What Landon Bone Baker Architects does

Landon Bone Baker Architects (LBBA) is a Chicago-based architecture firm founded in 1987 by Peter Landon that specializes in affordable housing and community-based architectural services for mission-driven developers and non-profit organizations. The firm operates a traditional professional-services model, generating revenue through project-based architectural design fees paid by non-profit and for-profit affordable-housing developers and community organizations across the Midwest. Its go-to-market is B2B referrals and competitive RFPs within the affordable-housing ecosystem, with pricing tied to construction value and project scope rather than seat-based or recurring software subscriptions.

The firm's product surface is its architectural practice and design methodology rather than a software or technology platform. LBBA delivers architectural design, master planning, and community engagement services, with technical differentiation grounded in demonstrated expertise in affordable-housing finance (LIHTC and public funding), sustainability evidenced by its AIA 2030 Commitment and Just Label 2.0 (ILFI) certification, and a structured community engagement process embedded across its project pipeline. 97% of projects in 2022–2023 served communities of color and 80% sit in minority or gentrifying neighborhoods, reflecting a deliberate equity-centered practice. The firm also operates LBBA Labs, a youth education and internship program launched in 2010 that has trained 68 students across 30 high schools and 9 neighborhoods with 93% women and POC participation, functioning as a community-facing talent pipeline and reputational asset. The firm's staff is 47% women and 20% Black/Latinx/Asian/Indigenous, with women and minority staff leading internal project leadership on 85% of recent projects.

Customers include a concentrated set of affordable-housing and community-development clients, notably Bickerdike, Brinshore, BUILD Chicago, Claretian Associates, The Michaels Organization, P3 Markets, LUCHA, La Casa Norte, The Habitat Company, The Chicago Lighthouse, POAH, and Heartland Housing, with several of these developers engaging LBBA across multiple projects. The firm is privately held, headquartered in Chicago, and has historically remained within the Midwest rather than expanding nationally. Strategic priorities evident in the data include deepening recurring developer relationships, capturing high-profile institutional projects (e.g., the National Public Housing Museum), and maintaining leadership and capacity additions through internal promotions and targeted hiring.

Name

Landon Bone Baker Architects

Legal name

Landon Bone Baker Architects

Website

https://lbba.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Landon Bone Baker Architects is a Chicago-based, 38-year-old architecture firm specializing in affordable, supportive, and community-based design for non-profit and mission-driven developers across the Midwest.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architectural Design Services

NAICS

Architectural Services (541310)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable/Green Building & LEED Consulting (BPAHAKAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Digital Design Services (BPAHAKAK)

Keywords

• Affordable housing design
• Architectural design services
• Community engagement architecture
• Mixed-income housing design
• Supportive housing architecture

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Architectural Design Services: LBBA provides architectural design services for affordable housing, mixed-income housing, community spaces, and transit-oriented developments. Revenue is generated through professional service fees for design, planning, permitting, and construction observation phases of architectural projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

LBBA is a Chicago-based architectural design firm that provides full-service architectural planning and design for affordable and mixed-income housing developments, supportive housing, early childhood and senior living facilities, community-oriented civic buildings, and commercial spaces. The firm primarily serves non-profit developers, public housing authorities, supportive housing operators, and community-based organizations across the Midwest, with a portfolio exceeding 300 completed projects and 40,000+ housing units.

Product overview

Landon Bone Baker Architects (LBBA) is a Chicago-based architecture firm providing community-based architectural design services. The firm offers a unified service portfolio centered on affordable housing and community spaces, operating as a full-service architecture practice from land planning through construction observation. Their service offerings include architectural design services, community engagement programs, and LBBA Labs - a youth education and internship program. The firm works with non-profit organizations and developers to design sustainable, affordable housing and community spaces that empower neighborhoods from within.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Architectural Design Services Full-scope architectural planning, design, and project administration services for affordable and mixed-income housing, supportive housing, early childhood and senior facilities, schools, and community-oriented civic and commercial buildings. Delivered to non-profit developers, public housing authorities, supportive housing operators, and community-based organizations across the Midwest. The practice includes schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding assistance, and construction administration.
• Community Engagement Services A dedicated sub-practice that provides structured community engagement, participatory design facilitation, and stakeholder consultation as an integrated or standalone service alongside architectural design. Designed for non-profit developers, public agencies, and community-based organizations seeking authentic resident and community input on affordable housing, supportive housing, and community facility projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• 97% of LBBA projects in 2022-2023 directly address issues impacting communities of color
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bickerdike Redevelopment CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit developer of affordable housing in Chicago. LBBA has collaborated with Bickerdike on multiple projects including Lucy Gonzalez Parsons Apartments (100 affordable units, ETOD), Rosa Parks Apartments, Parkside of Oldtown, and Legends South. The partnership represents a multi-project strategic collaboration on affordable housing development in Chicago.
• Brinshore DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFull-service developer and property management company. LBBA has collaborated with Brinshore on Westhaven Park (Henry Horner Homes redevelopment), Stephen's Commons, 43 Green development, and cityLab 2014 partnership. Represents an ongoing strategic collaboration on large-scale affordable housing redevelopment.
• BUILD ChicagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit organization focused on gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development. LBBA worked with BUILD on facility expansion in Austin neighborhood including rehabilitation of existing building and 37,000 sf new construction. Also collaborated on BUILDLab 2019 and BUILDLab 2023 through LBBA Labs program.
• The Michaels OrganizationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFull-service developer and property management company. LBBA collaborated with The Michaels Organization on Westhaven Park and Legends South A3 projects, working to heal communities impacted by historic failure of public housing through thoughtful and dignified affordable/mixed-income housing.
• The Chicago LighthousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization serving individuals who are blind, vision-impaired, or veterans. LBBA designed the Foglia Residences at The Chicago Lighthouse (76-unit affordable housing for people who are blind or visually impaired) and collaborated on Access Lab 2025 focusing on expanding TCL's impact in the Illinois Medical District.
• P3 MarketscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBronzeville-based development company. Joint venture partner with The Habitat Company on 43 Green development anchored by the 43rd Street Green Line station, investing over $100 million in Bronzeville neighborhood.
• The Habitat CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFull-service developer and property management company with nearly 50 years of experience. Joint venture partner with P3 Markets on 43 Green development, a multiphase mixed-use residential and commercial project in Bronzeville.
• Claretian AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit focused on South Chicago community. LBBA collaborated on South Chicago housing projects and cityLab 2015 partnership that incorporated neighborhood history, data collection, and personal stories of South Chicago.
• LUCHAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit housing developer in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. LBBA collaborated on shadeLab (community wellness investigation around Borinquen Bella Apartments), bikeLab 2016 (making buildings bike-friendly), and other community-focused projects.
• La Casa NortecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit serving youth and families experiencing homelessness. LBBA collaborated on tinyLab 2018 (researching and prototyping elements for a tiny house village for college students experiencing homelessness in West Englewood) and TIDE Lab 2024.
• Moody NolancoreTechnology or IntegrationArchitecture firm serving as co-architect on 43 Green Phase 2 development. Certified MBE firm. LBBA partnered with Moody Nolan on the multiphase mixed-use project in Bronzeville.
• National Public Housing MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMuseum dedicated to preserving the history of public housing in America. LBBA designed the new National Public Housing Museum building, which was voted one of America's best new museums in 2026 and received coverage in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Bloomberg.
• McKay Landscape ArchitectscoreTechnology or IntegrationLandscape architecture firm (WBE certified). Collaborated with LBBA on multiple projects including 43 Green, Stephen's Commons, and other developments. Consistent design consultant partner across projects.
• Engage CivilcoreTechnology or IntegrationCivil engineering firm (MBE certified). Consistent consultant partner on LBBA projects including 43 Green, Legends South A3, and other developments.
• Nayyar and Nayyar InternationalcoreTechnology or IntegrationStructural engineering firm (MBE certified). Consistent consultant partner on LBBA projects including 43 Green, Legends South A3, and other developments.
• BOWA ConstructioncoreTechnology or IntegrationConstruction firm (MBE certified). General contractor on 43 Green Phase 2 project.
• Brook ArchitecturecoreTechnology or IntegrationArchitecture firm (MBE certified). Co-design partner with LBBA on Legends South A3 project. LBBA responsible for the 4-story corridor building while Brook is architect of record for the two walk-up buildings.
• The Walsh GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on TIDE Lab 2024 (Internship for Design Equity Lab) along with Territory NFP, La Casa Norte, and MUSE Community & Design. The program researched Chicago's homelessness issue to destigmatize experiences of those with unstable housing.
• Territory NFPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit community development organization. Co-partner on TIDE Lab 2024. Development informed by the lab will be added to Territory's community space in Austin neighborhood.
• MUSE Community & DesigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity design organization. Co-partner on TIDE Lab 2024 addressing homelessness issues through design research.
• dbHMScoreTechnology or IntegrationEngineering firm (MBE certified). MEP engineering consultant on LBBA projects including 43 Green development.
• LightHivecoreTechnology or IntegrationLighting design firm (MBE certified). Lighting consultant on LBBA projects including 43 Green development.
• BeehyyvecoreTechnology or IntegrationInterior architecture firm (MBE certified). Interior architect on LBBA projects including 43 Green development.
• Ashlaur ConstructioncoreTechnology or IntegrationConstruction firm (MBE certified). General contractor partner on LBBA projects.
• UJAMAA ConstructioncoreTechnology or IntegrationConstruction firm (MBE certified). General contractor partner on LBBA projects.
• GMA Construction GroupcoreTechnology or IntegrationConstruction firm (MBE certified). General contractor partner on LBBA projects.
• Taylor Staten / TnS StudiocoreTechnology or IntegrationArchitecture firm. Architectural partner listed in LBBA's EDI partnership network. Taylor Staten presented at Access Lab 2025 as guest speaker.
• Site Design GroupcoreTechnology or IntegrationLandscape architecture firm. Design consultant partner on LBBA projects including Lucy Gonzalez Parsons Apartments and Access Lab 2025 (Hana Ishikawa led Lunch and Learn on landscape design).
• Element Energy ConsultingcoreTechnology or IntegrationMEP engineering and sustainability consulting. MEP consultant on LBBA projects including 43 Green, Stephen's Commons, and guest presenter at BUILDLab 2023.
• Heartland HousingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupportive housing developer. LBBA collaborated with Heartland Housing on cityLab 2017, investigating community spaces for a new supportive housing proposal within redevelopment of former Calhoun Elementary School in East Garfield Park.
• Holsten Human Capital DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing developer. LBBA collaborated on Parkside of Oldtown development through cityLab 2013 partnership with Holsten Development.
• POAHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreservation of Affordable Homes. Non-profit developer focused on affordable housing preservation. Listed as LBBA client partner in EDI report.
• EVA Design & EngineeringcoreTechnology or IntegrationCivil engineering firm. Consultant on LBBA projects including Stephen's Commons.
• Kenwood Oakland Community OrganizationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization. Client partner listed in LBBA's EDI network.
• Interfaith Housing Development CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based non-profit housing developer. Client partner listed in LBBA's EDI network.
• Franciscan OutreachminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit serving those experiencing homelessness. Client partner listed in LBBA's EDI network.
• Pride Action TankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit organization. Co-partner with La Casa Norte on tinyLab 2018 (tiny house village for college students experiencing homelessness).

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• Torti Gallas + Partners: Urban design and architecture firm with deep specialization in affordable housing, mixed-use, and community-oriented development. Comparable to LBBA in combining urban planning with architectural services for mission-driven clients.
• Interface Studio Architects: Philadelphia-based architecture firm focused on community-engaged design, affordable housing, and equitable development. Highly comparable to LBBA in its community-led process and focus on serving underrepresented neighborhoods.
• David Baker Architects: San Francisco-based architecture firm recognized as a national leader in affordable, supportive, and sustainable housing design. Highly comparable to LBBA in focus on mission-driven residential and community projects for non-profit developers.
• Moody Nolan: Largest African-American owned architecture firm in the US, also MBE-certified, with a strong community-impact mission and affordable housing portfolio. Co-architect with LBBA on 43 Green Phase 2, making it a directly comparable mission-driven peer serving similar non-profit developer clients.
• Eskew+Dumez+Ripple: New Orleans-based architecture firm recognized for community-oriented and culturally-grounded design across residential, civic, and educational projects. Comparable to LBBA in design quality, mission orientation, and AIA-recognized excellence.
• Wheeler Kearns Architects: Chicago-based architecture firm with similar scale and a strong portfolio of residential, community, and culturally-focused projects. Geographic and scale overlap with LBBA makes it a direct comparable.

Broad incumbents

• KieranTimberlake: Architecture firm recognized for sustainability innovation and research-driven design across civic, residential, and institutional projects. Comparable to LBBA in sustainability leadership (similar to LBBA's AIA 2030 commitment) but at a much larger scale and broader portfolio.
• HOK: Large global architecture, engineering, and planning firm with community and civic practices. Comparable to LBBA in serving community-oriented clients but with significantly broader sectoral and geographic reach.
• Studio Gang: Chicago-headquartered, internationally recognized architecture and urban design practice with a strong community and sustainability orientation. Larger and broader portfolio than LBBA but overlapping on Chicago civic/community commissions and design excellence positioning.
• Perkins&Will: Global architecture firm with a sizable healthcare, education, and community practice including affordable and supportive housing. Overlaps with LBBA on institutional affordable housing projects but at much greater scale and broader sector reach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lbbarchitects
• Instagraminstagram.com/lbba_architects
• Xx.com/lbbarchitects
• Facebookfacebook.com/lbbarchitects

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Landon Bone Baker Architects