At Dan Miller Architects (DMA), our guiding principles are collaboration, sustainability, and context. We aim for quality design through creative problem-solving. We consider cost, energy and resource efficiency, and honesty of design and materials. We work closely with our clients to find the best solutions to their design challenges. We recognize that quality design and affordability are essential components of every project.

 
 

Dan started the firm in 1996 with a focus on three key ideas: full project involvement, direct client engagement, and project variety. Instead of managing people and projects, as he had at larger firms, Dan set out to work with people on projects. DMA’s small size allows everyone to be involved with all aspects of project development, from initial design conversations through construction. We enjoy working on a variety of projects, from homeless shelters and day care centers to commercial renovations and all sorts of residential projects. DMA has also performed hundreds of exterior inspections of buildings, and has led numerous exterior facade renovation projects.

Outside the office, Dan enjoys visiting his grown-up daughters in Portland and Zurich, photographing old barns, biking, exploring Chicago, swimming in Lake Michigan, reading, home cooking, and generally looking up and around.

Dan started the firm in 1996 with a focus on three key ideas: full project involvement, direct client engagement, and project variety. Instead of managing people and projects, as he had at larger firms, Dan set out to work with people on projects. D…
 
Outside the office, Dan enjoys visiting his grown-up daughters in Portland, photographing old barns, biking, exploring Chicago, swimming in Lake Michigan, reading, home cooking, and generally looking up and around. He is currently on the board of di…

Licensed in  Illinois
                    Michigan
                    Wisconsin
                    New York

Professional Affiliations
Association of Licensed Architects
Architects / Designers / Planners for Social Responsibility
LEED Accredited Professional

Bachelor of Science at University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
(Philosophy, American History, Russian language and culture)

Master of Architecture at University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

Some links we love...

sustainable design

Center for Neighborhood Technology  
BuildingGreen - environmental building news  
Green Home Chicago - sustainable interior design
WindSoleil - solar and wind energy


local history and community

archi-treasures - arts-based community development
The Chainlink - cycling community
Great Lakes Daily News
Chicago History in Postcards  
Chicago Landmarks - comprehensive lists, style guides, virtual tours

construction

Chicago building code  
Building Science Corporation  
Masonry Advisory Council   
 


a few more favorites

Chicago Market - our neighborhood grocery co-op (opening 2023)
The Cool Hunter - design, pop culture, modern creativity
inhabitat - blog about the future of design
Civil Eats - news and commentary about the American food system
99% Invisible - architecture and design podcast