After returning to Chicago, Brinkmann made a name for himself designing churches, including St. Josaphat's, St. Michael's in the South Chicago neighborhood of Chicago near the Indiana border, St. Mary's in Buffalo Grove, and, most notably, the mausoleum and chapel for the Archbishops of Chicago in Mount Carmel Cemetery.
After returning to Chicago, Brinkmann established himself as a prominent architect designing churches, including St. Josaphat's, St. Michael's in the South Chicago neighborhood near the Indiana border, St. Mary's in Buffalo Grove, and most notably, the mausoleum and chapel for the Archbishops of Chicago in Mount Carmel Cemetery.