Jaffe Architecture + Interiors

We were trying to sell a loft property and there just wasn’t any interest. We asked Lisa for her help and she transformed our space. Within a week of relisting, we got an offer. We could not have done it without Lisa’s vision and execution.

It has always been a pleasure to work with the Jaffe team. Their eye for design, attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining clear client communication are all enviable. A great team to work with!

I cannot say enough good things about Lisa Jaffe and her team. We worked hand in glove for close to 4 years -- from concept to completion -- of the renovation of our vintage apartment. The team's patience, thoroughness, creativity (both from a design perspective and a value engineering/budgeting perspective) where phenomenal. At every stage, and more, the team was there for us. They managed the entire process with patience and professionalism. I would work with them again in a heartbeat and would recommend their services unconditionally.

We have had the great pleasure of working with Lisa Jaffe and her team on two apartments. Throughout the design process, we always felt she was listening to us and understanding our needs, taste and budget. She was sensitive to our requirements even as we were expressing them, and sometimes before. Her solutions have been practical, elegant and very livable. The installation of a murphy bed in a second bedroom provided a guest room when needed without compromising its daily use as a TV room. Her creativity in solving a problem of limited closet space has greatly improved our quality of life. We now have two separate clothes closets as well as a linen closet. We were particularly pleased wit the solution Lisa developed for combining two smaller bathrooms into one. The separate sink area and large shower are solutions we will enjoy every day. Lisa's impeccable taste and thorough knowledge of the Chicago market has been a welcome support in shopping for furnishings for both homes. In every case, her suggestions reflected our taste and considered any space constraints of the rooms. Lisa and her team were very professional, knowledgeable and on time.

I originally approached Jaffe Architecture + Interiors because I was remodeling a city apartment and knew they’d be able to answer a couple plumbing questions, as they had recently completed a project in the building. Lisa asked many thoughtful questions during our initial meeting, trying to be gentle while making me aware my time would be better spent developing a cohesive plan, rather than agonizing over what type of valve to use for the toilets! I was more inspired after 10 minutes with Lisa than I had been after 8 months working with another architect. It really did not take much for Lisa to confirm for me I was in dire need of her knowledge, creativity and incredible vision. Jaffe Architecture + Interiors provided outstanding architectural and interior design services. After a considerable amount of dialog and an extensive evaluation of the space, Lisa and her staff created several conceptual designs from which to select. Each concept was thoughtfully developed and exhibited profound innovation, while still feeling grounded and livable. The staff was always patient and responsive as our ongoing dialogue, and JAG’s endless iterations, served to tease out the very special balance between form and function. Lisa and her staff take nothing for granted and nothing is left to figure out later. They are rigorous about every detail and set high standards for the individuals who provide materials and ultimately construct the space. Jaffe Architecture + Interiors is tireless in their quest to do the very best for the client. In addition to the typical services provided by a design firm, Jaffe Architecture + Interiors provided an extremely detailed and accurate set of architectural drawings that were literally both the framework AND the glue of the project. Provided highly detailed specifications, in the form of a binder, which left nothing to the imagination. Coordinated trades and requested quotes when my GC could not - or would not. Reviewed shop drawings with a keen eye not only to the detail on the page, but with the big picture in mind and how nuanced specifics would impact other trades or fabricators. Resolved issues, which ultimately arise between the design and the field, in an expeditious manner. Their ability to find solutions under the most difficult of circumstances always left me feeling optimistic. Assisted in the selection of finishes including flooring, casework finishes, stone slabs, tiles and fabrics. Lisa has impeccable taste and was tireless in sourcing and acquiring materials. I would not hesitate to recommend Lisa and her staff for architectural and interior design services. If I ever have another project, Jaffe Architecture + Interiors will be the first and only firm I call.

Jaffe architects and interiors is one of the most outstanding architectural firms in Chicago. Lisa Jaffe, principal architect is a consummate professional -creative, detailed, value oriented and makes the design process easy and fun. You will end up with a beautiful home that is a timeless treasure. They designed our home completed in 2001 and we are still enjoying it as though it was brand new!

This was my second time working with Jaffe Architecture and Interiors, and I would recommend them highly. When my non-standard sized oven broke, Jaffe Architecture helped figure out how to reconfigure the kitchen to accommodate a new oven. They made my 15+ year old kitchen function better in the process. Seamless coordination with the contractor ensured that the work went smoothly, and minimized the disruption of our lives during construction. Previously, we worked with Jaffe Architecture and Interiors on a major remodel of our 1899 home. Their creativity was put to work to make the spaces of this old house function for a family in the year 2000. Combining old with new, we remodeled the home in keeping with historic standards. Lisa's taste is exquisite, and her input made for a beautiful and livable end product.

We took our house down to the studs and added on. Lisa re-designed the house. We are on the lake and flow of the house now orients better to the lake. Also we re-did our upstairs to move master bedroom to view of the lake. We added more bedrooms on upstairs, added a media room, work out room, expanded the family room, added on to create a playroom/sleepover room. Lisa thinks of every detail - focusing on how our family would use the space. She also helped us re-do interiors using a mix of Mart and less expensive options - it fits well to the personality of our family and all the rooms flow with same color palate.

Lisa Jaffe, the principal of the company, was absolutely excellent. She listened to me, and took on board my comments and likes and dislikes. She made completely sensible suggestions when it came where to spend my budget, where to spend money and where to save. Her ideas were excellent when it came to both the architectural changes as well as the decor. I have lived in my completely refurbished house for 6 years now, and would not have changed a thing. The final product would not be any thing half as good without the services of Lisa Jaffe and her team.

Lisa was a delight to work with. She came up with innovative, functional designs for my project (combining two lofts into one unit) and worked within my budget. I would highly recommend her and her team.

We worked with Lisa Jaffe and her firm several times over the last twenty years. They are extraordinarily professional and creative. Highly reliable and have expertise in all areas of design. I strongly recommend this firm.

Lisa Jaffe and her Team were engaged for the purpose of designing a custom home for my wife and I . From the first time we met Lisa and her associates we knew that we have found the Team for us. While this group is small in size , it works to their favor . They are agile , responsive and deliver a highly personal experience . Each individual is highly competent and they work best when you put your trust in their hands . They guide , provide options and collaborate . If you are bargain hunting in terms of pricing , Jaffe and associates are not it. If you want quality and this is personal , Lisa and her Team are who you want , look no further .You get what you pay for . We loved our experience . If we ever do this again , we are going straight to them . They are THE Best . Cannot recommend them highly enough. Thank you Jaffe Team , we LOVE our residence .

My husband and I had a great experience with JAG. Before we moved out of our old house, Ms. Jaffe and her assistant Ms. Lindsey visited, looked around, measured our furniture and discussed what we liked and didn't like about the house. They took copious notes and very obviously incorporated the information into the plans for our new house. We told them a few things - we wanted it to be contemporary, have a southeast facing kitchen and a wine room, and listed the other rooms we wanted. They built on this to create a masterpiece that we love coming home to every day! Ms. Jaffe is very creative and has a keen eye for decorating. Ms. Lindsey has every detail on paper and in her head, so that there were almost no surprises while the house was being built. Ms. Jaffe put in a lot of beautiful architectural features that we would not have imagined, such as a skylight and multi-surfaced walls, guided us when our ideas were bad, and followed our wishes when our tastes differed from hers. Ms. Lindsey made sure that all the details were perfect, such as making sure that the shelves behind our cabinet-door mounted spice racks are shorter than the other shelves, so the doors can close with the racks on them. They also helped with interior design, with the same attention to detail. JAG also has a great office staff that was able to keep us updated when Ms. Jaffe and Ms. Lindsey were not immediately available. We think this firm's fees are probably higher than average, but worth it. All in all, a very positive experience.