ALA Architects & Planners

How do you select an architect? That is a question I asked myself when I began the process of building a house. Not knowing where to start, I began by interviewing several architects, reviewing their portfolios, and talking to their clients, but none seemed to match my style, my timeline, or my desire to learn and actively participate in the architectural process. So next I found homes that I really liked, and asked the builders who the architects were. It soon became clear that ALA Architects were drawing the most beautiful homes in the neighborhood. So I made an appointment, and met with Dave Dolby the owner. The first time I met him, I knew he was the right architect for me. He had so many thoughts and ideas on what we could do, and took the time to thoroughly explain the architectural process. Most importantly, I could tell he was not going to rush me through the process so he could move on to the next project. As a busy professional, I needed an architect that would work to my schedule. For my part, this was truly a labor of love, as I am building my dream home. I started with my own sketch of what I thought I wanted. Dave and the ALA team took it from there. They came up with unique, but practical ideas to improve what I started with. If I didn’t like something, they did not try to change my mind, rather they came up with several alternatives for me to consider. They also didn’t mind if I studied the drawings for a month or more, changed my mind a few times, sent them my sketches, or needed to take a break due to my hectic work schedule. They were patient and professional. I didn’t realize this at the time, but they had a team of 5 working on my drawings. This allowed for diverse points of view, and plenty of great ideas. I never felt like we hit a brick wall, or ran out of ideas, like what might have happened if I used a solo practitioner, or a smaller firm. The team at ALA is truly phenomenal. You might think that this kind of personal attention, and patient attention to detail would cost more. Well it didn’t. ALA was almost half the price of the other architects I spoke with. But don’t let the lower price fool you, they are truly superb architects, and take great care of you as a client. ALA Architects drew the house of my dreams. I cannot say enough about my experience with them. I highly recommend them for all your architectural needs.

First, ALA came highly recommended to us by our builder and our neighbor whose home turned out beautiful. At ALA, my husband and I worked with Dave and Nick and both were very knowledgeable, professional, and fun to work with. They took time to listen to our wants and concerns, deliver smart building solutions, all while keeping cost down, which is very important for our second home. Our 3000 sq foot home, from concept to final plans, only took 5 meeting. Finally, ALA has a kitchen/cabinetry design shop in their space for design convenience and cost savings. We will be using Connie to help us on the interior of our home next. Thank you ALA.

Scholl Construction has used ALA Architects and Planners for multiple residential and commercial projects. They are one of the largest architect firms in McHenry County. The owner, Dave Dolbe meets with each client personally. He has great ideas and insights into the building process. Dave’s staff, of architects and designers, work hard to complete the vision of the project to his standards and the homeowners expectations. I would recommend ALA to home and business owners as well as construction firms.

We worked with Dave and his team on a historic office renovation. The ALA Architects & Planners team is thoughtful, thorough and very client focused. The new designs were creative and fresh yet maintaining the existing architecture.

I have hired them several times to design affordable luxury houses with unique features that appeal to growing modern families and they brought their creative magic to the table and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend their services.