The craft behind the work.
Process, materials, pricing, and neighborhoods. What we learn on real Chicago builds, written down.
How to Read Your Own Brick: Telling If You Need Tuckpointing, and What It Costs in Chicago
You can spot failing mortar yourself, from the sidewalk, in five minutes. How to read your own wall, how to tell if the last guy faked it, and what masonry actually costs in Chicago.
Design Build Remodeling in Chicago: What It Costs, How It Works, and When It's Not the Right Fit
I'm Steve from Purpose Design + Build. Here's the real cost breakdown, process, and honest take on design build remodeling in Chicago.
What "Purpose by Design" Actually Means at Purpose Design + Build
How a bad renovation experience became the belief system behind every Purpose Design + Build project on Chicago's North Side.
Custom Woodwork Cost in Chicago: Closets, Built-Ins & Cabinetry Pricing
What custom woodwork costs in Chicago, what drives the number, and how the process actually works, from a North Side design-build shop.
Design Essentials for Chicago Homeowners: What You Need to Know Before You Renovate
Before you demo a wall or hire anyone, read this. The design essentials every Chicago homeowner needs to avoid costly renovation mistakes.