Design/Build

We take a special, customized approach.

Sometimes, building the right connections requires a special, customized approach. That’s where we come in.

Our team designs and builds fi re and plumbing systems that solve complicated challenges. Since 1946, our family business has been the go-to contractor for complex design/build solutions. With an in-house team of engineers and designers, we determine what you need, manage all the project details, and deliver a practical solution that makes business sense.

In case you don’t know us, we’re Great Lakes Plumbing and Heating and we design/build connections that work.

Simply put, we design and build what you need when you need it.

And doing just that is no easy task. It requires a relentless focus on innovation and design thinking, something Great Lakes has been doing successfully for more than 75 years.

Through our design/build division, we design, build, and install complex fire protection and plumbing systems. With engineering and design staff in-house and the latest technology and software, we are setting the standard for virtual design using Building Information Modeling (BIM).

With BIM, we create an intelligent 3D model to provide a complete view of the project plan, from start to finish. We’re able to share the infrastructure of our design, providing an opportunity to explore various design options and develop visualizations that help clients understand the work before we begin.

Our proven design/build process is extensive, enabling the team to handle complex projects both large and small. We partner with you to understand your needs, design a custom solution that meets those needs and then build to plan. And although each design/build project is unique, you can expect our team to get the job done right.

Building connections over time

We build clients relationships for the long-term. We do that by doing what we do best …

TWO-WAY DIALOGUE

Communicating regularly to establish two-way dialogue and a thorough understanding of the project from start of finish.

EXCEPTIONAL CLIENT SERVICE

Training our people to deliver exceptional client service.

INNOVATIVE APPROACH

Investing in the latest equipment and technology to stay ahead of industry changes.

The result?

Many of our clients have been with us for more than 25 years, which is something we’re particularly proud of.

“I work with Great Lakes because they bring a great deal of experience and professionalism to the project. They can complete complicated projects with no schedule concerns and they use modern technology and prefabrication techniques that allow the project to flow efficiently.”

Our design/build work can be seen in buildings across a variety of markets.

  • 111 South Wacker
  • 150 North Riverside
  • 155 North Wacker
  • 320 South Canal
  • Bismarck Hotel
  • Elysian Hotel and Residence
  • Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
  • John Hancock Center
  • McCormick Place South & West Expansions and Grand Concourse
  • Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building
  • Sherman Plaza
  • Wanda Vista Hotel and Vista Residences