This reflects the foundation of Fox Water Architects: Purposeful design that restores, refines, and respects the spaces we inhabit.
Whether you need someone to lead the charge, collaborate alongside a trusted contractor, or jump in mid-project to carry it across the finish line — We are comfortable in any role and ready to work to see your project completed.
“We just want to be useful and leave things better than we found them.”
Process
Day 1
Initial Meeting: Focus on understanding the client’s vision, goals, and project requirements while outlining how Fow Water’s expertise can support brining the project to life.
0-2 Weeks
Site visit: We begin with an on-site visit to understand your property’s unique conditions, context, and opportunities.
1 Week from Site Visit
Proposal and zoning study: Next, we conduct a zoning review and prepare a tailored proposal outlining project scope, feasibility, and next steps.
2 Weeks from Site Visit
Initial concept drawing and meeting: We develop early design concepts and meet with you to review ideas, ensuring the vision aligns with your goals and budget.
1-4 Weeks
Design coordination architect/contractors: Our team refines the design in close collaboration with you and your contractor to ensure aesthetic, functional, and technical harmony.
1 Week
Permit drawings: Detailed architectural drawings are prepared and finalized for submission to local authorities.
3-6 Weeks
Project submitted for permit and review: We handle the permitting process, coordinating with the reviewing agencies to address any feedback and keep things moving efficiently.
Final
Project approved for construction, contractor leading project: Once approved, your contractor leads construction with our continued support as needed to ensure the design is realized as intended.
Location Experience
ILLINOIS
Algonquin Hinsdale West Chicago
Arlington Heights Hoffman Estates Western Springs
Bellwood Homer Glen Westmont
Brookfield Huntley
Cary Indian Head Park
Chicago Kildeer
Clarendon Hills La Grange
Countryside Lake in the Hills
Crystal Lake Lynnwood
Downers Grove Mount Prospect
Dupage County Oak Brook
Elgin Palatine
Elk Grove Village Park Ridge
Evergreen Park River Forest
Gilberts Roselle
NATIONALLY
IOWA
TENNESSE
OHIO
“DIFFERENT CLIMATE, DIFFERENT USES, DIFFERENT MATERIALS…SAME PROCESS.”
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCES
ARIZONA
CALIFORNIA
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
FLORIDA
INDIANA
MARYLAND
MICHIGAN
NEW YORK CITY
NORTH CAROLINA
VIRGINIA
WISCONSIN
Ready to start?
From conceptual sketch toFrom conceptualizing to constructing, we’re ready to design your architectural dream. We promise a client-centric approach that empowers ideas, eases concerns, and delivers quality craftsmanship we’ll all be proud of.
About
Services
Commercial
Historic Preservation
Hybrid Spaces
Multifamily
Renovation + Restoration
Residential Design
Science and Tech
Sustainable Design
Warehouse
Location
Elgin, IL
Education & Qualifications
Matthew Martin holds both a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. During his studies, he participated in the UWM Solar Decathlon House (Meltwater) and conducted carbon-neutral research at the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, focusing on embedded carbon analysis using Autodesk Revit.
Matt’s work has been recognized through multiple design awards, including first place in the Precast Concrete Institute of America National Competition. His skills span architectural design, project mangement.
Summary
Fox Water Architects was founded on the belief that good design should be both useful and enduring. Led by Matthew Martin, the firm approaches every project with respect for its context, seeking solutions that respond to the landscape, the people who inhabit it, and the craft of building itself. With roots in both architecture and construction, Fox Water bridges design vision with real-world practicality, creating spaces that work beautifully and stand the test of time.