MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to design, build, and renovate luxury homes in Chicago’s most prestigious neighborhoods—each one a unique and memorable expression of timeless style. Beyond aesthetics, we prioritize livability, crafting spaces defined by understated elegance and enduring craftsmanship.
OUR STORY
Middlefork was founded in 2008, during the height of the housing market crash, to address a critical shortage of new, high-end residential inventory. Seizing the opportunity presented by the subprime mortgage crisis, we strategically acquired distressed lots in Chicago’s Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods. These properties became the foundation for luxury speculative homes, offered at prices that reflected the savings from advantageous site acquisitions. Our very first listing—presented in 2010—sold for nearly $3 million after just 42 days on the market, affirming our vision and approach.
From the beginning, our design philosophy has centered on one principle: understanding how our clients want to live. We consistently study and respond to evolving homeowner preferences—whether it’s bedroom proximity for families, where people entertain or work, the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, appliance choices, or home technology integration. Every home we create is a direct reflection of our belief that true luxury is in the details—those subtle yet powerful elements that enhance comfort, function, and beauty in everyday life.
While our homes are thoughtfully designed and contextualized within their neighborhoods, our design approach is rooted in classicist principles such as proportion, symmetry, axis, and order. We place strong emphasis on entry and spatial progression, and we carefully delineate public and private zones throughout each home. In a city where staircases are inevitable, we celebrate them, alongside other distinctive elements that define our work. Importantly, we are not confined by tradition—these classical ideals are translated across a variety of architectural styles, allowing us to adapt to each client’s unique aesthetic and lifestyle goals.
We aim to create legacy homes—residences built to stand the test of time. While surface finishes may evolve with the tastes of future generations, we ensure the “bones” of the home remain timeless, functional, and highly valued. Our plans are intentional, our materials durable, and our construction practices benchmarked against the highest national standards.
In 2016, as the Chicago residential market shifted once again, Middlefork evolved into a full-service custom home builder. Today, we offer a comprehensive design/build model, guiding clients through every stage of the process—from site analysis and acquisition to architectural selection and project management. Our services also include finish selection and coordination, construction oversight, and general contracting. We bring specialized experience in working with the Commission on Chicago Landmarks to modernize historic properties, as well as executing large-scale renovations and ground-up new construction.
At Middlefork, we don’t just build houses—we craft enduring homes tailored to how our clients live today, as well as how they will live tomorrow.
SERVICES
Middlefork offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet our clients’ unique needs. Whether clients choose the full spectrum or select offerings, our flexible, end-to-end support ensures a seamless experience throughout the entire process.
Additional Services by Our Partner Brands
Leveraging our real estate network, we help clients identify available properties within specific geographic areas. Once potential sites are identified, we conduct detailed analyses, including:
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Zoning allowances and restrictions.
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Buildable square footage above and below grade.
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Setback requirements (front, rear, and side yards).
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Comparative site evaluations. This process allows clients to make informed decisions and rank potential sites by suitability and potential.
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We collaborate with clients to refine their vision and requirements for their new home. In addition to essentials like bedroom and bathroom count, we dive deeper into:
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Aesthetic goals (e.g., timeless, traditional, layered, clean).
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Storage needs (e.g., linear footage for closets and kitchen cabinetry).
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Utility options and energy efficiency considerations.
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Appliance requirements and preferences.
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Preferred light exposures and room adjacencies.
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Outdoor spaces.
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Budget and schedule goals.
Our goal is to ensure that every element of the home supports the client's lifestyle and long-term needs.
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Middlefork assists in selecting the right architecture and design professionals for the project. Typically, we hold all professional contracts on behalf of our clients, providing:
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A single point of contact.
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Accountability and project continuity.
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Constructability reviews and pricing analyses during design.
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Schedule and budget oversight.
With our dual expertise in architecture and business, we effectively bridge the gap between creative vision and practical execution.
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From the development of architectural drawings to building permit submissions, Middlefork serves as the client’s project manager. We:
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Conduct multiple pricing exercises to validate budget alignment.
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Maintain timelines and ensure team coordination.
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Keep clients informed of all key project milestones.
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Our team has extensive experience managing both interior and exterior finish selections. We assist with:
Interior:
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Lighting and plumbing fixtures.
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Appliances, tile, stone, and millwork.
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Hardwood flooring, other flooring options, hardware, and paint.
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Requirements for window treatments.
Exterior:-
Windows, hardware, and lighting.
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Brick, stone, roofing, paving, and decking materials.
Clients maybe as involved – or as hands off – as they prefer in this process, with our team offering curated options and expert guidance.
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Once permits are secured, Middlefork transitions into the role of General Contractor. Our responsibilities include:
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Competitive bidding across disciplines.
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Vetting and selecting subcontractors for quality and reliability.
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Overseeing all phases of construction through punch list and warranty.
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Regular updates on budget, schedule, change orders, and progress metrics.
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ANDY BOWYER
Founder & Principal
With over 20 years of experience in both architecture and finance, Andy Bowyer brings a unique blend of design expertise and strategic insight to luxury homebuilding. Andy studied architecture at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning and also graduated with degrees in Finance and Marketing. He founded Middlefork Luxury Home Builders ("Middlefork") in the wake of the 2008 market crash, identifying a rare opportunity in Chicago’s Lincoln Park: despite a tightening market, demand for high-end homes remained strong. Where others saw uncertainty, Andy saw potential—and Middlefork was born.
What began with boutique speculative homes has evolved into a highly personalized, custom residential practice. Andy is known for his collaborative approach, building lasting relationships with clients and delivering distinctive legacy homes that combine timeless design with enduring value. Passionate and hands-on, he remains deeply involved in every phase of the process.
A Chicago resident for more than three decades—much of that time in the Lincoln Park community—Andy enjoys spending time at home with his four children and two Bichon Frises. Outside of work, he’s an avid skier, tennis player, and traveler, often exploring new destinations with his family.
Kyle Young
Senior Project Manager
Kyle Young brings over a decade of experience in the construction industry to his role as Senior Project Manager at Middlefork Luxury. A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Building Construction Management, Kyle has been a key member of the Middlefork team for more than four years.
Throughout his career, Kyle has worked on a diverse range of projects—from a $35 million prison expansion in Colorado to a state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor hospice facility in the Chicago suburbs, along with countless high-end residential builds. This broad experience has shaped him into a versatile and highly effective project leader.
What Kyle values most about his work is the opportunity to help clients bring their dream homes to life. Many of Middlefork’s clients have spent years building successful careers to reach this milestone, and Kyle takes great pride in contributing his expertise to help turn their vision into reality.
Outside of work, Kyle is an avid adventure enthusiast who enjoys dirt biking, skiing, snowmobiling, rock climbing, trail running, and sailing. He’s also a newlywed, enjoying married life and new adventures both at home and outdoors.
Peggy Monahan
Collaborating Partner, Grand House LLC
Peggy Monahan brings over 20 years of experience across design, analysis, and financial services. In 2014, she founded Grand House LLC, a firm known for its structured, process-driven approach to project management that helps clients realize their design goals with clarity and confidence.
Since its inception, Grand House has collaborated closely with Middlefork Luxury, combining the strengths of both firms to deliver a seamless and elevated experience for a broader range of clients. Peggy’s disciplined methodology, paired with a deep understanding of both design and finance, makes her an invaluable partner in creating homes that are as functional as they are beautiful.