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“Architecture forms the backdrop of our lives. It serves to witness and give context to the events of our lives as well as natural phenomena like a sunrise or sunset. The most successful architecture enhances and highlights special moments and events, whether by revealing the changing colors of a sunset or providing adequate mingling space for guests at a dinner party.”
For over 28 years, Jim’s architectural career has afforded him the opportunity to work on wide array of project types and complexities. With a primary focus on single family and multi-family residential ranging from adaptive re-use of Landmarked Buildings to new ground-up construction, Jim’s experience includes work in the studio as well as extensive on-site interaction working directly with contractors. Jim brings that vast experience of design, detailing and project management to every project in which Kaufman O’Neil engages.
Prior to Kaufman O’Neil, Jim worked with highly respected firms in the architectural and development community including Rugo Raff Architects, VOA, Sandvick Architects and Related Midwest, formerly LR Development.
Jim believes that the key to a successful project is a strong, cooperative and considerate relationship between members of the project team including the Owner, Contractor, Sub-Contractors, Design Team and Consultants.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from The Ohio State University and a Master of Architecture degree from The University of Illinois at Chicago, is a registered Architect in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, NCARB certified and a member of the American Institute of Architects.
Although Tim’s early career was significantly spent over a drafting table and constructing models, he loves the digital tools now available to architects. The ability to quickly develop designs and effectively communicate them to clients allows greater client participation in the design process.
Tim has been fortunate to work in the Midwest and East Coast since leaving school for the work world. Projects types have ranged from large worship facilities to high rises to single family homes and resort communities. Working in New York gave him the opportunity to experience all of Manhattan’s warts as well as wonders. Working in Turks and Caicos taught him a new respect for hurricanes, building codes, and indigenous building techniques. He has never felt more at home than in Chicago with both architectural and natural wonders to admire and occasionally curse.
Prior to forming Kaufman O’Neil’s partnership, Tim contributed to many successful and award winning projects at development companies CMK and Related Midwest, formerly LR Development and the architectural firms of Richard Rice Architects in NYC and Ware Associates in Chicago.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a registered Architect in Illinois and a member of the American Institute of Architects.
Lindsey joined Kaufman O’Neil Architecture in 2016 after eight years of practice in a well-known Chicago Architecture firm. With experience in project types including institutional, cultural, landscape, multi- and one of her favorites, single family residential, Lindsey is able to collaborate on designs of varying types and scales. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and is an accredited LEED AP.
Marc joined Kaufman O’Neil Architecture in 2023. He brings with him over 30 years of residential design and construction experience in the Chicago area. His project experience ranges from the construction of new single-family homes to additions and interior remodels.
Marc understands that the renovation of a home is a personal process and will work closely with the homeowner to achieve their goals. He also enjoys coordinating with and learning from engineers, consultants, and contactors.
Marc received his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois in Chicago and is a registered Architect in the State of Illinois.
Matthew brings over 30 years of professional experience to his clients, delivering complex new construction and multi-phase renovation work around the world. Matthew is a capable project manager as well as senior technical coordinator, working to manage the day-to-day details of projects while providing valued expertise in design and construction documentation. His experience with higher education includes the Princess Nora University for Women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the Universidade Agostinho neto in Luanda, Angola.
Recent projects of note include the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, a small boutique hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, the new Damen Green Line Station in Chicago.
Hayley joined KOA in 2023 after graduating from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture degree. While having professional experience in both commercial and institutional typologies, her passion lies in creating intimate spaces that will be known and loved by the user. From studying the intricacies of historic preservation to experiencing the intentionality of Japanese architecture, Hayley believes it truly is all in the details.
Martha believes we are all connected, and nurturing these connections makes life meaningful. Her favorite part about the architecture process is hearing the personal stories and connections the clients have to the project and helping them realize their vision. She is thankful for her studies at both UIUC and WashU, because they allowed her to travel to Spain and study the ways in which climate and culture impacts their architecture. Travelling brings her a fresh perspective to design work. Outside of the office, she teaches CPS students about architecture through the AIS program, makes pottery, and cares for the Native Gardens at the Ryerson Conservation Area.
Lily joined KOA shortly after earning her B.S. in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 2025. She’s passionate about designing spaces that foster comfort and growth, with the goal of improving everyday life through thoughtful design. As an emerging professional, she’s focused on developing her skills while contributing to thoughtful, user-centered design at KOA. During her studies, she explored adaptive reuse and community-focused spaces, which continue to inform her approach today.
Prior to joining Kaufman O’Neil in 2023, Kim worked in database design for 10 years and the hospitality, retail and health care industries.
Kim holds a Bachelor Degree in Political Science from Northwestern University and a Certificate in Pastry Arts from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. Her favorite Chicago building is her two-flat in the Edgewater neighborhood.