Modern Homes, Classic Roots: How MBH Shapes Luxury Living in Chicago

With more than five decades of experience in residential design and construction, the team at Michael Bennett Homes continues to help shape an evolving definition of luxury living—guided by the long-view perspective of CEO Michael Klein, whose experience has reinforced a simple principle: the best homes are those that endure.

Rooted in a deep understanding of both classic architectural principles and modern innovation, the firm takes a design build approach centered on thoughtful planning, enduring materials, and homes designed to stand the test of time. Klein often notes that while tools, technologies, and tastes evolve, proportion, balance, and authenticity remain constants—lessons that have only become clearer over time. At its core, the work reflects a shared belief: true luxury lies in intentional design—homes that feel timeless while fully supporting the way people live today.

What trends or shifts are most influencing your work right now? One of the most influential shifts is the modernization of traditional styles. Designing homes that will still feel relevant 25 years from now remains one of the industry’s greatest challenges. As my experience has shown, overly pursuing uniqueness or trend-driven ideas can often lead to impractical designs that don’t age well. Instead, the focus is on grounding each home in traditional architectural forms that have proven longevity, while thoughtfully integrating modern elements.

This approach isn’t about avoiding innovation—it’s about applying it with restraint. The goal is to modernize the past in a way that feels natural and enduring—something that, as I have learned over decades, requires both discipline and patience to execute well.

How do you tailor your approach for clients who expect both beauty and performance? The approach centers on creating classic, well-proportioned designs enhanced with today’s advancements in technology and functionality. Increasingly, homeowners are prioritizing intentional, efficient living over sheer size—favoring quality over quantity through smart layouts, meaningful details, and spaces that feel considered.

There’s also a renewed appreciation for traditional architectural styles such as Tudor and Georgian, now reinterpreted with larger expanses of glass, refined materials, modern lighting, and stronger connections between indoor and outdoor living. These elements allow homes to feel both rooted and current.

This philosophy is reflected in the firm’s 5-Star Living Everyday designs—homes that feel as though they’ve always belonged in their surroundings yet are entirely contemporary in how they function. Achieving that balance requires an iterative design process, with teams continuously refining and revisiting concepts to ensure every detail contributes to the overall vision. Our process is intentionally iterative, often encompassing more than 100 internal reviews, revisions, and nuanced refinements to deliver the level of success—and 5-Star Living—we aim to achieve in every project. While clients are involved at key moments, much of the behind-the-scenes work is driven by a commitment to precision—leveraging both experience and technology to evaluate, visualize, and improve each design. It’s a process grounded in collaboration, high standards, and a mindset that “good enough” is never the goal—a principle I have carried throughout my career.

Ultimately, for clients seeking both timeless beauty and modern performance, the focus remains on delivering homes that are as enduring as they are forward-thinking. As the industry continues to evolve, one principle remains clear: the future of luxury isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about creating homes that outlast them.

This article was originally published by JWC Media in their Hinsdale Living publication.