Elements Architectural Group

We just finished an ambitious renovation and addition project designed by Bill and the Elements team. Our goal was to add space, create flow in place of a choppy layout, and solve many of the systems-related challenges throughout this 1904 house. Bill's preliminary design was surprising in that he found a way to give us much more than what we initially asked for in terms of space and layout, while still meeting code and zoning requirements. Bill listened carefully to us as he developed the design, and the final construction documents received compliments from all of our bidders, passed zoning and permitting with no comments, and most importantly, helped facilitate a smooth transition to the construction phase and a completed project that is beautiful, functional, and on budget. We are most thankful to have been referred to Bill, and for his combination of humility, humor, vision, and technical skills, which he masterfully applied to unravel a 113 year old challenge and redesign it for a new century. Well done!

We had a wonderful experience working with Bill Scholtens and Elements Architectural. Bill's sensitivity to our (somewhat vague) vision for the house, his endless patience with the gradual evolution of our ideas, and his exceptional creative input resulted in an outcome that is not only beautiful but also accomplishes much more than we could have anticipated.

We loved working with Bill and his team on a very large remodel.Their attention to detail is precise and their plans are accurate which for a builder is most important. Our partnership with Elements produced a product that the customer loved.

Bill Scholtens, Elements Architectural Group We have worked with Bill Scholtens and Elements Architectural Group on 3 separate renovation projects: (i) a major renovation, including a MBR and bathroom addition, re-arrangement of the first floor (removal of 2nd stairway, new basement entrance, expanded kitchen eating area, and powder room relocation), and significant structural corrections to accommodate these updates to our house; (ii) remodeling of our kitchen; (iii) addition of an outdoor gazebo and patio area. ). Bill was not only the architect on these projects to our 1896 Victorian home, but he also acted as “construction manager,” interior design consultant, and coordinator of appliance and furniture purchases. He envisions his role as encompassing all aspects of the changes to your home, i.e., a holistic approach. We very much appreciated his design skill in making our renovations successful. Bill is a pleasure to work with on both professional and personal levels. He listens carefully and is very successful in translating your “wishes” into practical and beautiful renovations; reflecting not only the age and style of your home, but the need for the design to accommodate a 21st Century family. At the same time, he is extraordinarily talented in refining and expanding your ideas and wishes in unexpected and lovely ways. Bill’s unruffled and efficient manner is a terrific advantage in interacting with contractors and other outside vendors. His calmness and confidence (“it will all work out”) during the upheaval and disruption to our home were majors factor in choosing Bill for subsequent projects. We still consult with him on an ad hoc basis on “changes” we make to our house. Bill presents options for various decisions and choices that reflect a range of price levels when addressing different aspects of the project (e.g., cabinetry, floors, light fixtures, and appliances). We suggested a rule of 3 options for each decision in order to avoid feeling overwhelmed, which Bill readily adopted. This reflects his flexibility and focus on the client. We heartily recommend Bill Scholtens and Elements Architectural Group as your architectural team.

We had a great experience working with Bill Scholtens and Elements Architectural Group. We initially hired Bill to design a new staircase and were so impressed with his work that we kept him on for the gut and green rehab of our Lincoln Park townhouse. Bill impressed us with his knowledge and creativity. He was invaluable as an interface with and resource for the contractor and trades. He was a joy to work with! We highly recommend him.

Working with Bill and his team went above and beyond my expectations. Their professionalism, accessibility, creativity and flexablilty were outstanding. I would work them again in a heartbeat.

I had a great experience working with Elements Architectural Group for our mixed used, multi-story property. It was the first time I had embarked on a renovation project and William Scholtens and his team were incredibly reliable, walking me through every step of the project, illustrating a range of options, and responding with intuitive precision to the demands of our vision. The result is a hybrid bookstore/art gallery/bar on the first floor of a busy commercial street, with a two-bedroom apartment on the second floor, and a convertible studio apartment (now being used as a studio work space) on the third. Elements Architectural Group brought a level of expertise and professionalism to the table that creates an exceptional framework to inhabit whether working as an artist, curator, or everyday tenant. In all respects I found Elements' contributions invaluable; they are a pleasure to work with.