The most important decision on many basement projects isn’t visible when the work is finished. On a recent project, our plumber and concrete contractor spent almost an hour arguing over gravel. One wanted CA-6 because it compacts better. The other insisted on CA-7 because it drains better. To most homeowners, it sounds like the kind […]
Architecture
Small Architecture Firms in Chicago: Boutique Advantages for Complex Homes
Designing a custom house that will hold your family’s fondest memories is one of the most personal decisions and significant investments one can make. From the first brainstorming session to choosing the finishes, every detail shapes how the home functions, feels, and lives. Whether you’re going into the process with a specific style in mind […]
Chicago Architects for Live/Work Homes: Zoning, Layouts, and Acoustic Design
As remote work and hybrid schedules continue to be the norm for many people, homeowners in the city are looking for spaces that support their family’s comfort as well as their professional needs, and Chicago architects are answering this call. From artist lofts and consulting offices to content studios and design workshops, today’s live/work homes […]
What Is Biomimicry in Architecture? Designing Buildings Inspired by Nature
Nature has spent millions of years refining systems that adapt, conserve energy, regulate temperature, and support life efficiently. Today, architects and designers are looking to those systems for inspiration, creating spaces that are smarter, more resilient, and more connected to their environments through biometric architecture. In this blog, you’ll learn the answer to “what is […]
San Diego, California Architecture Firms vs. Chicago Architecture Firms: Regional Design Moves
Nothing defines a city quite like its architecture. Just as a famous person can be recognized by their silhouette, a city’s skyline makes it instantly memorable, even to those who’ve never set foot there. Climate, culture, history, and lifestyle all shape how buildings look, feel, and function. At moss Design, our team brings a perspective […]
Award-Winning Architecture Inspired by Nature: Lessons from Biomimetic Design
In today’s design landscape, some of the most forward-thinking, award winning architects are drawing inspiration not just from each other, but from ecosystems. From self-cooling buildings to structures that mimic forests, the growing interest in biomimetic architecture is reshaping how we define innovation in design. For a firm like moss Design in Chicago, this approach […]
Chicago ADU Rules 2026: New Coach House and Basement Unit Opportunities
As housing needs evolve across the city, accessory dwelling units (commonly referred to as ADUs) are quickly becoming one of the most practical and flexible solutions for local homeowners. If you’ve been considering adding a secondary unit to your property, understanding the latest updates around Chicago ADUs is essential. In 2026, policy refinements and growing […]
Custom Architecture vs. Predesigned House Plans: What Chicago Homeowners Should Know
When beginning a residential project, many homeowners naturally start by browsing predesigned house plans online. At first glance, these plans often seem efficient, affordable, and straightforward. But while stock plans may offer convenience, they usually don’t account for the site, neighborhood, natural light, or how a family really lives. At moss Design, we take a […]
Hangar House Design: Building an Airplane Hangar With Living Quarters
For the pilot who has spent years driving forty-five minutes to the airport before dawn, the concept of a hangar house is less a luxury than a logical conclusion. Walk through the kitchen, open the door to the bay, and your aircraft is right there with no tie-down fees, no courtesy car, and no wasted […]
Airplane Hangar Design: From Private Hangars to Hangar Homes
Airplane hangar design has evolved far beyond its utilitarian roots. Once designed just to shelter aircraft from the elements, today’s airplane hangar can be a sophisticated architectural opportunity for the right clients. From sleek private aviation facilities to innovative residential conversions, airplane hangar design now blends performance, aesthetics, and lifestyle in ways people didn’t even […]
Lake House in Michigan: Architecture Strategies for Views, Wind, and Water
Designing a lake house in Michigan is one of the most rewarding and demanding challenges in luxury residential architecture. The payoff is extraordinary, featuring floor-to-ceiling water views, afternoon breezes off the lake, and a connection to the natural landscape that inland sites can rarely offer. However, that same landscape comes with real constraints. Fluctuating water […]