starting a Renovation Project in Chicago: A Thoughtful Homeowner’s Guide
July 16, 2025
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When many people think of modern architecture, they picture sleek surfaces, sharp angles, and minimalist spaces that feel more like art galleries than homes. But at Jaffe Architecture, we believe modern doesn’t have to mean cold.
Why Modern Architecture Doesn’t Have to Feel Cold: How Jaffe Designs for Warmth and Livability
July 5, 2025
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