The La Grange Village Board has nominated local architect Kurt Volkman to serve as the new chair of the village’s Design Review Commission, a volunteer body that evaluates the appearance and architectural details of proposed developments across the community. Volkman would replace longtime chair Kevin Cahill, who recently stepped down from the role.
Volkman is an architect with the Chicago-based design firm HED, where he works on housing and mixed-use development projects. According to his firm’s biography, he serves as a leader in the housing sector and focuses on designing residential environments that balance long-term livability, wellness, and community experience.
Village President Mark Kuchler nominated Volkman for the position, citing his professional background and experience serving on village commissions. Volkman has been a member of the Design Review Commission since November 2022and has previously stepped in as acting chair when the commission’s chairperson was absent.
Before joining the Design Review Commission, Volkman also served on the Environmental Quality Commission, giving him experience with multiple aspects of local government advisory boards.
The Design Review Commission plays a specialized role in La Grange’s development process. While zoning and planning boards determine whether projects meet legal requirements, the Design Review Commission focuses on aesthetics—reviewing building materials, architectural features, signage, lighting, and landscaping.
Much of the commission’s recent work has involved evaluating proposed signage and exterior modifications to existing buildings, according to Volkman.
“The purview of the Design Review Commission is to review the exterior designs, colors, and other aesthetic features of proposed improvements,” Volkman said in a written statement about his nomination.
Looking ahead, Volkman said his approach as chair will be guided primarily by the village’s existing design standards rather than personal preferences.
“My goal is simple—follow the prescribed guidelines,” Volkman said. “Those are the long-standing rules to abide by. They are not arbitrary.”
Volkman also said his professional experience as an architect helps him understand the financial and structural challenges that property owners and developers face when making changes to buildings.
“We need to be mindful not to add undue burden onto buildings, small business owners, or residents,” he said. “That’s where my professional experience helps keep the discussion constructive.”
The commission itself is made up of unpaid volunteers who review proposals and provide recommendations before projects move forward through the village’s approval process. Meetings are open to the public and are posted on the village website.
Volkman also emphasized that community participation is welcome and encouraged.
“The residents of La Grange are more than welcome to attend our meetings if they are interested,” he said, noting that meeting agendas and minutes are publicly available.
As La Grange continues to see proposals for new housing and redevelopment projects near downtown, the Design Review Commission is expected to remain a key part of the process that shapes how those projects look and fit into the character of the village.
Volkman said he believes maintaining that balance between change and tradition is essential.
“When we think about the culture of La Grange, it’s really about the people,” he said. “Buildings are simply the backdrop to the community that lives here.”
