Meaningful design can dramatically elevate the appearance as well as the livability of a home. Practicality need not be sacrificed to achieve a beauty. Intentional definition, alignments and balance are naturally pleasing and bring delight when done correctly and deliberately. Framed views can direct the eye to invite and enchant. Attention to orientation, daylight, and view can blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor living. All of this is grounded in thoughtful and intentional architecture, creating the “good bones” of a carefully custom-designed home.
My design process is independent of project type. Whether a modest remodel, a historical renovation, or a luxury new-construction home, I approach each house as a unique creative challenge to discover a solution that is both beautiful and functional.
Meet Erica Blawat
ARCHITECT, AIA
I have a passion for historic preservation, thoughtful renovations, and custom new-construction home design, particularly when creative innovation, efficiency and sustainability can be factored into an engaging design process. Having experienced both renovation and new-construction as not only the architect and designer, but also as the homeowner and client, I bring a unique sensibility and compassion to the often daunting, but ultimately rewarding, home design journey.
I am a registered architect with over twenty years of experience in residential design. As the Chair of the Elmhurst Historic Preservation Commission, an Elmhurst Parks Foundation trustee, and docent for the Elmhurst Art Museum's Architectural Walking Tours, my commitment to architecture in my community extends well beyond the workplace. I also enjoy sharing the insights and discoveries that architecture can contribute to the classroom and learning at home. Through Design In Play, I share architecture-themed lessons and activities that explore STEAM-based learning through various architectural topics.
During my undergraduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, I discovered that I was not only interested in architectural design, but also intrigued by the experiences that an intentionally designed space could create. I pursued both interests and graduated summa cum laude with a dual major in Architecture and Psychology. Later, while earning a Master of Architecture at the University of Washington, I explored historic preservation, merging this topic with my continued study of the perception of space – how to utilize interior alignments, framed views, and intentional shifts in floor and ceiling planes to impact the experience of architecture.
As I began my architectural career, I was particularly drawn to the many design opportunities and challenges found only in residential design. Working directly with the homeowner to establish a unique program and design a building that not only meets their goals, but exceeds their expectations, is greatly satisfying. From the initial concept plan sketch to developing construction documents to refining interior details, a thoughtful full-service custom home design involves communication, creative problem solving, and comprehensive design skills from start to finish.
