LSA believes every design requires a thoughtful, collaborative process. Sometimes an overtly radical solution is required, sometimes a subtle one. Sometimes the architecture wants to be all-encompassing, forceful- sometimes it is discreet, functioning for its users without being on their mind. Often, the best projects do both. 

We utilize experience and expertise without a formal agenda, without preconceived ideas. We believe the best designs are resultant, ones you don't see coming, but feel right because every aspect of its use and sensation has been extracted, refined, and built from a client-based creative process. 

In every case, in the end, every space should be a great space.

Christopher Lawton, R.A., Co-Founder

In 2012, Christopher Lawton, with his partner and co-founder Micah Stanley, established Lawton Stanley Architects after working together at a mid-size firm for 6 years. As well as a practicing architect, Christopher stays active in the architecture community by participating in the Virginia Tech Chicago Studio. 

Christopher received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech in 2003, where he studied abroad in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland, and Berlin, Germany. After graduation, he returned to Germany and contributed to many large-scale projects while working in the office of Pfeifer Roser Kuhn Architekten in Freiburg. 

In 2005, Christopher arrived in Chicago and began working for Dirk Denison Architects. Christopher worked on many high-end residential and commercial projects and was promoted to Associate in 2010. Wanting to compliment his experiences at DDA, Christopher, in collaboration with Micah Stanley, began work on independent commissions eventually leading to the subsequent establishment of a formal office. 

Micah Stanley, R.A., Co-Founder

Micah received his Bachelor of Architecture from Arizona State University in 2001 and his Master of Architecture degree from Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI Arc) in 2004. During school, Micah interned with Art & Build Architects in Brussels, Belgium and Rugo/Raff in Chicago. 

After graduation, Micah started at Dirk Denison Architects in 2005. Micah served as Project Designer on many restaurant projects as well as working on many high-end residential projects. In 2011, Micah left DDA to pursue independent commissions subsequently leading to the formation of Lawton Stanley Architects in January, 2012.