Meet the Architectural Storytellers
A family of architects who believe every home begins with the people who will live in it.
Our Team
The People Behind Your Home
Cinda K. Lester is an architectural storyteller, one whose love of stories runs deep on both sides of her family tree. Though she calls Chicago home, Cinda has lived and traveled all over the United States. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from the University of Idaho, and later returned from the Great American West, bringing Henri along with her, to earn her Master of Urban Planning and Policy (M.UPP) at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Cinda is a licensed architect in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as a Certified Planner.
Henri M. LamBeau is the strong (and often silent) backbone of the studio. He grew up around the world in an Air Force family before settling in eastern Washington for high school. He also earned his Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) from the University of Idaho. Henri is a licensed architect in Illinois.
Cinda and Henri live in Downers Grove with their two children, both architectural storytellers in their own right. Their son, Cooper, is a master LEGO builder and artist. Their daughter, Kellar, is completing her Master of Architecture (M.Arch) at Kent State University and will join 12/12 Architects full-time in 2028.
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“Every Design Begins With A Story.”
Cinda is, first and foremost, a Lake Girl. She treasures every minute she can spend on the water in southern Wisconsin.
Our Story
Nearly 25 Years of Legacy Design
We started 12/12 Architects nearly 25 years ago, with one small project and a leap of faith. Since then, our work has grown in size, scope, and reach, evolving into our primary focus: designing custom luxury Legacy Homes™. From northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin to scenic destinations across the country, we continue to grow, and we are grateful every step of the way.
Great People, Great Projects
We are not just looking for great projects; we are looking for great people. Every home begins with the people who will live in it, so our best collaborations come from meaningful, lasting relationships.
Designed 100% For You
Big design ideas are exciting, but so are the small ones. How you live, where the kids’ toys go, how holidays feel, what daily life looks like, matters more than finishes or square footage. Our one-on-one approach means every home is designed 100% for you, reflecting your family, your story, and the way you truly live.
Credentials
Awards, Memberships & Registrations
Honors
- The Whisperers Group · Cinda K. Lester, Founding Member, 2020
- The Manor Society · 12/12 Architects, Founding Member, 2025
- AIA Northeast Illinois · Outstanding Associate Member Award, 2000
Registrations
- 12/12 Architects & Planners, LLC, Illinois Design Firm #184003944 (2003)
- Cinda K. Lester, Illinois Licensed Architect #1018384 (2002)
- Henri M. LamBeau, Illinois Licensed Architect #1018393 (2002)
- Cinda K. Lester, NCARB Registered Architect #73824 (2002)
- Cinda K. Lester, Wisconsin Licensed Architect #9794005 (2004)
- Cinda K. Lester, Certified Planner #113919 (2002)
Memberships
- American Institute of Architects (AIA), 1996 to present
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), 1996 to present
- American Planning Association (APA), 1996 to present
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), 2002 to present
Story-Led Architectural Design
Start Planning Your Legacy Home Today
Story-led architectural design, shaped by your family and your land. Let us begin your design conversation.