Construction Guided by Experience & Craftsmanship
Decades of hands-on construction experience shaped by creativity, problem-solving, and detail.
From Law Practice to Construction Leadership
In the 1980s, Jeffrey Cohen was practicing law in Chicago while renovating residential buildings throughout Wrigleyville and Lincoln Park. Over time, the process of transforming homes and solving construction challenges became far more compelling than legal work.
In 1987, he left the legal profession to apprentice with a North Shore builder, gaining hands-on construction experience and developing the practices that would later shape Canada & Klein.
The company was officially founded in 1988 and has continued serving Greater Chicago through custom construction, remodeling, additions, and design/build work ever since.
The Story Behind the Name
The name Canada & Klein traces back to Jeffrey Cohen’s family history. One of his great-grandfathers, Louis Klein, emigrated from Eastern Europe through Canada before settling in the Midwest during the late nineteenth century.
The maple leaf incorporated within the company’s identity reflects both that history and a long-standing interest in sustainability, environmental responsibility, and healthier ways of living.
Creative Thinking Within Construction
Every construction project introduces different challenges, details, and opportunities for creative problem-solving. Some solutions are technical, while others require research, adaptability, and persistence.
One project involved designing a Japanese-inspired master bathroom featuring a large shower window overlooking a moss garden. While the design itself was straightforward, steam from the shower continuously fogged the glass. After extensive research, Jeffrey sourced a specialized anti-fog film originally designed for surgical goggles, successfully preserving the garden view and completing the client’s vision.
This type of problem-solving continues to shape the company’s approach to construction today.
Building With Long-Term Perspective
Construction methods, materials, and technologies continue evolving rapidly. Canada & Klein remains engaged with new products, energy-conscious systems, healthier indoor solutions, and sustainable construction practices that improve both performance and livability.
Projects are approached with equal attention to aesthetics, durability, efficiency, and the way spaces support daily life over time.
Relationships That Continue Beyond Construction
Many clients return years later for additional projects because of the communication, reliability, and collaborative process established during earlier work. That long-term trust remains one of the company’s strongest measures of success.