Welcome

Eckenhoff Saunders is a Chicago-based architecture, planning, and interior design firm. Our work is defined by innovative problem-solving, client-centered service, technical expertise, and practical experience.

We collaborate with diverse organizations in the healthcare, educational, hospitality, non-profit, commercial, financial, and industrial markets to develop meaningful design solutions that enhance the lives of those who experience our buildings.

Projects

Headshot of Juan Devia, Senior Interior Designer and Associate at Eckenhoff Saunders

Juan Devia Returns to Eckenhoff Saunders as Senior Interior Designer, Associate

Eckenhoff Saunders is pleased to welcome Juan Devia, NCIDQ, back to the firm as Senior Interior Designer, Associate.…

NSCI-News

Award-Winning Renewal: North Shore Congregation Israel Honored with 2026 Faith & Form Award

Frank Memorial Hall at North Shore Congregation Israel renovated by Eckenhoff Saunders

Nortlight Theatre is returning to downtown Evanston

Northlight Theatre’s New Home Continues to Rise in Downtown Evanston

Northlight Theatre’s New Home Continues to Rise in Downtown Evanston Construction continues to move forward on Northlight Theatre’s…

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Taylor Smith Joins Eckenhoff Saunders

Eckenhoff Saunders is pleased to welcome Taylor Smith to the firm as an Architectural Designer. Taylor brings three…

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Northlight Theatre’s Return to Evanston Featured in Chicago Reader

A recent Chicago Reader article explores new and expanding theater venues across the Chicago region, including Northlight Theatre’s…

Architectural rendering of Emanuel Congregation redevelopment in Edgewater with new synagogue, housing, and retail space.

Project Update: Emmanual Congregation Campus Redevelopment

Project Update: Emanuel Congregation Campus Redevelopment (Edgewater) A recent Chicago Sun-Times article outlines the latest concept for a…

Architecture

Rather than specialize, Eckenhoff Saunders relishes in a broad diversity of practice. We enjoy designing places of learning and healing, rejuvenation and play, and places of industry, worship, and work. This variety of experience and passion for what’s next keeps our professionals nimble and engaged, always learning and always growing.

Interior Design

It’s through the lens of textures, patterns, colors and materials that the built world comes into focus and its character and moods are revealed.  By the deft use of this palette and scale, by showing restraint or taking a chance, our designers coax environments to communicate their living character. With each design, we seek to partner with the architecture to provide a rich landscape infused with meaning and that expresses the message our clients place in our care.

Master Planning

Where to?– It’s with a vision of the destination that each journey begins–but in which direction do we travel, what paths must we follow to get there?  By Masterplanning, we help you methodically navigate the due diligence process that lies between Vision and Building.  Every plan will travel a unique path of survey, assessment, programming, planning, and budgeting but each will arrive at your built destination with a clear understanding of why this is where you belong and with a plan of how you can get there.

Our Clients & Partners

We work with some of Chicago’s most exciting companies, schools, and institutions. At ESA, we take pride in the level of service we provide to every project, big or small. Below are just a few of the great clients we take pride in working with daily.