Testimonials

See what our clients, partners, and collaborators have to say about working with BURHANIDESIGN.

Shabbir and his team from Burhani Design Architects have helped my customer and many customers in the Chicago land area. If you're looking to improve your facility or add innovation to home or business you can count on Shabbir and his team. You have question they have answers and advice to meet your needs.

Johnny Popal

Shabbir's work is phenomenal. He puts a lot of work into his designs, has extensive knowledge in sustainable and environmentally-friendly designs, and is a true joy to work with. He has vast experience in residential, commercial, and faith-based projects. I would highly recommend.

John B

I'm a first time home owner taking on a major renovation of an 1898 classical revival greystone because I couldn't afford a half million dollar plus house in my newly gentrified neighborhood. My spouse and I decided to roll up our sleeves. Brave and risky of us..we know but we're not rich and this was pretty much our only option if we wanted to stay in our neighborhood as homeowners. As you can imagine, we're running into many issues, making mistakes, and learning as we go. One of the issues was being told that we needed a 50k-100k metal porch to satisfy Chicago city code by my architect after repeatedly asking if there were any other alternatives. They said it wasn't and it had to be done in order to be finaled. Upset that we would probably have to take out a loan to pay for it, things proceeded and plans were approved. Fast forward to now, It's time to install the staircase. I decided to follow up and ask one more time about other alternatives such as maybe a spiral staircase which would be cheaper and less invasive. I am now being told yes, that after looking further into things spiral staircases are allowed on a single family home! At this point I'm over it. I googled top Architects and found Burhani Design Architects. I looked at their reviews and gave them a call in efforts to redesign my exterior staircase. I wanted to get a second opinion after my current architect misinformed me about city code which caused me to ultimately waste time and money. I spoke with Shabbir whom was very accommodating, empathetic, and willing to help. He took the time to go over my current elevations with me, answering any questions that arrived. He was very informative and educated me on processies that could've happened to avoid my architects mistake. He pointed out that I could've kept the original interior staircase which was removed by my architect and caused this whole thing. He advised me and provided solutions in his professional opinion. He pointed out that it would be cheaper to reinstall the interior staircase and make some floor plan modifications. This should save me thousands of dollars! I was really discouraged this day as the renovation process in its entirety is draining and because it was yet another problem. Shabbir made me feel better and sparked new ideas. I truly appreciate his kindness and sincerity. The call wasn't a pressured sales call or a typical snooty "you don't know what you're doing" type of call. It was humanized, helpful, and resultful. Thank you Shabbir!

Brittney

Shabbir and his team were great. They were professional, helpful, creative, punctual, everything you need in an architect. He went above and beyond to help get my business plans going. I highly recommend Burhani Design Architects!

Ashley Germaine

We had a great experience with Burhani Design Architects. Shabbir Chandabhai worked on our project and was extremely helpful in helping guide us to the best and most cost-effective way to address issues. We were also surprised at how quickly he was able to get us our permit! Based on everything we had heard, we thought it would take much longer. We would definitely work with Shabbir on any future projects.

Kathy Z
Synergistic Solutions Group LLC

I can't thank these guys enough. Impossibly tight deadline, and their team hit it out of the park for us! They were able to successfully captured (perfectly I might add) all that we on the developer side, had envisioned in our minds, with their design drawings and renderings. Furthermore, we fully intend to utilize BDA's services on the project as we continue to fine tune the concept, and then again through the extensive renovation process ahead. I highly recommend these professionals.

Synergistic Solutions Group LLC
Hyder Abadin

Shabbir and the Burhani Design team are great to work with! We had a project to tear down a small wall at our entryway, and wanted to know if the wall was load bearing. Shabbir and his Structural Engineer, Andy, were very patient and diligent in their work with us. The drawings were great, and worked nicely for our project. We highly recommend Burhani Design Architects and would use them once again in the future if needed. Thank you!

Hyder Abadin
David Leibowitz

Shabbir is not just an architect… he’s an artist. He listens to his clients and designs and builds for their needs, not to his personal tastes as so many architects do. His genuine skill and willingness to design a project to the client’s needs sets him apart!

David Leibowitz

It was a pleasure working with Shabbir, Very professional always responsive to emails and phone call. Work done for grant proposal funding I highly recommend his firm. Will work him again in the future!

Kettline Louis-Jeune

I am so happy to be working with Burhani Design Architects! I have been working with them, since late Spring and it has been nothing but a pleasant experience! Everyone I have worked with at Burhani has not only been professional and supportive but extremely knowledgeable and resourceful. The drawings they have provided and the ideas they have brought to my project have been amazing! Shabbir especially has also been responsive and reliable! I wish I could give more stars!

Judith Gethner

I Highly recommend Burhani Design Architects! We were on a time crunch, and they exceeded our expectations and got it done before our deadline. Thank you for your hard work!

James O'Connell III

I have worked on several projects with the associates at Burhani Design. Shabbir has aided my company with drawings, renderings, resources and top quality customer service. They work in a timely manner and their communication is on point. I highly recommend their services on your next project!

Jessica Nesmeier

Excellent job! Highly recommend! Thank you for your attention to detail. Shabbir and his team are excellent with communication the vision and goals.

Chris Jukubiak

I’m so grateful that we had the opportunity to work with Shabbir, he has been amazing. He was able to help get our permit approved quickly after another architect had taken over 6 months. I highly recommend Shabbir and his team. We will be working with them again.

Justin Carolin

He was very helpful in assisting me in getting my project complete. My project involved a land survey. For the boundaries of my property! Shabbir was courteous and directed me to the right agency to perform the service! I greatly appreciate his assistance!

Emerald Betts

Shabbir is a first rate professional. I had a two flat that need to be deconverted to a single family home. He explained his fees and listened to my concerns about budgets and my overall aesthetic vision. He and Burhan came up with designs that were smart and thoughtful. BDA is a one stop shop. He has a team of structural and mechanical engineers that made the process flow faster. In Chicago the pandemic is pushing the typical permit process to 3 months. He was able to help me secure one in 11 days. I highly recommend him for any project that requires tasteful design and a great bed side manner. He has no ego and great to work with. I wish I had another renovation so I can hire him again.

David Yang

Shabbir of Burhani designed my deck. He listened to my desires and incorporated them into the design. I highly recommend him.

Annie Culverson

"I can't thank you and your team enough. Impossibly tight deadline, and you and your team hit it out of the park for us! Furthermore, we fully intend to utilize your services on the project as we continue to fine tune the concept, and then again through the extensive renovation process ahead."

michael sichenzia

They did a lot of pro bono work for our school and have given freely of their time, talents, and experience. They provided us with excellent designs and 3D renderings which we are using to raise funds for our project. Highly recommend!

Cristine Pope

Shabbir and his team transformed our small, narrow studio apartment kitchen into a bright, open and inviting area. His team communicated with us regularly, was professional, and courteous, and finished the renovation ahead of schedule. They provided a number of design and color options, and worked with us to make the best use of a small space. We really appreciated his work and are looking forward to working with him again on a bathroom renovation soon as well!

Dr. M. Dahodwala

I had the opportunity to work with Shabbir and his team on an initial feasibility study for a proposed multifamily residential development in Chicago, IL. I found him to be highly collaborative, knowledgeable, and adaptive. I was pleased with the results and will look forward to working with him on future projects!

Darshan Desai
Rizwan Arastu

Highly recommend their services!! I was doing a rehab project and got stopped by the city. Burhani Design was able to guide me through the violations, present drawings and got them expedited and certified very quickly. They answered every question I had along the way and gave frequent updates. Their drawings and ideas were excellent and passed city review very quickly. High quality work and service at a reasonable price! Can't beat it.

Rizwan Arastu

I am so happy to be working with Burhani Design Architects! I have been working with them, since late Spring and it has been nothing but a pleasant experience! Everyone I have worked with at Burhani has not only been professional and supportive but extremely knowledgeable and resourceful. The drawings they have provided and the ideas they have brought to my project have been amazing! Shabbir especially has also been responsive and reliable! I recommend them to EVERYONE and wish I could give more stars!

Rha-Kera Sutton

I was very frustrated for the last several years meeting and looking for an architect that was able to prove for me a fresh idea on a home project that has stalled. After several meetings with a variety of different architects that went nowhere, i decided to take a chance and attempt a "google search". I was fortunate to find Burhani Design Architects. From the moment we spoke on the phone I had a sense of comfort knowing that they (Shabbir & Jamali) understood what i was looking to do. They provided a transparent proposal that laid out what i was purchasing. I cannot express how happy and satisfied i am and will continue to work with them to see my project through.

Aaron Del Valle
Lipin - Testimonial

Shabbir was very helpful with designing a gym for an apartment complex. We appreciated his professionalism and prompt communication. He helped us connect with many vendors and contractors for the project. Looking forward to working on other projects!

Ligin Poopady (Param Apartment Management)
Sagar - Testimonials

Burhani Design Architects (Shabbir) came through once again! After working with BDA on a project for a proposed deck which didn’t happen, we turned to them again to help us execute a kitchen, dining and living room remodel. We worked closely with Shabbir to pick out details of what we envisioned our new space to look like and he made it all come true in a 3D rendition. Love that Shabbir’s architectural work has finally come to life in our new space. Work is still in progress but I look forward to sharing the before and after pictures. I would highly recommend BDA for your architectural needs!

Sagar Pandya
Betsy Siber

I have served with Shabbir for the past 4 years on Friends of Pritzker, the fundraising organization for A.N. Pritzker Elementary, a CPS school in Wicker Park. Shabbir came to the organization with plans for a new outdoor recreation area, and then over the next 4 years volunteered his time to make the plan happen. The finished results are incredible and such a huge improvement over what was there before. While working together, Shabbir has been a great collaborator. He understood the limitations of the project and helped to make the best with what we had!

Betsy Siber
Samantha

I reached out to Shabbir for architecture drawings for a patio project. He was very helpful in explaining what was needed to complete the job and reached out to various options to find the best price for part of the project which needed to be subcontracted out. He was also very fast to respond and easy to reach via email or phone. I ended up not needing his services, but would definitely reach out for future work.

Samantha Sacks
Jason Stiehl

I thank Shabbir Chandabhai for showing exemplary community service and creating a social impact for the new school playground at A.N. Pritzker Elementary School. Through a laborious and lengthy process over several years, Shabbir was incredibly able to turn dreams into reality through its thoughtful and comprehensive understanding of the needs of the school, as well as the surrounding community. Shabbir, through Burhani Design, took the heart of the community, the needs of the children and the neighborhood, and created a perfect, functional center for gathering in thoughtful, and fun, ways. It is rare that anyone, whether it’s an artist or an architect, can take an idea and move it into a reality. It takes a true visionary, but also an understanding partner, to effectuate the desires of the whole, rather than the often easier goal of the few. I, and the community, will forever be grateful for Shabbir's efforts in making our community beautiful.

Jason Stiel
Cameron mock

Excellent work, I'm excited to help make this a reality, but really it was the hard work of you and the Pritzker community that make this possible

Cameron Mock
Scott Siegel

Thank you for the quick turnaround on the Project presentation. Your speed and flexibility will not be forgotten.

Scott Siegel
Paul Johnson

Burhani Design helped me with my site plan. The professionalism has been outstanding. Prompt communication and turn around time. I am considering using them for my Architectural design as well.

Paul Johnson
Nicole milberg

You did an amazing job leading really difficult work. Most importantly, the kids at Pritzker look so happy when they are out at recess everyday.

Nikki Milberg
Lindsay gaskins

I had the pleasure working with Shabbir, from Burhani Design Architects, and many other parents to re-imagine what our outdoor space could be at our wonderful school that services public school children across the city of Chicago. In years prior we had taken on and implemented much smaller projects between 25K-100K a year-- new stage lights, art room reconfiguration, new library design and tech implementation, but the outdoor play space was always what all the children, staff, and parents wanted. Yet, we had no vision and thought we had no way of raising the funds needed. Shabbir Chandabhai joined the team as a parent and brought us a a vision of what the space could become-- and wow-- we were blown away. With that vision in hand we proceeded to raise over 250K in a two year time period from our families and secure 1.2M from other sources to make the vision a reality. Not only was the design practical, fun and safe, it was inspiring and fitting to our school's and local community's purpose. With hard work from so many dedicated parents and staff and in partnership with Burhani Design Architects we were able to make our new outdoor space magnificent for all our deserving children, staff and families.

Lidsay Gaskins
Suzanne Morgan

The architectural model of Burhani Park mosque created by Burhani Design is an important addition to the Morgan Model Collection of architectural models of significant religious spaces. Not only is it the first mosque in the Collection, but the 3/8" scale determined by the design firm was very right for viewing both the exterior and the interior worship space of the mosque. The traditional form emphasizes the geographic origin of the religion and the details shown in the model easily interest the eyes of the visitor. This exquisite design is typical of the Islamic origins in the Middle East. The model's interior features illustrate the prayer hall and preparation spaces for both male and female with a gathering hall outside the actual prayer hall. Visitors will learn how Muslims pray together in rows all facing the most sacred place of their religion, Mecca. The model shows the general public how unified and connected the people are at prayer as they move together through the ritual. We thank Shabbir and Burhani Design for the excellent model of this intricate space that will bring attention to its beautiful form and space.

Suzanne Morgan, AIA

Burhani Design architects provided us with top quality design ideas, thorough construction documentation and responsive project services. I would strongly recommend Burhani design architects for any construction project.

Tracy McPeek
Shabbir Moosabh

It has been great to work with Shabbir Chandabhai at Burhani Design. He has designed and executed two buildings we own in Chicago, coming up with a design that enhanced the rental units in the properties. Management of the construction and renovation was great as well. Would highly recommend this company.

Shabbir Moosabhoy
Asgi

There was good interaction and discussion about ideas that we wanted to be incorporated. The designs were professionally presented and when changes were needed they were done accurately. Good follow up throughout the project

Asgi Fazleabas
Gulshan Pandya

Burhani Design Architects (Shabbir) were very attentive, amazing follow through with deadlines, and very knowledgeable of our needs. Their proposed drawing for our deck was exactly what we were looking for. Unfortunately, our plans fell through no fault of Burhani Design. Hope to work with them again!

Gulshan Pandya

We have had the good fortune to work with Shabbir & his team at Burhani Design Architects for the last 10+ years. We have several residential SF & Multi-unit properties which BDA has helped us transform into more efficient layouts with a practical interior solutions adding value to our investments and creating ideal living spaces for our tenants. Burhani Design’s knowledge of sustainability and environmental friendly designs were exactly what we were looking for. We recommend Burhani Design without reservation so that others can benefit from the creative energy & environmentally conscious project solutions.

Fatima Adamji
FMatalka

We hired them for 2 projects and they did a great job will definitely use them again and highly recommend them

Fadi Matalka
Qutbuddin Doctor

Shabbir was excellent at taking our rough ideas and then making them into a beautiful, practical design for our outdoor area. Excited to start the project.

Kutbuddin Doctor

Helped design our dream house, excellent idea, planning, organizing and decor to match the furniture and paints good color combination

InsiyaH Ezzy

Detail oriented and flexible ! They were enthusiast and thorough and worked with us all way through. We would recommend them again.

Absolute Accounting, Inc.
Sagar_Gokhale

We had engaged Burhani Design Architects (BDA) to help renovate our two flat and convert it into a single family home. Shabbir and the team were absolutely responsiveness to our renovation requirements, budget, and timeline needs; and we could not have been happier with both the designs but the actual renovation at work. On that final note, BDA delivered the project on time and within budget, all while incorporating the handful of scope changes that we had requested and unanticipated weather conditions (the team came to work even during the Blizzard that year, to ensure the project was delivered on time ... much to our surprise). I recommend BDA without reservation

Sagar Gokhle
Paul-Hatch

It was a pleasure having Shabbir as our architect for our home gut-rehab. He was very thorough and had great ideas throughout the process. He followed up regularly during construction and always had great advice for us. I would recommend him and his company to anyone doing a large project in their home

Paul Hatch