Founded in 2017 and taken fulltime in 2025, Highland Architecture is the Chicagoland based studio of Joel Rafferty, where modern families find timeless design rooted in tradition and livability.

Joel’s passion for homebuilding began in childhood, working alongside his father and learning the fundamentals of construction. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Southern Illinois University in 2006, followed by a Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado Denver in 2009. Joel became a licensed architect in 2017 and is now licensed in multiple states.

For 15 years following graduate school, Joel trained under renowned architect Michael Abraham, contributing to bespoke residential projects across the country. His work has spanned every phase—from initial sketches to completed homes—and many of his projects have been featured in national publications and received prestigious design awards.

With over 20 years of experience in residential architecture, Joel brings a personal, collaborative approach to each project. He believes every home is an opportunity to create something beautiful, lasting, and tailored to the people who live in it.

Joel lives in Elmhurst with his wife and daughters in a century-old Arts and Crafts bungalow. Just as his father taught him, he now shares the craft of homes with his own children while thoughtfully reimagining their home and gardens.