Heidi Lightner, AIA

Founder & Design Principal
heidi@hlightner.com | 312-848-1853

Heidi’s passion for architecture and design has deep roots. From a very young age, she exhibited the creativity and problem-solving skills that would aid her as an architect, as well as the leadership and tenacity to carve her own path. After earning her Masters in Architecture from the University of Illinois, Heidi worked for esteemed architecture and design firms Booth Hansen and Gary Lee Partners, where she handled every aspect of a project’s life cycle as an architect, designer, and project manager.

The foundation of Heidi Lightner Architects was built on Heidi’s diverse and acclaimed projects and clients, such as the Restoration Hardware Flagship Chicago Store, 1100 N State Street and What If Syndicate developments, Pilot Project Brewing and many private residences, including a historic Howard Van Doren Shaw residence in Kenwood, which was featured in luxe. magazine.

When not at the office, Heidi draws on her positivity and effervescent personality to explore Chicago and the broader world with her husband Brad and two daughter’s, Elliot and Jane. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, was a Co-Director of the AIA Chicago Bridge program and a 10,000 Small Businesses transFORM scholar.