Richard Becker Nancy Becker
B ecker A rchitects , L t d .
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ince establishing their firm in New York City in 1982, Richard and Nancy Becker have enjoyed broadening their portfolio with projects of all sorts—residential and commercial, restoration and new construction, traditional and modern—and
clients reap the benefits of their varied experiences. Striving not only to give each client a one-of-a-kind structure but also fond memories of the process leading up to its creation, Becker Architects has earned every ounce of its outstanding reputation.
“As architects, we think it’s our responsibility to not only produce exciting architecture, but present clients with something that resonates with them personally,” Richard suggests. “We want this to be an exciting experience, not a chore.”
Though each design is unique in and of itself, some things remain constant, such as Becker Architects’ organic approach, interest in fine detailing and desire to achieve architecture that is both timeless and elegant. Richard notes that one of their fortes is the ability to help clients ascertain where to allocate funds for maximum design impact.
Richard encourages a collaborative atmosphere in which clients and associates alike feel comfortable sharing their ideas. They never discount a client’s comments, but rather try to gently encourage solutions that will work best for the owner and the project. And testimonials confirm that the architects give clients what they want, even when it may not be their professional first choice. 30
ABOVE:
Winnetka Residence loft space Photography by HNK Architectural Photography FACING PAGE:
This Winnetka Residence glows at night highlighting the new master suite at left, the loft space at center and new porch addition at right. Photography by HNK Architectural Photography
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Becker Architects promotes original thinking alongside realistic expectations. Often, the firm is asked to step into a project midway through design when clients realize that the original architect is not meeting their needs. The principals see this as evidence that their firm is respected for problem solving ingenuity and ability to work on tight budgets, skills partially honed on their commercial projects. Becker concedes “Of course we like to dream big—since this is the origin of great ideas—but we also try to keep our clients grounded in order to meet budgetary, functional and aesthetic requirements.”
Community involvement is also important to the Beckers. Richard served for several years as Vice Chair of the Highland Park Historic Preservation Commission before moving over to the Zoning Board of Appeals where he currently volunteers his expertise. Nancy serves on the board of the locallybased Arts Center. Both spend time with other community groups as well, when they are not with their five children.
TOP LEFT:
Full height sandblasted glass panels separate this fully accessible Kitchen/Family Room from the Dining Room in the residence shown below. Photography by HNK Architectural Photography BOTTOM LEFT:
This exterior makeover incorporates mahogany windows, copper standing seam roofing and decorative stucco into this 1950’s Highland Park residence. Photography by HNK Architectural Photography FACING PAGE:
This North Shore lakefront residence was gutted and rehabbed throughout and features a new kitchen located in former Dining Room. Photography by HNK Architectural Photography
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As far as the final product, their homes have been published nationally and received recognition for design excellence. In the final analysis, a firm’s work is often best known for how their structures complement the community. “We’re committed to good neighbor homes, ones that respect context. It doesn’t mean they have to be traditional or modern to fit in. We’ve built modern homes in landmark districts. The key is to design it well, respectful of the neighborhood.”
ABOVE:
Family Room and Kitchen are combined in this new home which was featured in 13 episodes of Dream House, the HGTV reality show. The second floor wood structure is exposed and celebrated with black steel brackets. Photograph by HNK Architectural Photography FACING PAGE:
Powder Room in the HGTV Dream House. Custom steel staircase is revealed in the mirror above the sink. Photograph by HNK Architectural Photography
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Becker Architects, Ltd. Richard Becker, AIA Nancy Becker, AIA 595 Elm Place Highland Park, IL 847.433.6600 f: 847.433.6787 www.beckerarchitects.com 35