Big Yellow Dog Architecture & Design

02/18/2026

It’s all in the details!

In this project, we are starting to add in some of my favorite pieces: the details. These help make a house a home, and reflect the joy of design.

For this client, we designed this gorgeous red oak banister that will be the smooth transition from the kitchen to the family room below. Through this, we are highlighting the simplicity of clean lines in this scandinavian inspired kitchen renovation. I can’t wait to share more as this project begins to wrap up!

01/22/2026

Better late than never! For Thanksgiving, I went over to Dublin to visit my daughter who was studying abroad at Trinity College. We had a marvelous time seeing Dublin, and we had a fun day trip to Belfast. My girls often joke that traveling with me turns into an impromptu architecture tour.

So in that spirit, here are some of the buildings that we saw, that I just had to share! From Christchurch Cathedral, to the home of the groundskeeper of St.Stephan’s Green, I was struck by how the architecture here is so distinctive from other areas of the world. What stood out to me is how the colors used in buildings, the rich browns and the antique stone stands boldly against the Kelly green of the landscape. It truly is uniquely Irish. We even spotted a little drawing that reminded of Norman, the big yellow dog! And if you’re ever wondering what traveling with an architect looks like, it includes lots of photos of buildings. It’s definitely my favorite part!

07/15/2025

Norm- worn out from stamping his paw of approval.

He’s our in-house quality control specialist, and after a full morning of reviewing blueprints (aka napping on them), he’s earned his break. Around here, everyone’s ideas are important in our design process.

At Big Yellow Dog Architecture, we believe thoughtful design should feel as good as it looks—for people and their pets. Whether you’re dreaming of a new home, renovating a favorite space, or planning a pet-friendly addition, we’re here to help bring your vision to life. Bonus: Norm approves every plan with care (and lots of fur).

04/03/2025

Our favorite dynamic duo hard at work! We love our little design space and of course our big yellow dog. Where’s your favorite spot to work?

02/18/2025

Barcelona has a way of making you fall in love at every corner. From the golden light hitting the historic facades to the lively buzz of people enjoying a café terrace, every plaza tells a story. Walking through this space, you can feel the layers of history blending seamlessly with modern life—something this city does effortlessly.

As an architect, Barcelona was a never-ending source of inspiration. The balance between grandeur and intimacy, the way spaces invite both movement and pause, and the play of light through arches and palm trees—it’s all a masterclass in design. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to explore this city, and am so inspired by the trip.

Standing here, absorbing the atmosphere, I was reminded why architecture is about more than just buildings—it’s about how spaces make us feel. Barcelona doesn’t just build structures; it creates experiences. And that’s what great design should always strive for.

01/17/2025

01/17/2025

We are so excited to announce an upcoming panel that Kathleen Glynn, our owner and principal architect, will be speaking on! The panelist will be discussing
design trends they are seeing rise and fall when it comes to colors, materials, and more. We would love to see everyone there!
The panel will be at 9am on February 1st, at STUDIO41, 1410 W Northwest HWY, Palatine, IL.
Speakers on the panel are:
Teri Denis, Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, Moderator
Tina Guziec, Studio41
Vince Bongiovanni, CB Construction and Design
Kathleen Glynn, Big Yellow Dog Architecture and Design
Janet Miller, Sherwin Williams
Kiki Calumet, Select Lending
To reserve your spot, please call, text or email Teri Denis at 224.715.5160 and [email protected]

01/14/2025

We're back from Barcelona and I am so excited to share images of all of the wonderful sights we saw! This is the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar in Barcelona. It is stunning with the columns and the intricate details all around the church. I thought it was too pretty not to share. I always love to explore different buildings as it gives me new ideas to bring into my projects and my clients' homes Be sure to check out my latest blog post to read about all of the fun activities we did!

12/19/2024

We’re getting ready for the holidays here at BYD and afterwards we can’t wait to join Norm in a long winters nap!
Always looking forward to the joy of home with our favorite big yellow dog.