Our History

Argianas began in 1992 with a simple observation by Charles G. (“Chuck”) Argianas: in real estate, there were plenty of questions—and too many answers starting from the wrong premise. Chuck set out to flip the script: start with a real conversation, frame the problem precisely, then deliver disciplined analysis that helps people decide with confidence.

Where we come from

Before Argianas, Chuck watched his father, George Argianas, return from service on Navy aircraft carriers and build Arc Realty, a Chicago brokerage that lasted more than two decades. It wasn’t flashy—just honest work: brokering, owning, and managing properties across Chicagoland. That owner’s mindset shaped us: take care of people, respect the asset, do the right thing even when no one’s watching.

Experience that compounds

Chuck’s path ran through First National Bank of Chicago (later JPMorgan), Deloitte, brokerage, law, and ultimately MAI-designated appraisal. After more than 35 years in the arena, you develop judgment that doesn’t blink under scrutiny—training others, teaching what holds up, and thinking critically about the facts. Our practice became known for litigation, special-purpose and one-of-a-kind asset valuation, and expert witness support that aligns tightly with the valuation record.

"We're not in an ivory tower. We teach, we explain, and we stand behind our work."

A practice that pays it forward

We’re proud of our body of work—and equally proud of the professionals we’ve trained who now practice in the space. A highlight for us is working alongside Alexander Argianas. He began in science, then completed his appraisal coursework and hours and joined full time. Careers take unexpected turns; excellence travels well.

• Designations: Chuck is an attorney and MAI-designated appraiser.
• Advancement: Alexander has completed all required coursework and hours and is advancing in the profession.

Who we serve today

We primarily serve attorneys and litigation teams and clients with one-of-a-kind or special-use properties. Much of our work is confidential; we’re happy to discuss representative matters in isolation to understand how we can best assist.

• Focus areas: litigation support, expert testimony, special-purpose valuation, and defensible, evidence-ready reporting.
• Geography: across the continental United States, with select international engagements.

Owners at heart

Alongside advisory, we own, manage, develop, and improve a modest portfolio in Chicagoland. Staying close to real operating economics—leasing, capital planning, and day-to-day decisions—sharpens the same judgment we bring to valuation and testimony.

The JLL chapter

We merged into JLL’s Complex Real Estate Analysis & Litigation Support team—bringing our small-firm culture of honesty, integrity, exceptional people, and excellence onto a polished, global platform. What changed is our reach and resources. What hasn’t changed is how we think, how we work with clients, and how we show up.

What lives here now

This site is the permanent home for our legacy materials and a selection of new writings on property development and management. It’s also where you’ll find how to work with our expert team and how we continue to manage our own portfolio.

Our values

• Respect, always. Take care of people; treat every matter with clarity and candor.
• Rigor over rhetoric. Methods that hold up; communication that clients and courts can follow.
• Ownership mindset. Advice grounded in how assets really operate.
• Teach what you know. Share the why, not just the what.

When problems get complex, people know who to call.