“Direct Design Ltd. Architects is the architect of this 17,000 s.f. home which showcases a two story entry with grand staircase, a 700 s.f. custom eat-in kitchen, sunken living room and den, and two fireplaces.  Each bedroom is paired with a full bathroom.  The inspiring 1300 s.f. master suite includes a study, two more fireplaces, master bath retreat, spacious walk/dress-in closet and an outdoor veranda.  Other features include full finished walk-out basement with kitchenette, 35’ X 20’ exercise room with full locker room, four car heated garage, 1900 s.f. indoor sports court with 18’ ceiling, Geothermal heating and cooling, four seasons room with kitchenette/grill and 1000 s.f. of outdoor patio space”.  *McHenry Now October, November and December 2010

EPS, a subsidiary of paint maker Valspar, recently completed work on a new 10,000 s.f. addition to its building at 1400 N. State St.  The new space is being utilized for new lab space along with the new employee lunchroom.

Direct Design, Ltd. Architects design the addition and also designed the original plant in 1995. * Northwest Herald 11/6/10

As in the past, we strive to sustain our technological investments, with the goal of continuing to provide our clients with quality drawings and services.  In addition to continual PC and anti-virus upgrades, in 2010, Direct Design, Ltd. computer system upgrades included:

·                     New server upgrade. 

·                     Several maintenance upgrades to software packages including:

·                     accounting and project management software.

·                     Microsoft software

·                     Antivirus software 

·                     Many computer battery back-up replacements

·                     Many new computers

·                     Many new cell phones to allow more efficient communication

·                     Implemented improved off-site file archiving and back up procedures

·                     Continual Product library and Design Center updates

·                     General office maintenance to ensure safe and comfortable environment for staff and clients

The 2012 edition of the McHenry County Book of Lists, published each year by the McHenry County Business Journal, ranks the top businesses within 33 industry categories.  Direct Design, Ltd. is listed as the number one architectural firm in McHenry County. Additionally, Direct Design is the only firm in McHenry County to offer services in every rated category:

·                     Architectural design

·                     Construction management

·                     Engineering

·                     Commercial

·                     Residential

·                     Interior design

·                     Landscape design

·                     Municipal

Following an application process which included thorough review of Direct Design’s qualifications for professional services, the Cook County Office of Capital Planning & Policy has included Direct Design, Ltd. in the pre-qualified pool of consultants for current and future projects.

Direct Design believes in the importance of continuing education.  For years Direct Design has offered in-house educational seminars for the convenience of our staff and improvement of professional skills.  Additionally, many of our staff pursues field related educational experiences outside of the office. 

All Illinois registered architects must have acquired 24 hours of continuing education within the 24-month period preceding the renewal date. At least 16 of these hours must be acquired in structured educational activities. A maximum of eight hours may be acquired in related practice subjects, in either structured educational activities, or individually planned activities. Additionally, the new regulations require five hours accessibility education and eight hours of LEED education.  The regulations bring the Illinois continuing education requirements in line with those of the American Institute of Architects. Direct Design, Ltd. has followed the more stringent AIA requirements for continuing education for many years.

The staff of Direct Design, Ltd. Architects recognizes our valued clients of the past 20 years.  It is the trust, collaboration, accomplishments, and friendships gained throughout these years we celebrate.  Our clients’ buildings are our constant reminder of the magnitude of our collective accomplishments.

Direct Design is self-certified and is available to offer this service to you!  Please contact John Swierk (815-444-8444) for more information.  The Self-Certification Review program accelerates the building permit process for certain types of permits and projects. Illinois licensed Architects of Record who receive special training offered by DCAP are certified to conduct their own reviews and receive their permit in an expedited manner. During the training, attendees received intensive instruction about the Chicago Building Code and its applications to all aspects of construction and renovation. On the third day of the course, which took place at City Hall, attendees will get hands-on experience at plan examination. Upon completing the course, attendees receive a self-certification registration number and are eligible to participate in the self-certification permit process.

Hero Home to built for Iraq veteran

Direct Design, Ltd. is proud of its contributions to the Lopez residence.

"Five years ago,  Sergio Lopez of Joliet lost both his legs while serving the U. S. Army in Iraq. 

His vehicle was blown apart by a roadside bomb.  Today, he and his family broke ground on a new home, a Hero Home, in Hillside.  Lopez, his wife, and two daughters will ive in a home given to them by the people of Hillside and other groups around the Chciago area.

'It's the least that we can do is to welcome him to our community.  Get him goiing in a way that he and his family aren't going to have to worry." Joe Tamburino, mayor of Hillside, said.

"I'm too excited for words.  It's awesome.  I can't wait." Lopez said.

Politicians, businesses and private citizens all came together to thank the wounded warrior.  Plote Cosntruction is one of the main forces behind the project.  They'll be building the three-bedroom, 2600 square foot brick home.

'The home will probably be worth anywhere from $350,000 to $440,000 when it's complete', Adam Neisendorf, Plote Cosntruction said.  'Everything is free.'

'This will be know forever to the residents of Hillside as Hero Home.  That's what this will be called Hero Home, ' MickYauger Teamster local Union 786, said

For the hero himself, who was chosen by the Illinios Department of Veteran Affairs to receive the home, it's all about gratitude. 

'Thank you so very,very much from the bottom of my heart for myself and for my family.  Thank you so much,' Lopez said.

The new home will, appropriately be ready July 4.

March 30, 2011 (Hillside, Ill) (WLS)