A man smiling on a sandy beach with waves in the background, wearing a flat cap, puffy black jacket, and jeans.

I've been designing and building homes in Naperville and the surrounding suburbs for over 30 years. What started as a fascination with how spaces shape daily life became a career focused on residential architecture and helping families create homes they genuinely love to live in.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and a Master's in Architecture with an emphasis on Housing, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Over the decades, I've had the privilege of designing everything from thoughtful additions to custom builds, many of which have been featured in Naperville Magazine. Some of my early work, including drawings of the Caldwell Grain Elevator, are housed in the Library of Congress.

Beyond my practice, I'm actively involved in the architectural community. I'm a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Association of Licensed Architects, having served on the Building Review Board for the City of Naperville, and was a board member for the Cress Creek Homeowner Association for over 20 years. I'm also a partner in Aspen Creek Partners, Naperville's design-build firm, where I've been responsible for the architectural design and construction of custom residences since 2001.

What drives me is collaboration. Working directly with clients to understand their vision, then translating that into spaces that flow naturally and stand the test of time. Every project is different because every family is different, and that's what makes this work endlessly interesting.

My Process

  • Initial Consultation

    Every project begins the same way: conversation. We'll discuss your goals, your budget, your timeline, and what you're hoping to create. If we’re a match, we’ll create a contract.

  • Concept Development

    Based on you building program and an understanding of your site, I'll develop initial design concepts that reflect your vision and respond to how you want to live.


  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and circle lines.

    Design

    This is where the design comes to life. We collaborate on refining floor plans, elevations, and details, making adjustments based on your feedback.


  • Iteration & Support

    I stay involved throughout construction, answering questions, solving problems, and ensuring the design is executed as intended.

Renovations & Additions

Renovations and additions that feel like they've always been part of your home. Whether you're expanding for a growing family, creating space for aging parents, or reimagining how you use your existing home, thoughtful design ensures the new flows seamlessly with what's already there.

A large, multi-story house with a brick and gray wooden exterior, front porch, steps, and a dog walking on the yard in front.
A two-story house with large windows, outdoor seating areas, and a small deck, illuminated by exterior lights, with a rocky and partially landscaped yard in the foreground.
Front porch of a house with a curved roof, white siding, and a pathway leading up to it, surrounded by landscaped flowers and greenery.
Large gray house with multiple levels and white railings, surrounded by green lawn and landscaped bushes and trees.

New Builds

Custom home design starts with possibility. We begin by understanding your vision, your site, and how you want to live. Then we design spaces that flow naturally, welcome light, and feel connected rather than compartmentalized. Every detail is shaped by your input and three decades of experience turning ideas into homes people love. The result is architecture that's uniquely yours.

Front view of a two-story suburban house with beige and stone exterior, large windows, a wooden front door, and a well-maintained lawn with bushes and trees.
White two-story house with a front porch, several windows, a balcony, a staircase, and Halloween decorations including a pumpkin, on a sunny day with a blue sky, surrounded by green trees and grass.
Large multi-story house with stone chimney, multiple windows, and a well-maintained lawn at dusk.
Large snowy house with a stone and brick facade, multiple gabled roofs, and a front porch, surrounded by snow-covered lawn and leafless trees.

Client Reviews

“Cory Smith is not only a talented architect, but he is skilled at questioning the client as he seeks to understand what they desire and what their style is. He is remarkable at delivering options to the client and works closely with them to ensure the plans are complete in every way.”.”

“Cory listened to all that we wanted for our home and translated it into a thoughtful design. He was always willing to tweak his designs to accommodate the new ideas that came along the way.”

"Cory is professional and down to earth. He is kind and fair. He is creative and his designs are both beautiful and functional."