Additions & Renovations

Expanding and Enhancing Your Home

At Spirit Lake Studio, additions and renovations are integral to our practice. With roots in the bustling Chicago metro area, where residential renovation thrives, we’ve cultivated a diverse portfolio of projects. From small updates to large-scale additions, our expertise ensures that every project is handled with the highest standard of care. As a licensed architect, I specialize in designs that seamlessly blend new elements with existing structures, preserving the character of your home while enhancing functionality.

Featured Additions & Renovations

Cape Cod Addition – Glen Ellyn, IL

Guided by "Spacious but Quaint" principles, this addition to a 1930s Cape Cod home includes a new kitchen, dining area, and family room, perfectly meeting the needs of a growing family.

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Bungalow Addition – West Des Moines, IA

This cherished family home received a complete exterior update, a new great room, a primary suite, and an attached garage. Rooflines were carefully harmonized to preserve the original bungalow's charm.

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Existing House

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Suburban Addition – Palatine, IL

On an irregular site, angles solved unique challenges. This renovation added light-filled spaces and corrected circulation issues, transforming the home’s functionality.

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Modern House Addition – West Des Moines, IA

A Contemporary California-style 1970s home was expanded with a new family room and deck, built above a three-car garage. Updated materials added warmth and variety to the design.

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Beaverdale Cape Addition – Des Moines, IA

This modest addition seamlessly integrates with the original 1940s brick Cape Cod home. Salvaged brick was reused on the facade, maintaining authenticity. "Everyone thinks it’s original," said the owners.

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Original House

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Second Story Additions & Whole House Renovations

From expanding summer cottages into full-time residences to dramatically restyling modest homes, our designs prioritize harmony and functionality. Dormers and porches add charm while connecting new spaces to existing ones.

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Original House

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Second Story Addition/Whole House renovation

Originally built as a summer cottage, this house was expanded and restyled as a fulltime residence. A particular challenge was connecting the oringal house to the existing garage. The dormers give the house simple character, invoking the "spacious, but Quaint" feature prevelent in many of our designs.

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Original cottage house

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Misc Residential Addition Projects

Snipets from past projects and projects under construction.

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Let’s Design Your Story Together!

Whether you’re planning an addition or renovation, Spirit Lake Studio will help expand your home while honoring its unique story. Contact us today to start your journey.