Edward Frankowski

Associate Principal / Construction Lead
Edward Frankowski, Associate Principal / Construction Lead

Edward Frankowski

Associate Principal / Construction Lead

Ed specializes in bringing client and designer visions to reality. It’s a complex process that he has mastered in his more than 23 years of experience as both an architect and contractor. This dual perspective gives him a deep understanding of design obstacles that are inevitable during interdisciplinary coordination, constructability, and full-scale detailing. This also gives him the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with all members of a project team. He approaches each project with a keen eye for detail, as well as an understanding of the practical aspects of construction.

Ed also consistently strives to find innovative and elegant solutions to any large- or small-scale projects. His expertise is evident in his diverse portfolio in aviation, rail transit, education, parks, and bridges and even extends to his personal ventures in furniture design, wood working and boat building.

  • EDUCATION
  • Bachelor of Architecture, Iowa State University, 2008
  • PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
  • Licensed Architect, State of Illinois, 2020
  • LEED Accredited Professional, 2009
  • Talk to me about….
  • Sustainable Buildings, Passive Solar Design, Reclaimed Materials, Woodworking, & Boatbuilding.
  • What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on at M2?
  • Managing major projects at both Midway & O’Hare through construction have presented great adversity, but have also been great opportunities. Working through great challenges always makes the reward better in the end.
  • Why architecture?
  • Growing up in the Midwest, inspired by prairie style & Frank Lloyd Wright from an early age.
  • People would be surprised to know…
  • I have a dog named Mies that disdains ornamentation.
  • Other than architecture, what other field of study are you also interested in?
  • Botany & Geology
  • What is your favorite design/work tool?
  • Industry secret, some of the most complicated details get resolved on a dry erase board.
  • If you are to design something, given unlimited resources, what would it be?
  • Off the grid, passive solar residential design.
  • What is your design philosophy?
  • Timelessness. Choosing the right materials & details that don’t go out of style.
  • What was your favorite design challenge (personal, in school or professional)?
  • Building a McKenzie Style River Dory (Drift Boat) from raw lumber
  • What is it about community-oriented architecture that you find interesting?
  • M2’s portfolio of public work is tangible and relatable to almost everyone; whether you’re flying into the city, visiting a park, taking the el, or riding a bike along the lakefront.