Cinda K. Lester
Partner & Architect
gold MemberDowners Grove, Illinois 60516
Verified Haute Design Member · 2026
This designer has been vetted and recognized by Haute Living as a distinguished design professional with a proven commitment to excellence.
About Cinda K. Lester
12/12 Architects is Cinda K. Lester and husband Henri M. LamBeau, a family of architects designing exquisite Legacy Homes™ nationwide.
We create custom estates shaped by water, wilderness, and sky, defined by timeless architecture, artisan detail, and enduring elegance.
We design both legacy-level renovations and entirely new one-of-a-kind estates, translating real life - mudroom chaos, holiday gatherings, and teen hangouts - into spaces that feel effortless, personal, and built to last.
Every project is one-on-one, fully bespoke, and never templated.
With over 20 years of experience, we work from our base in Illinois and our lake in Wisconsin, as well as our desert escapes in New Mexico and Utah. Our work is similarly found at waterfronts, desert landscapes, mountains, and wooded properties across the United States, each beginning with a deep understanding of place and the families who will live there.
We are licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin and work nationwide. Where local architectural licensure is required, we secure reciprocity through our NCARB certification to support a seamless process in any market.
For discerning families with meaningful properties, we create homes that are not only beautiful but deeply rooted, highly personal, and designed to endure for generations.
Cinda K. Lester is a featured member of the Haute Design Downers Grove network, specializing in partner & architect across Illinois.
Markets Served
12/12 Architects & Planners
644 67th St
Downers Grove, Illinois 60516
View other designers in Downers GroveVerified Professional Links
Featured Projects
Elegant Estate in Illinois | Residential Design by Cinda K. Lest…
Cinda K. Lester of 12/12 Architects & Planners designs a 6,000+ sq ft Legacy Home™ in Illinois for a family relocating from Texas, blending expansive interiors with…
Cinda K. Lester Transforms Illinois Lakefront Lodge
Cinda K. Lester of 12/12 Architects & Planners reimagines an Illinois lakefront home, creating a six-bedroom, four-bath Legacy Home™ focused on outdoor connection a…
Inquire About Working With Cinda K. Lester
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is 12/12 Architects' design specialty?
12/12 Architects specializes in fully custom residential architecture — what the firm calls Legacy Homes™ — including new luxury homes and legacy-level renovations on waterfront, lakefront, mountain, desert, and wooded properties.
Where is 12/12 Architects based, and where do they work?
The studio's main office is in Downers Grove, Illinois, with additional workspaces in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and St. George, Utah. The firm works nationwide, securing reciprocity through NCARB where local licensure is required.
Who founded 12/12 Architects?
The firm was founded by Cinda K. Lester and her husband Henri M. LamBeau, both licensed architects who earned their Bachelor of Architecture degrees from the University of Idaho. The studio has been in practice for over 20 years.
What credentials does the team hold?
Cinda K. Lester is a licensed architect in Illinois (#1018384) and Wisconsin (#9794005), NCARB-certified (#73824), and a Certified Planner (#113919) with a Master of Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Henri M. LamBeau is a licensed architect in Illinois (#1018393).
What types of projects does 12/12 Architects take on?
The firm focuses on one-of-a-kind custom homes and legacy-level renovations. Project types include lakefront and waterfront homes, mountain and desert retreats, historic restoration, ADUs and guesthouses, aging-in-place renovations, and smaller "Not So Big House"-style projects on a case-by-case basis.
Does 12/12 Architects work outside Illinois and Wisconsin?
Yes. The firm has worked on projects across multiple states and obtains NCARB reciprocity where local licensure is required. Prospective clients with projects in other states are advised to contact the studio directly to discuss scope and process.
What design approach does 12/12 Architects follow?
The firm describes its process as beginning with a Story Session™ — an on-site exploration of the property's light, views, and character — followed by a 12-step Legacy Home™ process from discovery through move-in. The studio is aligned with Sarah Susanka's "Not So Big House" philosophy of quality over quantity.
How can prospective clients inquire about a project?
Prospective clients are advised to contact 12/12 Architects directly through the firm's website (1212architects.com) or office phone listed on its public business profiles to discuss project scope, timeline, and fees.
Who is Cinda K. Lester?
Cinda K. Lester is a Downers Grove-based designer known for luxury design, leading the studio 12/12 Architects & Planners. Their Haute Design profile highlights their studio, design philosophy, project experience, and editorial presence on HauteLiving.com.