Architectural design

The Korte Company has always been about innovation in construction. From our humble roots building for our neighbors in Highland, Illinois to becoming one of the nation’s largest integrated Design-Build firms — we’ve always built smart.

Building smart since 1958, designing* smart since 1977

Through the years, we’ve worked tirelessly to refine our approach, improve our methods and deliver exceptional results for our clients. In 1963, that led us deliver the first known commercial Design-Build project, Helvetia Nursing Home, right in our hometown of Highland, Illinois. In the years that followed, we helped pioneer the Design-Build method, serving as a founding member of the Design-Build Institute of America.

In 1977, we founded Ralph Korte Planning and Management, one of the nation’s first full-service in-house design firms associated with a commercial contractor. Through the years, our design affiliate has evolved, changing names to Ralph Korte Architectural Services (RKAS) in 1980, and AIS, Inc. in 1986 before taking on the Korte Design, Inc. name in 1998. In Nevada, our design affiliate is TKC Design, Inc. As our Design-Build program developed, our Design-Build team has always stood at the forefront of developing designs responsive to client needs, adopting computer assisted design in the 70s, detailed Building Information Modeling a decade before it became standard practice, green design when it first entered the market and Macro 5D BIM and VR technology today.

Now, we employ a complete team* of the most knowledgeable, experienced design professionals. Their expertise is unquestionable and spans:

  • Architectural design
  • Technical detailing
  • Sustainable building science
  • Interior design
  • Medical planning
  • 3D animation/visualization
  • And more

The design affiliate professionals account for more than 200 years of combined experience and have architects licensed in more than 30 states. The design members of our Design-Build team include DBIA professionals and exceptional individuals who are NCARB, AIA, CDT and NCIDQ certified.

Smarter design = smarter construction

The design team members take a holistic approach to the design process. Along with our design team members, we start with our most powerful tool: our ears. We take the time to listen to our clients and help our clients prioritize strategic architectural design goals within real-world project constraints.

We and our design team members are dedicated to providing professional design services that fulfill our clients’ needs, adhere to our clients’ budget and schedule parameters and provide buildable solutions that create functional spaces within enriched aesthetic environments.

With a commitment to excellence, we foster a trustworthy relationship with our clients. Our knowledgeable Design-Build team and staff members are quality-focused to provide reliable services in a timely manner. We’re thorough. We’re efficient. We’re enthusiastic. And above all, we’re driven by the goal to exceed our clients’ expectations.

Utilizing our experienced Design-Build affiliate, we provide innovative design solutions implemented using state-of-the-art technology throughout all phases of our design services. And the team is continually refining the process to deliver exceptional designs that lead to on-time, on-budget projects.

Total team coordination, exceptional quality

Our multi-skilled team is experienced in the fast-paced Design-Build construction delivery method. We know materials, costs and the realities of construction. With that knowledge, we provide the best-value solutions to our clients. Through total coordination and precise communication, we keep all project team members on the same page through every phase of design and construction. Owner, builders, designers, subcontractors and vendors — everyone works together to complete projects on-time, on-budget and to Korte-built quality.

 

 

*The Korte Company does not self-perform architectural services. On design-build projects, we engage an affiliated architectural firm licensed to practice architecture where the project is located, and that qualified professional firm renders the architectural services. 

Strategic architectural design: how to meet business goals and maximize ROI

Design isn’t just art. It’s a blend of strategy, problem solving and vision — form and function coming together to create facilities that meet business needs and improve operations. Learn how to strategically plan a project with a design that drives ROI.

Strategic architectural design: how to meet business goals and maximize ROI