Legat Architects

Team
Reimagining design across communities.

Legat team members working together

Your trusted advisors for purposeful solutions. Our team is driven by the idea that strategy and creativity can achieve strong design.

Team Members

Bryan Archibald

Senior Project Associate

Sepideh Asadi Jouzani

Sepideh Asadi

Project Architect

Marisol Badillo

Accounting Associate

Justin Banda

Justin Banda

Project Associate

Susan Becker

Director of HR

Jody Boyce

Jody Boyce

Chief Marketing Director

Maura Braun

Regional Business Development Director, Chicago

Caroline Brooks

Associate

Zach Campbell

Project Associate

Jessica Carlson

Project Associate

Francisco Carrera

Francisco Carrera

Project Associate

Miguel Carrera

Miguel Carrera

Project Associate

Kathleen Conneely

Chief Financial Officer

Tricia Davis

Studio Coordinator

Daria DeWolf

Associate

Jennifer Dunn

Jennifer Duff

Marketing Manager

Derek R. Dunn

Derek Dunn

Senior Project Architect

Kristin Eastman

Kristin Eastman

Project Architect

Brandon Edwards

Project Associate

Jacleine Ely

Project Associate

Aileen Everitt

Aileen Everitt

Licensed Interior Design Associate

Rachel Foster

Rachel Foster

Project Architect

Frey, Nicholas A

Nick Frey

Senior Project Associate

Richard Gallens

Senior Architect

Ted Haug

Ted Haug

Director of Community, Principal

Brent Hillenbrand

Brent Hillenbrand

Senior Project Associate

Jim Hollenback

Studio Director – Iowa City

Cindy Hopkins

Accounting Coordinator

Kayla Hopkins

Accounting Associate

Ross Jackson

Ross Jackson

Project Associate

Jay Johnson

Jay Johnson

Director of Community, Principal

Kelsey Jordan

Project Architect

Michael Keslinke

Michael Keslinke

Project Associate

Tom Kikta

Tom Kikta

Building Envelope Director, Principal

Marie Kohne

Architect

Sylvia Kowalk

Sylvia Kowalk

Director of Interior Design, Principal

Lexie Li

Architect

Lundeen, Michael J.

Michael Lundeen

Director of Higher Education, Principal

April Maifield

April Maifield

Director of Hospitality, Senior Architect

Lauren Maloney

Associate

Saon Das Mathew

Director of Wellness, Senior Architect

Elise Maue

Project Associate

Anna McDonough

Regional Director of BD, Columbus

Evan Menk

Chief Design Director, Principal

Amy Myoung

Amy Myoung

Graphic Designer, Associate

Douglas Ogurek

Doug Ogurek

Director of Communications

Steffany-Orech

Steffany Orech

Studio Coordinator

Maria Osterberg

Regional Director of BD, Quad Cities/Iowa City

Dennis Paben

Dennis Paben

Studio Director – Columbus, Senior Architect

Scot P. Parker

Scot Parker

Studio Director – Gurnee, Principal

Paul Pessetti

Senior Architect

Valerie Pierce

Project Associate

Adam Quigley

Adam Quigley

Studio Director – Chicago, Senior Architect

Mallory Rabeneck

Mallory Rabeneck

Project Associate

Robin Randall

Director of Learning, Principal

Erin Reilly-Sanders

Senior Architect

Noelle Ridley

Noelle Ridley

Architect, Sustainability Coordinator

Audrey Riggs

Audrey Riggs

Project Architect

Jorge t. Rodriguez

Jorge Rodriguez

Information Technology Director

Ricardo Roldan

Ricardo “Rick” Roldan

Senior Network Administrator

Jeff Sandberg

President/Chief Executive Officer, Principal

Carli Sekella

Carli Sekella

Senior Architect, Principal

Christopher Shoemaker

Project Associate

Mark Siwik

Mark Siwik

Senior Architect, Building Envelope Director

Monique Taylor

Monique Taylor

Licensed Interior Design Associate, Wellbeing Advocate

Tyler Wade

Project Associate

Morgan Walker

Morgan Walker

Marketing Specialist

Tavia Weis

Studio/Marketing Coordinator

Zach Wiese

Chief Operating Officer, Principal

Kalyssa Worden

Project Associate

Rob Wroble

Rob Wroble

Studio Director – Oak Brook, Principal

Len Wynter

Len Wynter

Senior Architect

Legat Architects

  • One of only six firms awarded the AIA Illinois Early Professionals Friendly Firm Award in 2022
  • Collaborative energy of a local architect with large firm resources in six studio locations
  • Just label certified, starting in 2021, for creating equitable and rewarding work environment policies
  • Earned AIA Chicago 2030 Badge for four years running for an average 49% predicted Energy Use Intensity (pEUI) reduction and a 43% lighting power density (LPD) reduction across our entire body of work
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We Stand by Our Commitment.

Legat’s portfolio is backed by years of experience that honor our mission of designing to make a difference. Learn more about how we can transform your space.

Solving Challenges Is What We Do Best.

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Saon Mathew

Saon Das
Mathew

Director of Wellness

Saon Das Mathew, AIA, LEED GA, CLGB finds creative solutions to design problems. Examples range from applying cruise ship design principles to maximize the use of tight hospital spaces to retrofitting a bank into a dermatology clinic. Among Saon’s strengths are medical planning, 3D modeling and rendering, bidding and negotiations, permit documentation, and construction administration. Saon enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her family. She holds a Master of Architecture (with a specialization in healthcare design) from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Sir J.J. College of Architecture, University of Mumbai. 

Kathleen
Conneely

Chief Financial Officer

Kathleen Conneely oversees accounting and human resources at Legat. Her responsibilities include leveraging technology to streamline workflows and optimize profitability. She has more than 20 years of experience in finance at multinational companies including a role as Midwest regional controller at the world’s largest food service company. Since joining Legat, Kathleen has revamped and streamlined the firm’s financial operations, introduced AI and machine learning tools to improve processing times, and transitioned to electronic and cloud platforms. She is an alumna of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management MBA program.

Maura
Braun

Regional Business Development Director, Chicago

Maura Braun relies on more than 30 years of experience in the AEC industry to build lasting relationships with our clients. She holds an MFA in Architectural Studies from Columbia College Chicago and a B.S. in Interior Design from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As president of her own luxury residential design firm for 25 years, Maura honed her abilities in planning, design, relationship building, and creating efficiencies. As a testimony to her skills, many clients commissioned her to redesign their homes several times over the years. Maura was also an interior design columnist for Chicago Woman magazine and an adjunct interior design faculty member at Columbia College Chicago.

Rob Wroble

Rob
Wroble

Studio Director - Oak Brook, Principal, Senior Architect

Rob Wroble, AIA, LEED AP oversees projects that transform school districts. He works with school boards, administrators, staff, students, and community members to create spaces that encourage student success. Since joining Legat in 1991, Rob has led hundreds of educational projects ranging from building assessments and classroom renovations to new multi-building campuses. He has also helped districts envision their future and create long-term facility plans. An eighth-grade teacher inspired Rob to pursue architecture; he has never regretted that decision. Rob holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in architectural studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Scot Parker

Scot D.
Parker

Studio Director, Gurnee | Principal

Scot Parker, AIA, LEED AP improves facilities in a direct and efficient manner. Since joining Legat in 1991, he has led some of our largest and most complicated projects. A graduate degree in architecture with an emphasis on structures strengthens his technical know-how. Scot’s track record with large projects has given him a knack for coordinating people and balancing schedules. He enjoys family bike rides in his nearby forest preserve, and he’s a major soccer fan. Scot holds a master’s and bachelor’s in architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Cali Skella

Carli
Sekella

Studio Director, Columbus | Principal

Carli Sekella, AIA, NCARB helps clients identify their root issues, whether they are facility shortcomings or program requirements. Many building owners and users have turned to Carli to help translate their wants into realistic project goals, as well as to lead community engagement efforts that help build grassroots support for projects. Carli also serves as director of Legat’s Columbus, Ohio studio. Since 2010, Carli has volunteered as a judge for Future City Ohio, a middle school engineering competition. Carli earned a Master of Architecture from Boston Architectural College and a Bachelor of Science in architecture from The Ohio State University.

Adam Quigley

Adam
Quigley

Studio Director, Chicago

Adam Quigley, AIA has more than 20 years of experience in architectural planning and design, plus he’s “fluent in Portuguese and automotive maintenance.” Building owners have called on Adam for everything from replacing inefficient systems to tweaking environments for employee recruitment. He has also led focus groups to create designs that overcome staff concerns and meet management goals. When he’s not in the office, Adam likes tinkering with automobiles and camping with his family. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan and an undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Douglas Ogurek

Douglas
Ogurek

Director of Communications

Doug Ogurek, LEED AP BD+C tells the stories behind the people and projects at Legat. He also helps clients communicate project benefits to their communities and the media. Since joining Legat in 1999, Doug has written more than 250 articles about facility programming and design. He also coordinates the firm’s website content, newsletters, award submissions, photography, project documentation, public relations, and social media channels. Doug holds a Master of Science in integrated marketing communications from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Carthage College.

April Maifield

April
Maifield

Director of Hospitality, Senior Architect

April Maifield, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C manages corporate, hospitality, and healthcare projects that strengthen a brand’s image, create positive guest experiences, and ensure community connections. Her 25+ years of experience include planning, design, and management of projects ranging from small food and beverage renovations to 500,000-square-foot mixed-use developments. Hotel brands often seek out April’s expertise for their projects when previous architects fail to deliver. She received a 25-year service award from the National Ski Patrol for providing outdoor emergency care with the Grand Geneva Ski Patrol in Wisconsin. April holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University.

Jay Johnson

Jay
Johnson

Director of Community, Principal

Since joining Legat in 1993, Jay Johnson, AIA, CSI, LEED AP has managed projects in all the firm’s market segments. As a project executive, he led over 50 projects at College of DuPage. These include the Homeland Security Education and Training centers, Campus Maintenance Center, and Physical Education Center additions and renovations. In 2014, Legat appointed Jay a principal because of his understanding of the firm’s finances and his many successes as a project manager. Jay holds a Master of Architecture and Master of Science in civil engineering (emphasis on construction management) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Ted Haug

Ted
Haug

Director of Community, Principal

Ted Haug, AIA, LEED AP finds joy in architecture’s ability to combine function and aesthetics. He believes that every project, no matter how humble its scale, deserves a well-conceived solution and a beautiful design. During his 40+ years with Legat, Ted has embarked on many project types, scales, and levels of complexity. The profession has honored many of Ted’s projects, whether he managed them directly or advised teams. Ted holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. There he received the Bronze Tablet, the university’s highest honor for academic excellence. Check out a summary of Ted's 40 years at Legat.

Robin Randall

Robin R.
Randall

Director of Learning, Principal

Robin Randall, FAIA, ALEP, LEED AP BD+C leads clients in a design process that transforms their mission into budget-conscious, forward-thinking learning environments. For over 30 years, she has designed and planned educational facilities ranging from early learning centers to high schools. She frequently serves as a university guest juror and shares her research via conferences and industry publications. In 2022, the American Institute of Architects elevated her to its College of Fellows for her notable contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture. Robin holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from Ball State University.

Maria
Osterberg

Regional Director of BD, Quad Cities/Iowa City

Maria Osterberg builds client relationships within the regions of our Quad Cities and Iowa City studios. Her tasks range from meeting with building owners to representing Legat at conferences and helping clients coordinate groundbreakings and dedications. Maria is a member of the Bettendorf Rotary Group and the Quad Cities chapter of the Association for Learning Environments. In her spare time, she enjoys DIY projects, repurposing furniture, making and painting wood signs, and gardening. Maria holds a degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

Anna
McDonough

Regional Director of BD, Columbus

Anna McDonough, based in our Columbus, Ohio studio, builds client relationships, analyzes market trends, and interacts with Legat’s project teams. She also helps strengthen building owner/design team communications by maintaining an impartial point of view toward projects. Anna supports the Columbus, Ohio art community. At the Columbus Museum of Art, for example, she helps young visitors and families expand their understanding of art. Another little-known fact about Anna — she competed in Irish dancing for 15 years! Anna holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography from The Ohio State University.

Zach
Wiese

Director of Operations, Principal

Zach Wiese, AIA, LEED AP BD+C manages Legat’s day-to-day operations in the areas of project delivery, interdepartmental communication, technology, and risk management. He focuses on increasing efficiencies to create firmwide alignment and ensuring projects respect clients’ budgets and schedules. After joining the firm in 2000, Zach became one of the firm’s go-to resources for technical challenges such as code compliance clarifications and roofing details. He was appointed director of Legat’s Oak Brook studio in 2018 and firmwide director of operations in 2020. He has led initiatives to streamline Legat’s processes, standardize documentation, increase communication between studios, and ensure that projects meet clients’ goals. Zach earned his architectural degree from the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture.

Evan
Menk

Director of Design, Principal

Evan Menk, LEED AP elevates Legat’s building design and performance through clear and efficient communication, focus on details, and integration of building systems with architecture. His focus on technical excellence and design quality strengthens our clients’ projects through minimized change orders, avoidance of conflicts or delays, and improved project delivery. Evan leads design, firmwide technical standards, and quality assurance/quality control programs. His activities include constructability reviews of all projects, design and technical mock-ups, and design team coordination reviews. He holds degrees in architecture and environmental design from Ball State University.

Jody Boyce

Jody
Boyce

Chief Marketing Director

Jody Boyce oversees everything from brand development and long-term planning to proposals and marketing collateral. During her 25-year career, she has led marketing departments for AEC firms on the East and West coasts. Jody also has a background in visual communications — she has developed branding and graphics packages for architecture and construction firms, as well as for corporate clients. Jody holds a degree in communications and graphic design from Boston University. She is a member of the Children’s Service Board at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and an avid supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

Susan Becker

Susan
Becker

Director of HR

As head of Legat’s HR department, Susan Becker leads orientation and meets individually with each new team member. When employees have questions about everything from insurance to 401K, Susan is their go-to contact. Susan joined Legat in 2015 as part of our accounting team, which she continues to assist. She maintains Legat’s project database and oversees data entry. During her 14 years in the U.S. Navy, Susan served as a small arms marksmanship instructor stationed throughout the U.S. and in the Philippines. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and revving up her Harley Sportster for road trips.

Susan Jahn

Susan
Jahn

Chief Financial Officer

Susan Jahn oversees accounting and human resources at Legat. She led the restructuring of our current accounting and project management system and overhauled our employee handbook. Susan also coordinates employee benefits including our health insurance and 401(k) plan. She manages payroll, insurance, tax, and budgeting. Before joining Legat in 2009, Susan spent 15 years in the public accounting industry, where she conducted internal and external audits, led risk assessments, developed internal control policies/procedures, and prepared income tax returns. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Jeffrey
Sandberg

President/Chief Executive Officer, Principal

Jeff Sandberg, AIA, LEED AP drives Legat’s vision and growth while ensuring projects align with client budgets and construction realities. Since joining Legat in 2000, he has managed major projects and earned trust among clients and contractors for his straightforward approach. Jeff also established Legat’s Quad Cities studio in 2011, expanding its client base from one to more than 40 regional institutions. He holds master’s degrees in architecture and civil engineering with a construction management focus from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he was an “All-American” member of the university’s men’s volleyball team.

Berry DeSimone

Berry J.
DeSimone Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

Berry has over four decades of experience in the architecture and construction industries. He joined Legat in 1992 and grew the firm’s life safety/code compliance project portfolio to over 300 facilities. He also launched the firm’s Building Envelope Services Team. Berry is a member of Legat’s executive committee and board of directors. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), International Code Council (ICC), and National Fire Protection Institute (NFPA). Berry, an avid outdoorsman, lives in Clarendon Hills with his wife and enjoys spending time with their family in Door County, Wisconsin.