12/12 Architects & Planners

Cinda demonstrated the value inherent to hiring a profession by taking my ideas and desires and iterating on them and making suggestions that I never would have thought of. Ultimately the final design much better than my original vision.

Cinda offered great design ideas and was very patient with us while we worked through multiple design reviews and our own financial issues. We also hired her recommended builder who sat in on several design meetings offering construction and pricing advice, which was very helpful.

We are pleased with the expertise, designs, and personal touch provided for us before and during our construction project addition to our home of 35 years. They were flexible with the demands of our village and creative in creating what we desired and how to make it happen. It was Cinda's tenacity that finally got us our permits...and we are about halfway through the construction process. Kudos to 12/12 Architects.

We loved working with Cinda! She really went above and beyond to make our remodeling experience a great one. She listened to all our requests and needs and offered options of how to make them work with our floor plan. Cinda even called the city (many times) to get our questions answered. We are so happy with our finished "new" home. It feels so natural in the space, like it should have always been this way. Thank you so much for all your hard work and patience. I have already recommended your services to friends and will reach out if we ever need more work done.

Our project was completed in 2023 and was not only exactly what we wanted, but exactly what we didn't know we needed. Cinda took the time to understand our projects and our needs, kept us in the loop, was eager to hear our ideas and really bring this vision of pinterest ideas and vague feelings into a final product we can't just rave enough about. I cannot say enough good things about Cinda. Her professionalism and ability to see our vision is unparalleled.

The architecture for our porch was awesome and the construction was fabulous and adhered to the original drawings. Thank you 12/12! Mike and Kim A.

A few emails back and forth, a one-hour on-site consultation, and our living space has changed dramatically! Cinda was able to suggest a few simple--but not easily seen--changes in our layout that drastically improved how our rooms function. Neighbors who live in the same model house are amazed at the difference these small changes have made. Her advice is a great investment!

We really enjoyed working with 12/12 architects. Cinda was instrumental on coming up with ideas on how to renovate our current home. We were provided multiple options which included different addition sizes as well as reconfiguring our current space to make it more functional. We never seriously considered using the space we currently had, but we went with that option and could not be happier. The first floor of our home is now amazing and we are complimented every time someone sees it for the first time.

We were very pleased with 12/12 Architects. Cinda spend countless hours with us, and was patient as we decided on exactly what we wanted her to do. She really found the perfect solution for our addition, and we highly recommend her!!!

The first time Cinda walked into my home, she started envisioning how the kitchen could be reconfigured, even if that wasn't on MY radar at the time. I was finally able to make it happen and they gave me multiple reconfiguration options, we talked through them, and we ended up moving the entryway to make a u-shaped kitchen. It's still small, but it's SO much more efficient. Nerd that I am, I calculated that I have 60% more cabinet space and 300% more countertop space and that's while ALSO having space for a full-sized fridge, dishwasher, and stove. Previously I had a smaller "apartment" sized refrigerator and dishwasher. Moving the doorway also means more light in the kitchen, actual airflow, and, when I have guests over, I can use the kitchen as space to set up food or drinks. Most importantly, going in there and doing things doesn't cut me off from them or require them to awkwardly stand in the doorway- they can relax in the living room and we can still continue the conversation. I love, love, LOVE my new kitchen.

12/12 designed our 2nd floor addition. Great guidance as we decided on a final plan and helped trouble shoot structural issues. Cinda really listened to our thoughts as the design progressed and provided many options along the way. We love our new space!

Cinda came up with a variety of options for us to make the best use of previously wasted space. She was able to trouble shoot as the contractor ran into surprises hidden in our walls and ceiling. We love our upstairs and find it all so much more functional and comfortable!

We really enjoyed working with Cinda at 12/12 Architects, and very happy with how the project turned out. Would definitely hire her again.

We interviewed several architects to work with us on our historic home renovation and addition. We picked Cinda because of the variety of projects in her portfolio that spoke to a number of different styles of homes and lifestyles. We also picked her because we like the work flow she offered to us with starting with our general idea and wish list then showing us some options and helping us really narrow down the vision from there. She was also the best to work with in terms of understanding that home and family can be complicated and that this project was all about home and family. When there were delays, as there are with any project like this, she was always was communicative in letting us know what specifically was still needed. We are thrilled with our custom home and get many compliments from people in our neighborhood. I'm happy to pass her name and number on to anyone who asks about our custom home.

Cinda helped to design the plans for a rather complicated addition to our 100-year-old home. We are in the final stages of construction right now for our en suite bathroom and fourth bedroom/office, and we couldn't be happier with how things are turning out. I have little-to-no background with architecture or design, thus I promoted a few rather ambitious ideas. Thankfully, I never felt judged for my impractical or unique aesthetic choices, as Cinda truly honored my vision and offered thoughtful advice every step of the way as to why something could or could not be done. I was amazed at her ability to remember the little details I had shared with her about the "little things" I wanted to incorporate into our design from the beginning. The plans that she and Henry constructed have needed little-to-no clarification or refinement, and this has made the whole process go so smoothly, and she also advocated for us when our permit approval was taking forever. There were times along the way when it took longer than I had hoped to get drafts or a response to an inquiry, but at the end of the day, Cinda was accommodating with her time when it mattered most. She essentially designed our plans during the height of the pandemic, and she was always able and willing to hop on a Zoom call to do a screen share so we could review ideas together. I can't imagine how difficult this entire renovation experience would have been if we didn't have someone as competent and talented as Cinda and her partner, Henry. I highly recommend 12/12 Architects!

Outstanding services from 12/12 Architects and happy beyond expectations. After 29 years in one business residence, we decided to downsize to a simpler home lifestyle. We found the perfect home, location, and living environment for us and were ready to submit an offer to buy. However, the home layout had one major problem which was a deal breaker if it could not be changed. Time was of the essence, so we presented Cinda Lester with the problem and hired her to determine what our options were to fix it. After assessing the whole situation, she designed and created a completely remodeled living space with multiple variations of what we possibly would want. Within days, we were able to submit her plans out for bid to a contractor to determine if the remodel was possible within our budget. Soon after, we were able to purchase the house with the eventual remodel being a total success. Cinda Lester has the creativity and architectural skills needed to take nothing and turn it into something wonderful. But of equal importance, Cinda Lester also has the ability to LISTEN to what people want and need. Her suggestions were outstanding without us feeling that she was forcing anything on us. She came up with simple ideas that made huge differences in the overall project. When I asked her how she could come up with all the ideas and designs so seemingly effortlessly, she responded, “that is what we do!” And she does it very well. We would recommend her services without hesitation.

We had a great experience with 12/12. They created a beautiful sunroom (4 season) with lower level garage space on our raised ranch. We absolutely love the roof lines, covered deck, family room and wood shop that we gained. It’s an absolute upgrade to what used to resemble a shoebox. Cinda was responsive and efficient. We highly recommend 12/12 for all your architectural needs.

Great, easy to work with paid attention to details, Our kitchen went from blah to AWESOME Conveniently located in the burbs and easy to make changes/subtractions

We were in the need of some conceptual ideas for a "makeover" of the front of our home. We were able to engage with Cinda and her team on some conceptual ideas that she prepared with some special software. That helped us make some key decisions on how we want to move forward. Unfortunately, COVID had parked our go forward plans and we are just now starting to move forward. We are very happy with the services of 12/12 Architects! Thanks Cinda!

Cinda was great to work with. She is very knowledgeable, thorough and a great listener. Our project was to enhance our outdoor living space through a couple of porches. The end product is amazing. We wanted to be very cognizant of sight lines and how the porches would impact the natural light that comes into the home. Cinda helped design the porches with higher ceilings and spaced support structures that kept the views open and the light coming in. Cinda also worked well with our builder (who we are also thrilled with) to keep the project at our budget. Cinda's knowledge of local building codes made the permit approval process a non-issue.

12/12 has done multiple architectural design projects for us in the past and is great and so easy to work with. They can work within a budget and are experts at designing more functionality and living into smaller constraints of your project.

Beautiful three seasons room! Our favorite room in the house! She was easy to work with and quick! Would definitely recommend!

I highly recommend 12/12 Architects & Planners to all of my clients, family, and friends. They provide exceptional service from Consultation to Completion. Their valuable knowledge and friendly demeanor always make the process comforting. They make a rather intimidating experience fun, beneficial, and educational. They will set you up for success and make your ultimate dream Home a reality. You cannot go wrong with 12/12 Architects & Planners.

I have used 12/12 Architects for projects at a church and at a private residence. The projects have been completed on time and in a highly efficient manner. I especially liked that the architect listened to our needs and ideas and offered suggestions as needed with no preconceived plans. Also, the designs and drawings they provided helped get the permits we needed and guided the contractor to complete the work on schedule. That we appreciated. I have heard from others that Cinda does great work and now I have experienced her professionalism. We plan to use her services again in the future.

We had a hard time finding an architect for a relatively small project we wanted to do (addition of a front porch). I found 12/12 Architects on Houzz and Cinda responded quickly. I was happy to hear they take all sizes of projects. Cinda was great to work with and we are thrilled with our new porch! I would recommend them without reservation!

Cinda is a excellent architect, she is easy to work with and very responsive when issues arise. We highly recommend her services for remodeling as well as new construction.

I have had a great experience with 12/12. Cinda isvery attentive and meet deadlines. She has also connected me with a wonderful contractor. My project is moving forward and I am happy with the results!

Great people, awesome architects our contractor couldn't believe how well the plans were done which has helped the project go smoother than anticipated. I would highly recommend them.

Great to Work with. Cinda was open to listening to my ideas. Cinda designed a beautiful screened porch. Very creative.

Designed a beautiful deck for us! Even the city inspector was impressed. Great company to work with. Would recommend for any project.

From the beginning Cinda listened to us describe or need to design an addition to our home that would support multi generational living. It all starts with really listening, which allowed Cinda to design the prefect sized space we felt would support my aging mother in our home. Her collaborative style and understanding of the technical aspects yielded a perfect design. Additionally, she was readily available for feedback and to answer any questions our GC had regarding the plans during the bid process and afterward. I have to say I really value all of the time and effort she put into our project. It's a solid piece of architecture and the neighbors all say it blends really well with the rest of the house. Invaluable knowledge, technical skills, thoughtful design details, and an excellent listener..that's what you get with 1212 Architects!

Cinda drew the most amazing plans for us! She was very good at listening to all of the areas that we wanted to address, making sure all concerns were dealt with and made changes quickly and easily without issue. Even the permit guy and our builder commented that they were the best made plans they had ever seen. They were clear and included every detail needed. Cinda and Henri are thorough, professional and easy to work with. They helped our project go smoothly and we appreciate all the work they put in. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality architecture. Thanks 12/12 Architects!

Cinda listened to our needs and requirements and designed a great family room/mud room for us! She helped us through a design process that needed multiple changes because of Village requirements. Cinda was patient and helpful as we navigated the permit process with her.

I started working with Cinda in December of 2014. My parents and I were working on our first gut/renovation of a Chicago-style bungalow. We had a set budget and were able to transform the entire house. I never imagined my home to be so modern, comfortable, and absolutely perfect for my family. We were working with tight spaces, small closets, and an unfinished basement. Cinda gently guided us through the unforeseen obstacles that inevitably occur with old homes. The contractors she recommended (Ed Chvostra and Jeff Payne) literally walked us through each change. My parents and I also added a bit of sweat equity. Through creativity, collaboration, patience, and financial savvy, I know we made the best decision for my teenagers, pups, and me (with frequent visits from my parents!)

As a single homeowner who knew nothing about planning an addition, I really felt comfortable and confident with Cinda. She was very professional and very relatable and I was able to understand what I needed to do with her guidance. She listened to me and came up with excellent plans and in the end, the project turned out exactly how I wanted it. She also helped me with some construction details and gave advice. I wanted the addition to look as it belonged to the 1922 home and it does. My neighbors all complemented me on the addition.

We hired Cinda to rework the layout of the first floor in our split level home. She gave us some great suggestions and was able to give us a design that GREATLY improved our home’s live-ability. We’d hire her for another project in a heartbeat.

Cinda and 12/12 did an amazing job anticipating our needs in a complex multifamily project. We moved my In-laws in, (my father in law with Alzheimer's), and their new space couldn't be more perfect! It meets our now needs with his care and our future needs. Cinda did a wonderful job aiding us in the design process throughout the project!

Since 2012 I have worked with Cinda on many residential projects ranging from simple deck additions to new custom homes. She is a very capable architect and always puts together complete and detailed construction documents.

We began our journey with Cinda more than a year ago when we bought a piece of property and contracted her to design our new construction. The project has been complex because our needs were very specific, and we had to pack a lot of house into a limited square footage. Cinda has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She answered every one of many phone calls and emails, and she used her extensive experience to help us avoid any number of potential pitfalls. She also helped make the city's review process relatively painless. We have been really happy with her design choices and her suggestions for solving some pretty difficult design problems. We recommend working with 12/12 Architects!

I hired Cinda to help us with a 2nd floor addition (first time project for us) - we were VERY specific in regards to the budget we had set and we were looking for her guidance to keep us on target. I interviewed several architects and felt that she was the one who really listened to our objectives. Very disappointed to say that she did not meet our expectations, in fact, I would not recommend her services. When we finally realized that the cost to complete the project was greater than the cost of the house, we had to scrap the project and Cinda handed us a total bill for $9000 (her total bill was projected to be about $10K). In the end, we learned a very expensive and valuable lesson. We do take some responsibility but we also felt that Cinda did not provide the guidance and/services we thought she should have provided.

As a local custom home builder and remodeling company. We were very pleased to work together with 12/12 Architects on a project this past year. They are extremely professional and knowledgeable in their trade. Their attention to detail and design was exceptional! I look forward to working together with them again on future projects!

I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Cinda Lester and 12/12 Architects & Planners, with whom I worked with on the remodeling of our home. I hired Cinda as the architect to design and remodel of our home after meeting with many other firms. Cinda demonstrated extreme professionalism and responsiveness to our needs and questions. The renovations were very complex. Cinda proved the ability to suggest great design ideas, integrate our ideas to the city requirements and develop a great set of plans. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Cinda again and I do not have any hesitation in recommending her and the firm services.

We completely renovated a foreclosure home. Cinda was a pleasure to work with and was always upfront and fair. She was able to give plans for our entire home quickly and with different option which was a huge help. We love our end result and can tell she truly cared about our home. The small company was a great fit for our project. I would highly recommend this company!

As both a designer and general contractor, we have had the pleasure of working with 12/12 Architects & Planners through all facets of planning, design and construction. We have worked together previously on many projects and would highly suggest 12/12 for your next improvement. We've collaborated closely with 12/12 on each of those projects and have found that their well rounded and extensive knowledge base and experience has allowed for seamless transition from the design and permitting phase to construction and has also allowed for quick and efficient solutions to the inevitable bumps that arise along the construction road. We highly and completely recommend 12/12 Architects.

Working with 12/12 Architects and Planners was great. The attention to detail and being able to keep our goals in mind as well as making new suggestions. Cinda was very good at explaining the reasons for technical things and would explain how things fit into the Big picture. We also felt that she could accept our point of view when had discussions.

Cinda designed a new master bath addition and remodel of an existing bath. We had a small space to work with and Cinda was more than willing to work with us on numerous design options to maximize the functionality and space of the bathroom without giving up too much bedroom space. She was very honest with us about what we could and couldn't do with the space to help us eliminate some pie-in-the-sky ideas and focus on practical design to work with our budget. She also was great in diplomatically & straightforwardly mediating a disagreement between me and my husband when it came to entry door style (my pocket door won) by focusing on function and maximization of the openness and "feel" of the small space. We love our new bathrooms!

I really enjoyed working with Cinda; she is very professional and has wonderful ideas which helped me design a functional kitchen for my active family. Her promptness and willingness to work with my busy schedule was a plus. Highly recommend Cinda and 12/12 Architects.

We hired 12/12 Architects after seeking guidance from discussion groups on Facebook. The feedback about their expertise made them a logical candidate right from the start. We were the stereotypical HG TV enthusiasts with very little understanding of how to make our renovation a reality. In our meetings with Cinda, she helped draw ideas out of our heads with her insightful questions. She has a keen sense for style. We were able to determine what was trendy and what was more classic and likely to stand the test of time. Once she understood our intentions, she provided practical advice that helped us understand the cost and functional implications for each decision we were making. (I.E. – With young kids, you want to be able to see them while you cook, if you install that double oven, you lose x feet in counter space, if you put the new bathroom here, you can fit the double sink, etc.) Cinda also lives in the community that she serves. She knows the history of the housing developments, which means she can plan more effectively. She also has strong relationships with the city. Getting approvals from the city was never a problem for us! Cinda also recommended a great contractor for us, who ended up being a tremendous asset. I can safely say that our project never would have been completed if it weren’t for the help and guidance of 12/12 Architecture. Our renovation exceeded my expectations. It was complicated (they all are), but it was completed on-time, and in budget. How many people can say that?

12/12 goes above and beyond what is required of architects. As people that had never done anything like this before, we were very nervous about the process of doing a home addition. Cinda was very flexible and supportive. She was cognizant of our desires and wonderful to work with and we are in love with the end result. I would highly recommend her for your job.

We highly recommend 12/12 Architects & Planners. Cinda was very knowledgeable and insightful during the design phase of our project. We are very pleased with the end result as it has transformed the way we live in our home.

We hired Cinda through the recommendation of a friend who happens to be a builder. We found her fee to be very competitive. More importantly, we found her work to be of high quality. Even our builder was pleased with the drawings. We have received countless compliments on the finished product - we love our new front porch!

Cinda turned our kitchen/sunroom addition into the best rooms in our home. She worked seamlessly with the village and our contractor. We highly recommend her.

Absolutely Amazing. Great Experience. Worked with Cinda on 1 commercial project and now she is doing 2 more for us. Knowledgeable, efficient, and economical. You will regret not using her. Thanks Cinda.

We contracted Cinda to design our new home and we were very pleased with her work. She is very detail oriented and gave us a lot of insight on things to consider as we were thinking of design ideas. She took me thru some of her existing homes to show me what things looked like in person, rather than just conceptually - this was extremely helpful! We felt Cinda did a great job listening to our thoughts and ideas as well as pictures we sent her. She was very patient with us and our sometimes changing ideas. When she was done, she provided us with a number of different designs to choose from - not just one! I was most impressed with Cinda's understanding of the green technologies we wanted to incorporate into our home - she was able to provide us guidance on which things provided the best bang for our buck and return on investment. I would definitely work with Cinda again and would recommend her to others.

We discussed our project with a number of architects, but Cinda presented the most original ideas that also best met our needs. She has been great to work with as a number of issues/questions have come up with our circa 1890's Victorian home. As we are currently in the approval phase, I am looking forward to the finished product.

12/12 Once again came thru for us as we needed plans for a universal design bathroom for handicapped access and multi-generational living situation. In a short time, Cinda met with us to go over our needs, had plans drawn up and submitted for permit. A seamless process from start to finish. I wish more outfits operated like 12/12--highly recommended !

We used 12/12 to bump out a very small master bedroom in our new home and add a master bath. Our experience was 100% positive. They were responsive and brought great ideas and suggestions to the table. Our master bedroom and bath are beautiful.

12/12 has worked on a full, new construction home for us, as well as an entire finished basement. They listened to our exact desires and did their best to make it all happen. I recommend them wholeheartedly!

Cinda provides quality service for and is easy to work with. Having worked with many architects Cinda is very approachable and willing to hear suggestions with an open mind.

Cinda did a great job on our room addition and main floor remodel. She listened to our ideas and came back with design options ranging from simple to the kind that blow your socks off! The end result of our project was so much better than we ever imagined. We found Cinda to be highly professional, helping to usher our plans through our village’s approval process, then working with the construction crew as the job progressed, and she always responded in a timely manner whenever we had any questions. We have nothing but the highest praise for Cinda and the group at 12/12 Architects.

Have greatly enjoyed the expertise of Cinda and her great design ideas. Affordable while going above any beyond to make a real dream home!

I have known Cinda professionally since 1998 when we worked together at the same Architectural firm. Since then we have furthered our careers, she having her own architectural practice and me, semi retiring from architecture and becoming a professional photographer. I have seen about every project she has worked on since 2012, having had the privilege of documenting most of them. I have met those clients and all have spoken very highly of her dedication, commitment and ability to listen to the clients needs, schedules and budget. She has designed some outstanding projects, from porch additions, remodeling's, second floor additions and custom homes. I would highly recommend 12/12 Architects for any of your architectural needs.

I have had the pleasure of working with Cinda on several projects. She is extremely knowledgeable in regards to residential construction and design. Cinda's guiding force is to create residences that are in sync with the client's vision and budget. Cinda is always professional and a delight to work with. I have recommended her to several clients and will continue to do so in the future. Here is to the next collaboration.

I have worked with Cinda and 12/12 Architects on a few job now in the past few years and each one of our jobs have gone as smoothly as any construction job can. We have worked along side 12/12 on two separate home additions, which always require some additional work due to unforeseeable issues, and each time Cinda would quickly get us the information we needed in order to keep the job on track. You can't go wrong as a homeowner or a contractor, Cinda is outstanding!!!! Jason Jordan President G.O. Management Group

12/12 listened to our wishes time and time again, redrawing when appropriate to ensure each specification was met to our liking. We felt as though we were heard, and as a result got exactly the house we wanted!

12/12 Architects did a great job on our kitchen upgrade with sun room addition. Cinda Lester understood what we wanted and created an extraordinary plan that transformed the core of our home into a beautiful, open, sun filled environment our whole family enjoys. As if by magic, this now large open space has everything conveniently within reach and solidly constructed. Cinda was readily available and responsive to our questions and our contractor's.

Cinda from 12/12 Architects designed a house addition we built four years ago. It looks and functions great. We just finished a front porch designed by Cinda, too. We like it, and so do people passing our house when walking along the street. Both designs look like they are part of the house and not odd and out of style add-ons.

Cinda wowed me! We bought an old house from the early 50s to remodel with an addition. Cinda took careful notes of everything we wanted in the new home. She had a tough job of fitting our ideas into our current framework. I was very impressed with how she remembered and included everything we wanted. She exceeded our expectations. We love the home she designed for us. R & C Bell

My husband and I hired Cinda for a second story addition and remodel of our first floor. Upon first meeting her we felt very comfortable with her and she truly listened to what our ideas were for the project. It was like she was able to put on paper what I had envisioned in my mind, but better! During the whole project she was very attentive and available when ever any issues arose. We are very happy we chose her and would highly recommend her.

12/12 Architects is highly recommended. Cinda Lester is wonderful to work with. She takes the time to work with you and understand what your needs and wants are. She has great ideas and is extremely patient and accommodating. You can count on 12/12 to get back to you in a timely fashion and meet your deadlines. I loved working with her.