michael c barnes architect, pllc

09/01/2021

Look up. Come up. Drink up. Look down!

The BMO Rooftop is a cool-breeze spot for panoramic park views and a panoply of mixed drinks. 😉🍹🍸 Relax, people-watch, and listen to the show September 4, 6, 12, 18, 19, and 24!

Meet you on the roof! 🎶💚🥂

BMO Harris Bank

02/09/2021

“Change is good.” This has been my mantra since starting a solo practice two and a half years ago. I am excited to now be announcing that I am reuniting with my longtime colleague, mentor, and friend, Dirk Lohan FAIA to work in association with him in a new firm, Lohan Architecture, llc. I am happy that Dirk is continuing to contribute to our profession and honored that he has invited me to be his associate partner. Look for more from our collaboration in the coming year.

www.lohanarchitecture.com

02/07/2021

Excited to let you know that I will be making an announcement in the coming week about the next step in the evolution of my practice. Stay tuned.

01/14/2021

Congratulations to the Orland Park Public Library for the completion of their renovations project, as described in this article. MCBA was contracted as the Design Architect. Wight was the AOR and CM, and collaborated with me on the design work. It was a distinct pleasure and privilege to revisit and update the original 2004 design I'd worked on while at Lohan Anderson.

The renovations include the addition of a nursing room, more study rooms, a sensory room for those with special needs and much more.

12/21/2020

On this day of solstice, we hope for a turning point in more than just the return of daylight. I hope the coming year brings good things for all of us.

12/18/2020

The master plan for renovations at the Orland Park Public Library began in 2018, to provide many updates since the building originally opened in 2004 (I was the original designer). Design work for the renovations ran through much of 2019, and now at the end of 2020, it's a thrill to see the final results of the 3-phased construction process. This was a collaboration of MCBA, contracted as the Design Architect, and Wight as the AOR and CM. My friends Lisa Schmidt, Divya Jain, and others at Wight collaborated with me on the design. The short video here runs through the many spaces within the building that were updated, comparing the design ideas to the eventual reality.

11/10/2020

My South Gate design never looked so good! I sure miss passing through for concerts.

11/06/2020

Rooftop patio dining is a favorite summer pastime across Chicagoland, so the Park View and Tree Top restaurants on the top floor our Dining Pavilion include covered outdoor sections! To heighten your feeling of being out in our park, the supports mimic the shape of the birch and oak trees found around our Lawn, even right off the side of the Tree Top patio.

10/24/2020

It was a gorgeous day this past week when I made a visit to one of the highlight projects of my career. The fall colors really added a richness to the natural setting of the Ravinia Dining Pavilion and RaviniaMusicBox.

10/24/2020

Another beautiful day this past week and a visit to another highlight project, this time to the Orland Park Public Library I designed and which opened in 2004. The fall colors and late day sun really highlight the warmth of the building.

Renovations are almost complete, and include a new outdoor deck for the kids to explore nature, play, read, and attend programs. Wight is the AOR, LA, and CM.

08/22/2020

Congratulations to Welz Kauffman on his incredible 20 year tenure as CEO and President of Ravinia Festival. It has been a privilege to have worked with him and the Ravinia family on so many projects, especially to help bring to reality his vision for the RaviniaMusicBox.

Howard Reich speaks with Ravinia president and CEO Welz Kauffman about ending his 20-year-tenure at the festival.

08/14/2020

Celebrating 2 years in business, but also 20 years since the opening of the Des Plaines Public Library!