57 west grand avenue suite 300 | chicago, illinois 60611 | 312.527.1500
© Copyright 2023 Lothan Van Hook DeStefano Architecture LLC. All rights reserved.
“As part of a young design practice at the beginning of the 21st century, I am energized by the prospect of designing buildings that support and dignify contemporary life. We live at a unique time in the evolution of American culture, an era of limits; limits on budgets and schedules, on energy and infrastructure. At the same time, the programmatic and performance requirements of projects are more complex than ever. Rather than bemoan this current state of affairs, I embrace it. I use these limits to discipline and prioritize my design process and focus on the aspects of the project, including its resources and community most essential to creating a positive outcome”.
Founding Principal and Design Director, Avram (Avi) Lothan, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C leads the direction and development of the firm’s design efforts. Effective consensus building and a stimulating exchange of ideas define his process, while intellectual creativity and determination distinguish his outcome.
Characterized by a global and humanistic approach to contemporary architecture, his projects are widely recognized for planning and design excellence. Top-tier publications and organizations, respected by the architectural community as well as clients’ professional industries, regularly honor his work with editorial features and awards. Avi demonstrates his generous dedication to charitable and educational causes through years of teaching, advising, and pro bono services. He is an active member of several cultural and professional organizations and has served on the Board of Directors and various committees at Elmhurst Art Museum, Society for Contemporary Art, Harvard Club of Chicago, American Institute of Architects, and National Public Housing Museum.
Avi received a Master of Architecture from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University. Upon graduating from Harvard University, the National Professional Fraternity for Architecture and the Allied Arts honored Avi with the coveted Alpha Rho Chi Medal to recognize his affinity for leadership, willing service, and promise of professional merit through his attitude and personality.
SELECT PROJECTS
Central Technology Services Operations Center
Alliance Francaise de Chicago
Elmhurst Art Museum
Peace Corner Youth Center
State Emergency Operations Center
College of DuPage Technology Education Center
Northwestern University Kresge Centennial Hall Renovation
The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy
University of Illinois at Chicago Lecture Center F
University of Illinois Altgeld and Illini Halls Feasibility Study
University of Illinois Davenport Hall Master Plan
University of Illinois Pennsylvania Avenue Residences Dining Remodel
Illinois State Capitol Complex Master Plan
Roosevelt Square Redevelopment
Ickes Family Homes
Private Residence
Student Housing High Rise
Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School and Anshe Emet Synagogue Master Plan
Legacy Charter School
River North Storefront and Lobby Renovation