Biographies of Principals - Smiciklas

Thomas Smiciklas
Principal

In 1991, Thomas D. Smiciklas obtained a Bachelor of Architecture in Design from the University of Illinois at Chicago.  While earning his degree Tom worked at Desman Associates, an Architectural / Engineering firm in Chicago.  During this time between 1985 and 1991 he learned all facets of architecture; design, technical and presentation drawings.

Tom joined Aria Group Architects, Inc. in May 1991 and he heads a studio for many of the firm’s local restaurant projects.  His depth of experience enriches a strong creative design approach that fits all types of budgets and client needs. Tom’s design philosophy is a simple but direct approach in which thoroughly researched product marketing becomes embedded within the client’s vision of a successful restaurant.

Projects include Joe’s Bebop Café and Jazz Emporium at Navy Pier, Bistrot Zinc on State Street, Keefer’s in the Chicago River North area, Grace O’Malley’s in the South Loop, PJ.  Clarke’s and Republic  Restaurant in the Gold Coast area and three McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants in the Chicagoland suburbs.  In 2000 Tom completed the very successful Chicago Firehouse Restaurant in the up and coming South Loop district that won a design award from the Friends of Downtown Civic organization.

In January of 1998 Tom became the firm’s youngest principal. He also had the opportunity to design the gaming facility portion of the proposed Emerald Casino development located in Rosemont, Illinois as well as the new 20,000 SF upscale Fox and Obel Food Market at North Pier. 

Most recently Peter de Castro asked Aria Group to design Tavern at the Park, a classic American fare restaurant in downtown Chicago, and Tom was instrumental in the design of its exterior and interior. Since opening it has had rave reviews and has rapidly become one of the hottest restaurants in the city.  Tom’s involvement with Aria Group Architects’ out of state projects include a  22,000 SF gourmet food market in Woodlands Texas for Cary Attar as well as numerous McCormick and Schmick’s throughout the east and west coasts.

Tom was a founding member of the Illinois chapter of the National Children’s Cancer Society, a not-for-profit organization that provides financial support to families of children with cancer.  Tom enjoys and participates in many outdoor activities including golf and fishing.  He currently resides in the South Loop loft development in Chicago.