McNicholas Architects MGLM

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United States
Chicago, IL
McNicholas Architects MGLM

We're here to create, protect, and promote beauty in every way we can. www.mcnicholasarchitects.com We also think it is very important to give back. and abroad.

McNicholas Architects is a bespoke architecture, interiors, and urban design firm committed to producing beautiful things. We place great importance on the personal relationships and teamwork. We pride ourselves on being involved for the project’s duration - from the initial meeting to post-construction facility management. As such, we function as a social practice, regularly volunteering our desi

gn talents and time to philanthropic organizations that raise the standard of living for individuals, communities, and organizations, alike. Our principals donate their time and expertise for institutions throughout the city and suburbs, including high schools and theaters, non-profit organizations, and arts councils. MA is headquartered in Chicago but practices throughout the U.S. We are certified with NCARB, AIA, ALA and are active members of the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. Our Principals are certified LEED AP practitioners, and have a particular passion for collaborating with the building trades.

05/17/2026

Sunday from the archives. Still starting with hand drawn, as there still isn’t a better way to make sure the humanity is in the design. Be sure your architect or designer can draw well by hand first.

03/18/2026

We’re anti-austerity.

11/27/2025

A stained glass Turkey for Thanksgiving! This silver stained beauty is one of more than 2,800 pieces of glass in the 10-foot Rose Window, itself signifying one aspect of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in the Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Chapel in the Diocese’s Chancery. We designed the chapel as a gesamtkunstwerk - total work of art - where all elements and details work in union, literally, allegorically, symbolically and metaphorically, to elevate the space. By bringing in flora, fauna, and phenomena from across the Diocese and pairing them with virtues and sacred numerology, the apparent cacophony of the natural world is transformed into a symphony.

10/28/2024

Celebrating the end of the nine month restoration of the Baldacchino, and the famous artists who created this incredible work of art!

Standing nearly 95’ tall and reportedly weighing 100,000 pounds with bronze ganked from the Pantheon and San Pietro’s own dome, the Baldacchino cost 200,000 scudi, the columns alone being 80,000. (Wittkower) This pilfering of bronze from the Pantheon gave birth to the famous phrase: “Quod non fecerunt barbari, fecerunt Barberini” which translates to “What the barbarians did not do, the Barberinis did”. This Barberini being Pope Urban VIII of course.

Bernini, the Uomo Universale (as he was recognized for his unmatched skills in sculpture, his architectural and artistic forte, and no doubt his social and business skills), began the design in 1624. Borromini was a little-known relative newcomer to Roma at the time (having arrived only 5 years prior), and under Bernini’s employ for this project due to a series of events.

This masterpiece represents perhaps the only work of art that was an actual collaboration between the greatest rivals of the Baroque, and arguably the greatest rivals that the art world has ever known. While Borromini made no secret of his feelings, Bernini did a better job (at least publicly) of acting as though they were not equals, with oft-documented patronizing remarks as well as recommending Borromini for projects (that he presumably thought were beneath him), further adding salt to the relationship, from Borromini’s perspective at least.

More details in the comments below!

10/09/2024

Celebrating our unstoppable and resilient leader Elizabeth, who has defied statistics, created beautiful buildings and master plans, and built our firm while fearlessly battling stage IV cancer and raising a kiddo to boot. Her incredible talent and unwavering determination redefine what it means to lead!

We’re beyond excited to see her take the stage TODAY at the Women’s Leadership Summit for the AIA, where the story of her powerful journey, unique insights, and lessons-learned will undoubtedly inspire others. Join us in championing her and all the extraordinary women in architecture!

07/03/2024

Our Lombard arches showing off in the sun. Depth and detail give dynamism, aka “life”, to static structure. Details matter!

04/20/2024

Feels like a good day for an afternoon in an Orchid conservatory. This one designed for a private client on a site at the head of a valley.

04/09/2024

Continuing on a theme - these are some study sketches from Elizabeth’s travels over time. In the journey of creating beauty, study is the compass guiding us toward excellence. Sketching during travels trains the mind and and hand, and there’s no humanity in architecture where the human hand is excluded. Such study uncovers the sublime, capturing the smallest details and the overall composition in a way the camera never can. Through hours spent honing technique and refining skills, the foundations of analysis and mastery are laid to enable synthesis resulting in beauty-based evolution of design.

04/07/2024

From our hands to theirs - our latest mosaic installation is a testament to the beauty that emerges from human hands. Designed and rendered with intent and meaning, each tile now place with care, every element a reflection of dedication and passion. We honor the artisans whose craftsmanship and attention brings life and vibrancy to our designs!

03/07/2024

Mock-up for the Chapel pier is coming together!

Address

727 S Dearborn Street Unit 512
Chicago, IL
60605

Website

http://www.mcnicholasarchitects.com/

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