Profile
Arko Architecture is a Chicago-based firm focused on the design of contemporary architectural projects. We define the term “contemporary” not as a particular style of building, but rather as an approach to practice which prioritizes technology, innovation, communication, and sustainability.
We design spaces for living, working, and retail, but our design interests are deeper than any particular project type. We are most interested in the process of design and its implication for great architecture. Each project is a unique creation, generated from the design process, and custom tailored to meet the objectives of the client.
The practice operates out of a design studio in Chicago’s Roscoe Village Neighborhood.
Services
Design - Arko Architecture provides the full range of architectural design services, from schematic sketches through construction documentation and permit process.
Visualization - Two-dimensional line drawings have never been a particularly good way to explain what a project will look like. Arko Architecture produces realistic rendered images for client review & discussion.
Planning and Analysis - Before a project can be designed, Arko Architecture will analyze the scale, budget, and schedule to make sure expectations are consistent.
Existing Conditions Documentation - Arko Architecture carefully documents structures to have a solid understanding of the existing conditions before executing a design.
Technology
Arko Architecture utilizes the same software and technologies as seen in some of the world’s largest architectural firms. All of our work is aided by advanced three-dimensional software, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) and photo-realistic rendering. While sketches and two-dimensional line drawings are still a valuable piece of the architectural toolkit, our primary method of communicating the design to clients is through three-dimensional means.
Charles Arko, AIA
The firm is led by Charles Arko, a licensed architect with over 15 years of experience in the Chicago area. Charles leads and is instrumentally involved in all projects undertaken. The firm has frequent collaborators and consultants depending the specifics of the project.
Charles came to architecture late in life, deciding to become an architect at the age of 8 after a steady diet of Lego and This Old House.
Prior to founding Arko Architecture, Charles was a project architect at Solomon Cordwell Buenz, and completed large scale commercial projects such as 210 North Carpenter (currently the Google Cloud Office) and Valvoline Headquarters in Lexington Kentucky. Charles earned a Bachelor of Arts, Architecture from Miami University (OH) and a Masters of Architecture at University of Illinois, Chicago.