iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 27/08/2026

Great to see photos from our client enjoying their new outdoor kitchen! This bespoke kitchen includes a custom Nanawall design and canopy enclosing the kitchen with grills, pizza oven, and prep space. We love how it turned out! . Photos by client (professional ones coming soon) GC: FCI Construction

Outdoor kitchen enclosure with canopy and custom Nanawall

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 19/08/2026

We love seeing the progress at our new front porch project in Lakeview. We removed an existing stair and awning, created a wider entry stair, and designed a canopy inspired by surrounding Chicago vernacular. Looking forward to seeing this one complete in a few weeks! . GC (& 📷): Garrison Remodeling

Formed concrete stairs in front of a greystone

Stairs waiting install of limestone treads risers and sides

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 18/08/2026

Bringing a Two-flat back to life in Logan Square with full insulation, electrification, an aging-in-place unit, and a family unit spanning two floors. And playing with exterior siding.

Several rendering color options for our two flat renovation

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 28/07/2026

We’re digging down to create height for bedrooms on the lower level, allowing the existing building’s large windows to provide ample natural light to the living spaces. A true good bones building, we can’t wait to see this one finished and for HTS’s clients to enjoy their new homes!

Upper level showing abundance of natural light

Historic windows and interior of brick wall

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 28/07/2026

While we’re making a large change to the interior, we’re respecting the historic details. Trim and doors were salvaged where possible for reuse, and we’ve incorporated the historic built-ins to the design.

First floor before new framing is installed, existing bearing wall remains

Historic built in protected for construction

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 28/07/2026

Progress is underway on our coach house affordable condos with the Here to Stay Community Land Trust! Built in 1909, the masonry coach house is being rearranged to create two duplex 3-bedroom, 2-bath units in Humboldt Park.

Exterior progress photo with red brick facade historic windows and limestone under construction

Lower level showing digging down of basement to create head height

Artsy shot of existing framing through former stair

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 26/07/2026

Thoughts on re-cladding a 1905 Workers Cottage using texture and some vernacular moves.

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 21/07/2026

Is Sketchy Tuesday a thing? We might need to workshop the name, but we always put pen to paper (or Apple Pencil to iPad) when thinking through parts of our projects. Here's a collection of recent sketches at different scales!

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 16/07/2026

We also welcome Kat back for her second summer, and she’s hit the ground running. Katia has been busy co-chairing Architects in Schools and is getting ready to celebrate two years with us. It’s not that long ago that Aggregate was just getting started.

Office nook at a completed basement renovation

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 16/07/2026

We’ve also started working on site visioning for Evanston’s Fifth Ward, partnering with Architecture for Public Benefit for workshops next month. We’re also rethinking missing middle housing - using the lessons learned from our Flex Flat to create a design potentially deployable across the city.

Project team at an under construction building

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 16/07/2026

Did you receive our newsletter yesterday? We had a great second quarter as we started our fourth year in business, with several projects under construction, including a coach house and a multigenerational two-flat with our partners at Here to Stay CLT.

Josh Katia and Kat on one of our construction sites

Rendering of the new attic space in one of our renovations

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 11/07/2026

The basement level, through a combination of raising the first-floor framing and digging out, will become a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom aging-in-place unit. We’re looking forward to really getting into the design of this one; it has great bones for a 1906 frame building!

First level of existing building with exposed framing

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 11/07/2026

Earlier this week, we had a site visit for a new project - another multigenerational renovation with Here to Stay CLT! Unlike our renovation in Avondale, where we’re expanding into the attic, the building's two current units will be combined into a 4-bed, 2-bath unit.

Second level of existing building with exposed framing

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 03/07/2026

We love a meet and greet. Our Q2 Newsletter is coming out soon, so who are the people behind the work here at Aggregate Studio? Explore our website to learn more about us and sign up for our newsletter: www.aggregate-studio.com Photos: @angiemcmphoto

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 30/06/2026

We’re cooking up something. These may be a duo, but they’re definitely single something.

Two Flex Flat 4 unit 3 story buildings in a rendering on 60’ wide lot in Chicago. Each building includes balconies, tons of natural light, and studio, 1 bed, 3 bed, and 4 bed units.

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 22/06/2026

We help mission-driven organizations turn community investment into dignified architecture that strengthens neighborhood trust and delivers high-impact affordable housing and civic spaces within the real-world challenges of funding, policy, and place.

Exterior photo of our largest project, the San Miguel Apartments

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 22/06/2026

We are a mission-aligned architecture partner that specializes in dignified, community-centered affordable housing & civic projects, delivered with an experienced understanding of regulatory policy & funding complexities, & an engaged design process focused on empathy, respect, & collaboration.

Aggregate Studio is a
mission-aligned architecture partner that specializes in dignified, community-centered affordable housing and civic projects, delivered with an experienced understanding of regulatory policy and funding complexities, and an engaged design process focused on empathy, mutual respect, and collaboration.

Rendering of our coach house renovation creating two affordable duplex condos for Here to Stay

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 17/06/2026

It listens and responds to people and context, seeking to understand what is needed and bringing many voices together into unified design. Dignified Architecture celebrates real material improvement no matter the scale, enhancing people's lived experiences and uplifting communities.

Construction of multigenerational two flat

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 17/06/2026

What do we mean by Dignified Architecture? Dignified Architecture is not a style. It is an approach that combines architectural expertise with empathy, bringing optimism while acknowledging constraints.

Dignified Architecture is not a style. It is an approach that combines architectural expertise with empathy, bringing optimism while acknowledging constraints.
It listens and responds to people and context, seeking to understand what is needed and bringing many voices together into unified design. Dignified Architecture celebrates real material improvement no matter the scale, enhancing people's lived experiences and uplifting communities.

Hickory Hills Veterans Park Concession Stand

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 11/06/2026

Building-wide, we’re installing new electrical and plumbing systems, insulating the building envelope, and installing all-electric, high-efficiency mechanical systems, hot water systems, and appliances with help from @elevatenp.org

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 11/06/2026

On the first floor, we completely revised the layout to create an aging-in-place unit for the buyer's parents. On level two, we’re expanding into the attic to create a true family-sized unit for the growing family.

New stairs up to the attic for the family unit

Structural changes to make the attic liveable

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 11/06/2026

Lots of progress is underway on our multigenerational affordable two-flat renovation with Here to Stay Community Land Trust! Built in 1888, this framed house in Avondale is undergoing a massive transformation for Here to Stay’s first-time home buyers who are long-term residents of the neighborhood.

Project team on site as framing and systems are installed

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 11/06/2026

Site visit day for our multigenerational two-flat renovation with Here to Stay!

Josh, Katia, and Kat on site at our renovation wearing very stylish hard hats

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 27/05/2026

connected to an office nook, larger bathroom, new laundry space, and a new inviting stair that extends the 119-year-old home’s living space into the basement. We love that the new space is being put to great use for movie nights and playtime and will become a backdrop for many new memories to come.

Close up of bathroom materials. Quartz, brass hardware, black faucets, hickory cabinets, navy tile

New mudroom space connected to exterior for gatherings

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 27/05/2026

What a transformation! Angie McMonigal Photography captured our recently completed basement renovation in Albany Park, constructed by VMR. Layering of spaces & materials to create sight lines and circulation around a centrally located mechanical space allowed us to create new family & bonus space /1

Before and after of family room space showing transformation

Office nook connecting family space and bonus room with built in millwork desk

New bathroom with navy oval tile, mirror, shower

New family room space with drybar and stairs beyond

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 25/05/2026

On the boards: Even small projects deserve dignified design. This two-flat had its original entry removed at some point, replaced by a metal awning & concrete steps. Utilizing the layers of change present & contextual history, we’re bringing back an inviting entry to this Lakeview Greystone Two-Flat

New design taking cues from the neighborhood and clues of change from the exterior of the building.

Current condition with small steps and awning

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 11/05/2026

We are eternally grateful to partner with Here to Stay, CMHDC, and other non-profit, government, and private clients on many projects that provide much-needed housing in Chicago. We are thrilled to be able to help make an impact. …4/5

All of us in the old one room office suite

Outdoor kitchen construction photo with canopy and movable glass panel door/wall

Josh at University of New Mexico reviews

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 11/05/2026

and civic projects, delivered with an experienced understanding of regulatory policy and funding complexities, and an engaged design process focused on empathy, mutual respect, and collaboration. As such, we thrive in our partnerships and collaboration with our clients. …3/5

Pullman Welcome Center competition entry

Flex Flat single stair missing middle housing

San Miguel Apartments renovation in uptown

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 11/05/2026

participating in the Chicago Architecture Biennial, among many other exciting moments. Check out our website to see more of these moments. aggregate-studio.com Aggregate Studio is a mission-aligned architecture partner that specializes in dignified, community-centered affordable housing…2/5

Our coach house renovation with Here to Stay creating duplex units

"Aggregate's engagement has helped build Here to Stay's reputation as a provider of well designed, high quality homes. They've been a trusted partner who supports our mission and shares our values in creating permanently affordable housing for those deeply rooted in the communities we serve."
Kristin Horne | Executive Director, Here to Stay CLT

Office nook in completed basement renovation

"Working with Josh and the Aggregate team has been like working with a trusted friend who also happens to be a fantastic architect. From the beginning, they approached the design process with thoughtfulness, creativity, and a genuine commitment to getting it right for our family."
Anne Ross and David Platt Clients

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 11/05/2026

Today marks three years of Aggregate Studio! The last year brought quite the spark of growth - our first RFP win, our largest project yet, renovating the San Miguel Apartments in Uptown, adding projects in Evanston, Cicero, Hickory Hills, Skokie, and Buffalo Grove, our first summer intern…1/5

Josh and Katia looking at a model with 3 in the middle

Veterans Park Concession Stand in Hickory Hills

Workers cottage renovation with Here to Stay CLT

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 28/04/2026

Layering is key: of spaces, of sightlines, materials, and period styles to create an open space that is functional, bespoke, and full of life. #aggregatestudio #residentialdesign #chicagoarchitecture #chicago #architecture

View at the main entry up the newly opened to living room stairs

Dining area with wall sconce and pendant lighting

Mudroom with built in closet and shoe space

Kitchen area with island, pendant lighting, and blue cabinetry

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 28/04/2026

On the boards: A new renovation in Lakeview inspired by layers of change and history in our client’s 1910 frame house. To preserve the option for an ADU later, we’re designing a new main floor for our clients with living and dining areas that connects to the floors above.

Kitchen and dining room rendering of latest project with a wood island and blue cabinets.

View from the living room into the kitchen and dining area

Living room view with built in media wall and fireplace mantel

Powder room rendering with vanity, mirror, sconce and flowery wallpaper

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 21/04/2026

What a start to 2026! Katia and Josh have been busy this quarter - the permitting of ADUs in Chicago and Evanston, finishing up construction on projects, a trip to Springfield, - we’ve been working to design architecture that uplifts people and places. Check out our newsletter! eepurl.com/jC0RRA

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 09/04/2026

Cat ledge? Cat ledge. The counter return on this newly installed drybar is cat tested and approved every time the kitty comes downstairs.

Cat ledge on the left. Not pictured, the cat yet.

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Aggregate Studio @aggregate-studio.com · 08/04/2026

Hi everyone! We’re looking forward to being active on Bluesky. For now, we’re thrilled that one of our clients had the following quote to describe us during our brand audit.

"Aggregate isn't an all-black-wearing, big Tom Ford glasses serious ego type of architect. It's a cardigan-wearing, slightly quirky, maybe bohemian architect that truly cares about the work it's doing and the effect it might have."

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