Entry Way ImageLake Shore Drive Beaux Arts, Featured Image, View of foyerWrought Iron Entry

— Welcome Home —

Every Picture tells a story and details matter! The firm’s continued success is a result of quality design and listening to our clients. Each one of our projects is custom designed to be an authentic reflection of the people who live there. Our designs range from classical to modern, paying close attention to detail which is revealed in the finished product. We feel that beauty is achieved through well-proportioned and gracefully detailed structures and interiors. We work with many different architectural vocabularies to create environments which are perfectly fit to the individuals who use them. We have had the pleasure to work with some of the most energetic, open-minded, and interesting clientele which is evident in the final designs.

Architectural RenderingArchitectural ModelArchitectural Rendering

— Process —

Gibbons, Fortman & Associates uses multiple techniques to explore and illustrate the design concept. Traditional sketches and hand renderings are supplemented by digital and physical models. We begin each project with a detailed examination of our clients spacial needs and vision creating sketches and an image book to guide the process. Through collaboration with our clients, landscape architects and interior designers the resulting projects are fully integrated into the landscape, thoughtfully incorporating the placement of furniture and artwork.

ArchitecturalCrafted Prairie Estate

— Collaboration —

Gibbons, Fortman & Associates collaborates with some of the most talented consultants, designers, builders, and craftspeople that contribute to our projects. Putting together the right team is critical to the success of each of our projects. Our projects are intended to be timeless in style and appear as if they were always there. Carefully crafted structures, appropriate for their site and context using materials that look and feel authentic. In addition, technology, lighting and mechanical systems are carefully integrated to work seamlessly with the design, enhancing the client experience.

East Lake Short Drive PenthouseEast Lake Shore Drive Penthouse

— Craftsmanship —

We’ve developed a reputation for excellence in design, client responsiveness and trusted project administration. Our aim is to create spaces that are beautiful, comfortable, and of exceptional craftsmanship. Our projects have been recognized with both national and regional awards — most recently with the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art’s

2016 ACANTHUS AWARD OF ARETE
For a project that best exemplifies accomplishment of its purpose.

— Team —

Gibbons, Fortman & Associates is a team of experienced and reliable professionals providing trusted advice on building and renovation projects. Each member of our team is dedicated to honestly approaching each project with a keen eye on design but also a set of common-sense criteria to smoothly guide our clients through the design and construction process.

Scott Fortman

Scott Fortman, AIA, LEED AP

Scott Fortman, president of Gibbons, Fortman & Associates, has spent his professional career working with the most discerning clientele. Timeless and elegant designs, impeccable finishes, custom millwork, and one-of-a-kind details are just part of the reason for his success. Above all else, Scott’s primary accomplishment has been to provide steady and trusted guidance through the design and construction process by being the client’s advocate every step of the way.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Iowa State University in 1986, Scott moved back to Chicago, began working on custom residential projects, and soon realized that he enjoyed the most intricate and detailed projects. In 1990 Scott became Project Architect at Richard Gibbons & Associates, and in 2000 became a partner and vice president of Gibbons, Fortman & Associates.

Scott has been an active member of the American Institute of Architects, Leaders of Design Council, Luminarts Foundation and has served on the Oak Park Historic Preservation Committee. Scott is the President of the Chicago-Midwest Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. Scott has donated his time to Habitat for Humanity and Designs for Dignity providing Pro Bono design services for non-profits.

Nick Peterson

Nick Peterson, NCARB, LEED AP

Nick Peterson grew up in a small town in Wisconsin and moved to Chicago in 2003 to pursue his passion for architecture. Nick joined Gibbons, Fortman & Associates in 2007 and became a partner in 2016. For the past fifteen years, he has led both residential and commercial projects for GFA across the country.

Nick is an active member of the Chicago ICAA and the Goodman Theatre Scenemakers Board. He holds a Masters in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a BS in psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Bucky Badger was a guest at his wedding.

Shawn Hoover

Shawn Hoover

Shawn Hoover grew up in the Chicagoland area during a residential construction boom, which sparked his interest in the field. After attending The Ohio State University for a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, he returned to Chicago in 2008 to pursue a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Ever since, Shawn has been actively involved in residential design and construction management throughout Chicago and the surrounding area. After joining Gibbons, Fortman & Associates in 2018 he quickly became a Project Manager and has developed projects of various scale from early conceptual phase through construction.

Kelsey Tucker

Kelsey Tucker

Kelsey Tucker joined the firm in 2021 after working in orthodontics for almost 10 years. She grew up in the construction industry watching her dad build custom homes, so she is no stranger to the field. Kelsey handles the day-to-day coordination of the office and staff, product and sample ordering, bookkeeping, and scheduling. In addition to enjoying the many perks of living in Chicago, she participates in at least one Architectural Boat Tour each summer.

Richard Gibbons

Richard Gibbons, AIA

Richard Gibbons founded Richard Gibbons & Associates in 1990 after a previous six-year partnership. The firm continues under the name Gibbons, Fortman & Associates. Richard now serves as partner emeritus and design consultant for the firm.

After graduating from the University of Notre Dame and after study at the American Academy in Rome, Richard moved to Chicago where he worked for Skidmore Owings & Merrill and Graham, Anderson, Probst & White.

Along with being a member of the American Institute of Architects, Richard’s other interests include furniture design, French literature, and painting. Richard's paintings have been exhibited in Chicago, Paris, Los Angeles, and New York.