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Variation Design LLC is an architectural and interior design firm founded in 2018 by experienced design professionals with a desire to provide sound, unique and affordable services. We progressively built a creative practice of design excellence, integrating and balancing clients’ needs and industry standards. We are currently licensed in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and California. Our services include conceptual design, design development, construction documentation, building permit application, bids management, construction administration, and more. 

Our team has an accumulative 20 years plus experience in the field. Our pursuit of creativity is balanced with engineering discipline and technical expertise. By the end of 2022, Variation Design LLC has worked on over 150 projects, mainly in the Chicago area, ranging from correction of minor building code violation, residential new build, various commercial space remodeling and renovation, to large scale 800-unit apartment building construction administration. 

Our founder, Klarke Zhaochen Wang, is a Chicago Self Cert Architect with extensive experience and qualification in the building permit application process in the City of Chicago. We look forward to working with you and bringing your architectural and design vision to life. 

About Variation Design

Klarke Zhaochen Wang

Chicago Office

Founding Partner of  Variation Design LLC
Principal Architect
AIA (American Institute of Architects)
LEED AP
Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota Licensed Architect
City of Chicago Self Certified Architect


Email: klarke@variationdesign.net 
 

Klarke Zhaochen Wang, founding partner of Variation Design LLC, is an Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota licensed architect, AIA (American Institute of Architects). He has been practicing architecture for 11 years. Born in China, he earned two Master’s Degrees of Architecture from Tsinghua University, Beijing, and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, respectively. Before founding Variation Design LLC, he worked for various architecture firms in NYC, Chicago and California.  Klarke has extensive experience in interior and building design, construction documentation, and building permit application for residential, high-rise, gallery, office, amenity, restaurant and retail projects.  He is in charge of business development and practice in the Midwest.  He is also a self-certified architect in the City of Chicago.

Macus Hoh

Los Angeles Office

Founding Partner of  Variation Design LLC
Principal Designer
LEED GA




Email: macus@variationdesign.net 
 

Macus Hoh, founding partner of Variation Design LLC, is a Principal Designer with 10 years of experience. Macus earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Australia and his Master’s Degree from Southern California Institution of Architecture in Los Angeles.  Before founding Variation Design LLC, he worked at world renowned SOM Chicago (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP) and Gensler Chicago as project interior designer for large-scale residential, retail and high-rise projects locally and internationally. He is in charge of business development and practice in California.

Phil  Tu

Chicago Office

Principal Architect
AIA (American Institute of Architects)
LEED AP BD+C
Illinois Licensed Architect


Email: phil@variationdesign.net 
 

With 18 years of extensive experience, Phil brings a wealth of expertise to Variation Design LLC. Having worked with top architectural firms across Chicago, Phil has developed a diverse portfolio that spans hospitality, commercial, and residential projects. His in-depth knowledge of code compliance and keen understanding of client priorities allow him to consistently approach projects from a client-centered perspective, ensuring the most effective solutions. A graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology with a Master's degree, Phil is a registered architect in Illinois and holds a LEED AP certification. He has been a resident of Chicago for nearly 17 years, further enriching his local insight.

Our Principals & Partners hold architecture licenses in IL, MN, IA and CA

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