Paul Christianson, Architect
philosophy

Paul creates architecture that improves the lives of his clients by thoughtful consideration of function, timeless design, sustainability, safety and security. He also stresses the importance of quality, budgeting, communication and collaboration with his clients. Paul works with his engineers and other consultants as a team, all focused on exceeding client expectations.

residential experience

• single family
• multifamily
• porches and roof decks
• garages

commercial experience

• space planning
• corporate office design
• law offices, banks, communications companies
• retail clothing boutiques
• restaurants, bars, night clubs
• health clubs
• hotels
• child care facilities

site design experience

• green roofs
• parking lots
• decks, patios and walkways
• landscaping
• fencing
• lighting


biography

Paul was raised in Wisconsin, North Carolina and Maryland. His father was in construction equipment sales and enjoyed taking on big home improvement projects, which Paul always participated in. At the age of 12 in North Carolina, Paul’s family lived in a contemporary home custom designed by an architect. Inspired, Paul redrew the plans and elevations of the house and he soon decided that he wanted to be an architect. Paul came to Chicago from Frederick, Maryland to attend and receive his Bachelor of Architecture degree at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Paul worked at the architectural offices of Vavrus and Associates, M.J. Wimmer and Associates, Tom Blount Architects, and the interior architecture firm of ISD before starting his own practice in 1992. Educated in real estate sales and appraising, Paul actively follows the real estate market to better consult his clients on the value and financing of their projects. In 2005, Paul designed and built a sustainable (green) single family home in Bucktown. Paul is also active with his neighborhood zoning and planning committee.