Cohen And Hacker

Cohen And Hacker is a residential architecture firm led by Stuart Cohen and Julie Hacker, located in Evanston, Illinois, serving the North Shore of Chicago. They specialize in new houses, additions, and remodeling projects, providing comprehensive design services that include interior architecture, structural and mechanical engineering, and product selection for kitchens and bathrooms. Their team manages the entire process from initial design to specifying stone, tile, flooring, and fixtures, ensuring a unified approach to residential construction.

The firm charges hourly fees for small jobs and a percentage of the total construction cost for larger projects, with the percentage varying based on job complexity. Additions and remodeling projects typically incur higher percentage fees due to their increased complexity compared to new construction. This pricing model reflects the extensive range of services included in their standard fee structure.

Their fee structure includes all interior architecture, meaning clients do not need to hire separate interior or kitchen/bath designers. The fee also covers all structural and mechanical engineering, including the sizing and specification of heating and cooling equipment by a licensed engineer. This comprehensive approach ensures that all contractors bid on exactly the same work, resulting in comparable and transparent bids.

Cohen And Hacker begins by establishing a construction budget at the start of each project and tabulates cost breakdowns using unit costs and dollars per square foot. They verify their estimates by asking one or two general contractors who know their work to provide construction cost estimates from their design drawings before finalizing the construction drawings. This process helps them maintain accurate cost awareness throughout the project lifecycle.

Some reviewers on Trustburn praise the firm's exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and high-quality work delivery. Others note that while customer service can be average and sometimes slower to resolve issues, the overall product quality and competitive pricing remain strong. The firm maintains a 4.2 out of 5 rating from 21 reviews, with a mix of 5-star, 4-star, and 3-star feedback.

The firm is located at 1322 Sherman Ave in Evanston, Illinois, and can be reached by phone at 847-328-2500. They also maintain a presence on Facebook and operate out of their office at 903 Forest Avenue, 2 South in Evanston. Their physical locations serve as hubs for their residential architecture and design services.

Stuart Cohen and Julie Hacker are the principals behind the firm, which has earned recognition such as an AIA Lifetime Award. The team includes licensed engineers who handle mechanical and structural aspects, as well as designers who select interior finishes and fixtures. Their collaborative structure allows them to manage both new construction and complex remodeling projects efficiently.

Clients can start a project by visiting their website at cohen-hacker.com or contacting them directly via phone or email. The firm handles inquiries for new houses, additions, and remodeling projects, guiding clients through the design and construction phases. There is no mention of a formal booking system, but direct communication is encouraged to initiate projects.

The firm differentiates itself by including mechanical engineering in their fee, which many other architects do not. They also avoid hourly charges for missing information during construction, which can lead to unexpected extras for clients. Additionally, they establish a clear construction budget upfront, preventing decisions that exceed financial constraints.

Some reviewers mention that while customer service response times can be slower than expected, the firm ultimately resolves issues effectively. Others highlight the exceptional attention to detail and the high quality of the final architectural outcomes. The firm consistently delivers top-notch results that exceed client expectations over time.

The firm has been operating for many years, evidenced by their long-standing presence in the Evanston area and their portfolio of completed projects. They have a history of working with general contractors who know their work, which helps in accurate cost estimation. Their experience spans both new construction and complex remodeling scenarios.

The firm's website states that their percentage fee varies depending on the job and its complexity. They also note that some architects charge lower percentages by doing construction inspections hourly, which can lead to incomplete drawings. Cohen And Hacker avoids this by providing complete drawings upfront.

The firm's process involves establishing a construction budget at the start, tabulating costs using unit costs, and verifying estimates with general contractors. They then proceed to make final construction drawings based on this verified cost data. This step-by-step approach ensures transparency and accuracy in project planning.

The official website of Cohen And Hacker is cohen-hacker.com.

On Trustburn, Cohen And Hacker has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 21 reviews.