Firm Profile

Philosophy & Goals

Craig A. Podalak Architects, Ltd. is a small, full-service architectural firm, located in Palos Heights, Illinois.  The firm was established in 1992 and organized with the philosophy of providing architectural services to our clients in a manner not available from most medium to large size architectural firms. 

The size of our firm allows us to service an aspect of the profession that sometimes is not available from larger firms, namely immediate attention or action by the Principal or Project Manager to the Client's immediate needs or questions.

Craig A. Podalak Architects was established with two goals for the success of a project, communication and service.  These goals are the same on any size project, because Podalak Architects considers all projects, large or small as equal.

The size of the firm is a direct result of Craig Podalak's years of previous experience with larger firms, and being involved with their daily management and practice.  Using this experience, Craig A. Podalak Architects strives to provide excellent communication with our clients and to control the efficiency of project management, which will result in a complete and comprehensive project for our clients. 

Craig A. Podalak Architects also strives to provide unparalleled service to our clients.  This term is used quite often in marketing a firm, but implementation is sometimes difficult to achieve.  This problem is compounded by the numerous layers of hierarchy that a direction needs to filter through in larger firms.  Our firm's success in meeting our goals of communication and service can be attested to by our large number of repeat clients, the numerous design awards we have received, and the resulting letters of reference from our clients.

Education & Experience

Craig Podalak is a registered Architect in seven states, with over 30 years of experience in the design/ construction field.  His experience includes the opening of a new full-service architectural office in Florida while an associate partner in another firm and was responsible for numerous projects in the southeast states.  He has been involved with projects of all sizes and types, from multi-million dollar complexes to simple renovations.  Over the years, he has acquired extensive experience in all types and sizes of buildings, including both new buildings and renovations.  Craig A. Podalak Architects has completed work on a variety of project types, from Canada to Jamaica

Firm Established

Registrations

Registered Architect in:

Illinois

Indiana

Arkansas (Inactive)

Arizona

Michigan

Florida

Wisconsin

Registered Interior Designer:

Illinois

Professional Affiliations

The American Institute of Architects (AIA)

The Construction Specification Institute (CSI)

National Council of Architectural Registration Board Certified (NCARB)

International Code Council (ICC)

Professional Liability and General Liability Insurance Coverage

Standard AIA Contracts Utilized

Building Type Experience

• Activity Centers
• Banks
• Churches
• Commercial Buildings
• Custom Residential
• Custom Restaurants
• Funeral Homes
• Hotels
• Industrial Buildings
• Master Site Plans and Feasibility Studies
• Medical Facilities
• Multi-Tenant Restaurants/ Franchises
• Multi-Family Housing, including low-rise apartments
• Municipal Facilities, including Village Halls, Fire, Police Stations & Public Works
• Office Buildings
• Parish Rectory
• Post Offices
• Recreational Facilities
• Shopping Centers
• Storage Facilities
• Tenant Buildouts
• Townhouse Developments

• Vehicular Facilities

Design Build