Team

Dan Earles

Principal

Describe yourself. “With me, the glass is always half full, never half empty. It’s a philosophy that guides everything I do – helping clients create solutions, and directing the ongoing evolution of EAA. That’s who I am, always looking for the best qualities in everyone. “

Pencil and paper in hand, Dan sketched his first floor plan in 5th grade. That early love of drawing and defining space would quickly become his passion. After more than 30 years in the architectural field and a business owner for more than 20 years, he brings that same inquisitive mind and love of architecture to every project.

Through extensive work with Chicago’s premier landlords and businesses, Dan has helped shape interiors for many of Chicago’s treasured architectural buildings. That knowledge base is invaluable when helping clients define, adapt, reuse, and reconfigure their spaces.

The environment at EAA is one of collaboration, openness and trust. Dan sets that tone. His caring, trusting personality and his ability to listen to what people say, is part of the reason why employees stay for many years and clients return with more business.

Education:
Lawrence Technical University – B.S. in Architecture

Licensed Architect  IL, IN, WI, AIA Member

LEED AP ID+C, ALA Member

• phone: 312.768.4211
• email: dearles@eaachicago.com

Matt Kelly

Associate Principal

Why architecture? “There’s a tangibility to this profession that is tough to match. I’ve always had a sense of pride in the fact that, at any point now or in the future, I can actually experience what I’ve spent my career doing.”

Matt’s fascination with architectural design began at the early age of 7 when he sketched out plans for an addition to his family’s house. Today, he is an invaluable member of the firm’s leadership team, helping shape client services and business development initiatives.

Matt approaches architectural design as a way of helping shape a client’s environment to ensure that the work space contributes to productivity. When he’s not managing client projects, he likes to recharge with a run or bike along Chicago’s lakefront–the ultimate escape.

Education:
University of Illinois—Master of Architecture
Miami University—B.A. in Architecture
Licensed Architect—IL, MI, OH, MN, IA, KS, MS, NY, TX
AIA Member
LEED Green Associate
NCARB Certified

• phone: 312.768.4216
• email: mkelly@eaachicago.com

Bill Rossi

Chief Financial Officer

Best part of your job? “The challenges, the variety, and the opportunity – and seeing it all come together as we build and grow an extremely talented firm that clients have ultimate faith in.”

A quick mind and a strong background in business operations and marketing makes Bill ideally suited to this multi-dimensional role at EAA. His responsibilities cover a wide range, from overseeing the financial and accounting operations to providing strategic direction on long term company growth initiatives.

Bill has an uncanny ability to see the big picture without losing sight of the day to day. He has a sixth sense about him, a unique vision and business sense which allows him to seize opportunities and motivate others to move toward their goals.

Education:
DePaul Graduate School of Business—Master of Business Administration

• phone: 312.768.4227
• email: brossi@eaachicago.com

Molly Weslow

Accounting Assistant

What do you like the most about your job? “I love the people and the fast pace. I am learning something new every day in a fun environment.”

Molly has an engaging personality that is a perfect fit for our accounting department. She’s quick to turn a smile and make a client or vendor feel at home. She’s also super-efficient, helping to facilitate the firm’s finances and manage our busy work flow, and always gives her all to each project.

She was raised in suburban Chicago and loves the city and all it has to offer, particularly the Blackhawks! She also likes to travel and go shopping along Michigan Avenue. She’s always had an interest in architecture and looks forward to continuing to learn the industry through EAA.

Education:

University of Illinois—Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

 

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• phone: 312-768-4238
• email: mweslow@eaachicago.com

Ilana Sepiashvili

Business Development Manager

What’s your favorite building in Chicago? “The Historic Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., an overlooked architectural gem with a fabulous view of the lake.”

Ilana enjoys Interacting with people and helping businesses understand the many benefits of applying the right architecture and design elements to their spaces. As Business Development Manager, she puts her optimistic outlook and warm personality to work, helping to expand the firm’s reach throughout Chicago and Northwest Indiana. She thrives on the creative freedom of her job and the many opportunities to think outside of the box and brainstorm ideas with colleagues and clients. In her spare time, she likes to travel, read and spend time with family.

Education:

Harrington Institute of Design—Bachelor in Interior Design

Tel-Aviv University—Business and Communications

• phone: 312-768-4224
• email: isepiashvili@eaachicago.com

Kelley Gerding

Marketing Manager

My favorite spot in Chicago? “The 606 trail, where parks, people, and art converge. I love to go there with my dog, Dharma, and enjoy the views of the city and the plantings.”

Kelley is a strategic thinker who is always looking for creative ways to raise awareness for the firm, its people and its unique projects. She thrives in a busy environment and enjoys juggling multiple projects as they move from creation to completion.

She is an outdoor enthusiast and previously spent time hiking, skiing, and rock climbing while living in Montana. She has traveled extensively, taking in the sights and people in many U.S. cities, as well as in England, Iceland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Ireland.

When she’s not working, she can be found working on her latest passion — homebrewing. This pastime has quickly taken over her garage, where she spends many hours testing new recipes, labeling each batch, and bottling the results.

 

Education:

University of Montana, Bachelor’s Degree, Media Arts

• phone: 312-768-4221
• email: kgerding@eaachicago.com

Jaquelin Lynn

Project Manager

What do you like most about your work? “I love creating beautiful spaces that solve people’s problems and improve their everyday lives.”

Jaquelin comes from a creative family, with a strong focus on art and graphic design. While she grew learning about various forms of art, she also developed a love of math. That combination provides the perfect background for her role at EAA. She brings a creative mindset to helping clients with their space planning and architectural needs.

She also loves to travel and has seen several countries in Europe, along with sections of Mexico and Japan. When she’s not working, she likes to take in all that Chicago has to offer, including the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in Lincoln Park. She likes the secluded, natural setting because it is “drastically and refreshingly different from the surrounding city.”
Education:

Illinois Institute of Technology—Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

• phone: 312-768-4235
• email: jlynn@eaachicago.com

AJ Finn

Project Manager

Your best qualities? “I thrive on discourse and the exchange of ideas. Luckily, this translates well when working with colleagues and clients to solve space-related challenges and create opportunities.”

AJ is an intuitive person who loves to face challenges and solve problems. He enjoys guiding the overall architectural process, from interpreting client needs to creating space plans to implementing the finished architectural design plan. When he’s not at work, he likes hiking, biking, camping and skiing–anything to be outdoors. His favorite spot in Chicago is the Ando Gallery at the Art Institute.

Education:
Tulane University School of Architecture—Master of Architecture

• phone: 312.768.4229
• email: ajfinn@eaachicago.com

Stephanie McClelland

Design Director

Why interior design? “I’m drawn to design because it’s a renewable resource for creativity and ingenuity. Every day, every project, every client provides a new opportunity to invent.”

At the young age of 10, Stephanie was drawn to interior design by a school assignment that asked students to research a career of their choosing. What would it be like to redesign interior spaces, select finishes and create unique color schemes? She knew she’d found her calling.

At EAA, she channels her creative energies into designs that provide the right mix of innovation, customization and practicality. She strives to create environments that reflect each client’s unique culture.

Her favorite spot in Chicago? The mid-point of the Wells Street Bridge pedestrian walk-way at night. The city is illuminated and always looks magnificent.

Education:
The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago—Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design
NCIDQ Certification, State of Illinois

• phone: 312.768.4219
• email: smcclelland@eaachicago.com

Kelsey Kronborg-Mogil

Interior Designer

What’s the best part about interior design and architecture? “Being able to unleash my creative side in a setting that blends my love of drawing with my fascination with solving puzzles. I get to sort through a puzzle artistically and help clients make amazing transformations.”

Kelsey has a natural love of all things Chicago (including its sport teams), having grown up in the Northwest suburbs to Chicago-born parents. Through frequent trips downtown she grew to appreciate the amazing architecture, old and new, and the many opportunities to explore the city’s culture and social events.

As she learned about the history of Chicago’s grid system and the Columbian Exposition, her love of design was solidified. When she’s not working and drawing, she loves to travel and socialize with friends.

Education:

Illinois State University—Bachelor of Science, Interior and Environmental Design

• phone: 312.768.4222
• email: kmogil@eaachicago.com

Chris Lozano

Interior Designer

Why a career in interior design? “As a child I was very much intrigued with drawing.  As I continued with my love of the fine arts, I wanted to blend art with a profession that could create a lasting impression on the world and make people feel inspired.”  

What better way than interior design?

Chris brings a fascination with drawing and design to her role at EAA. She is a dedicated team member who is persistent and resourceful in identifying creative design solutions and meeting client needs.

She hails from Northwest Indiana, but has always felt a connection to Chicago and its architecture, business culture, and fun social scene.

When she’s not working, she loves to watch movies and play the ukulele.

Education:

Indiana University of Bloomington—Bachelor of Science, Interior Design

• phone: 312.768.4220
• email: clozano@eaachicago.com

Katrina Rice

Interior Designer

Why architecture and design? “It’s amazing how design can completely transform a person’s experience in a space. I love that I can be part of creating beautiful spaces for people to enjoy.”

Katrina is passionate about interior design and brings a natural sense of curiosity to her work with clients. She has a strong work ethic and loves to learn and add new perspectives to a project, making her a great fit for the EAA team. In her spare time, she likes to travel and explore new places, particularly the many outdoor walking trails connecting Chicago’s neighborhoods.

Education:

Illinois State University—Bachelor’s of Interior and Environmental Design

• phone: 312-768-4215
• email: krice@eaachicago.com

Thomas (Trey) Byrom III

Interior Designer

Best part of the job?  “Seeing your concept/vision come to life. It’s a very rewarding part of the job, seeing it all come together and in the end, seeing a smile on the client’s face.”

Trey’s fascination with drawing and design began during his teen years in Texas, where he spent summers helping relatives on residential construction sites. He once spent two months in Colorado building a log cabin with his uncle. When he wasn’t pounding nails on a roof, he would sketch out futuristic subdivisions, complete with streetscapes and exterior housing elevations. One such sketch was a prominent showpiece on his great grandmother’s dining room shelf.

Today, when he’s not designing interior spaces for office clients, Trey enjoys landscaping and traveling to warmer climates, such as Florida and California.

His most famous moment? Landing in Time Magazine as a kid in 1984, watching the summer Olympics’ torch move through Collinsville, TX.

Education:

Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago  B.F.A. Interior Design

• phone: 312-768-4232
• email: tbyrom@eaachicago.com

Mark Nemecek

Senior Architectural Associate

What led you to architecture? “I’ve always enjoyed drawing and making things by hand. I love the satisfaction that comes from seeing a project completed after weeks or months of working through the many stages.”

Mark is a great team player with a natural curiosity of architecture, drawing and art. He enjoys the fast pace and variety of work at EAA, and can always be counted on to help with extra projects.  He’s a detail-oriented person who thrives on client satisfaction and giving 120 percent to each project.

He enjoys playing the guitar, bowling, golfing, biking and fishing. When not at work, he can be found building furniture for family and friends and, of course, hanging out along the lakefront in the summer.

Education:

University of Illinois—Bachelor of Science in Architecture

 

 

 

 

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• phone: 312-768-4236
• email: mnemecek@eaachicago.com

Lucio Garcilazo

Architectural Associate

Favorite place in Chicago. “The lakefront. The summers here are short, so it’s always nice when we get to enjoy the lake.”

Lucio entered the architectural field by happenstance in high school, selecting a drafting class that would eventually lead to a more involved drawing requirement. Those early years were instrumental in moving Lucio toward a career in architectural drawing and CAD design.

At EAA, Lucio is an invaluable team member, always willing to jump in on a complicated project or help out another employee who is working through a challenging assignment.

While CAD design challenges are always welcome, Lucio also likes to take a little downtime outside of work to move plants around and redesign the garden; enjoy a little music and soak in all that Chicago has to offer.

Education:
Robert Morris College—Associate Degree in Applied Science

• phone: 312.768.4230
• email: lgarcilazo@eaachicago.com

Lauren Evans

Architectural Associate

Lauren is an energetic and enthusiastic member of the EAA team and brings a natural curiosity to every client assignment. She loves to learn about her clients and the work they do – and translate that knowledge into an architectural plan to fits their unique requirements.

She is drawn to architecture and design by the allure of creating something from scratch. She likes the challenge of trying to conceptualize an idea – and turn it into a winning design for a client.

“Design is one of the strongest forms of communication because it allows others the opportunity to experience what you’re trying to communicate,” she says.

Lauren hails from Memphis, but readily admits that she has never been to Graceland. She loves to sketch, paint, and listen to music. She graduated from a five-year architectural program at the Fay Jones School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas. While there, she studied abroad in Rome, Italy, working on a project aimed at revitalizing the ancient Aurelian Walls.

Education:

University of Arkansas: Bachelor of Architecture

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• phone: 312.768.4226
• email: levans@eaachicago.com

Aliana Ramos

Architectural Associate

Why architecture? “I was pulled into the world of architecture during family trips when I was little. Seeing the culture of different cities inspired me to contribute. I love how the design of a microclimate can affect a single person, and can even have a ripple effect for the community.”

Aliana is enthusiastic, driven, and eager to learn, qualities that are tremendous assets as she helps EAA clients navigate through architectural projects. She enjoys learning about their businesses and helping to make decisions that shape their new spaces. She hails from Columbus, Ohio and spends a lot of time walking through Chicago’s unique neighborhoods with her dog, Rocky.

Education:

School of the Art Institute of Chicago—Master of Architecture

Kent State University—Bachelor of Science in Architecture

• phone: 312.768.4233
• email: aramos@eaachicago.com

Christopher Caro

Architectural Associate

Favorite place in Chicago? “The Aqua building, a daring architectural feat that combines a sculptured design with the special rippled effect of undulating concrete balconies.”

Christopher is a determined and loyal employee who enjoys working with a diverse group of clients and finding creative ways to address their needs. He is a California native who has always had a passion for architecture and drawing, and enjoys sketching neighborhood scenes in Chicago. He brings a fun-loving approach and a strong work ethic to EAA. He’s always eager to help and bring new ideas to the table. In his free time, he enjoys working out, biking and listening to music.

Education:

University of Illinois at Chicago – Bachelor of Science in Architecture

• phone: 312-768-4218
• email: ccaro@eaachicago.com

Isabel Moreno-Garcia

Architectural Associate

Why I enjoy traveling? “There is something special about going to a new place, particularly far away from home, and soaking in all the cultural and architectural details. It adds a richness to my life and inspires me.”

Isabel enjoys architectural design and the creativity it nurtures. She is highly skilled at evaluating client work space and helping to transform not only the functional flow, but the aesthetic quality of the space.

She studied abroad during college in France and The Netherlands, has visited India and South Korea, and still enjoys traveling in her free time. She also is a photography buff who enjoys documenting the art and culture of the places she visits. She likes attending concerts and, in fact, attended more than 30 shows in a recent year.

She comes from family of 5 children and enjoys using photography to capture major events and simple life’s moments.

Education:

Illinois  Institute of Technology, Bachelor’s Degree

• phone: 312-768-4231
• email: imorenog@eaachicago.com

Robert Clubb

Architectural Associate

Your favorite place in Chicago? “The Riverwalk because I always loved walking along the river back home in St. Louis, and from the river you can see the nearby towers reaching into the sky. It also ties the strong edges of the city to the gentle curves of the river — a great contrast between human and nature.”

Robert is a dependable and loyal employee who always puts in the extra effort needed to get the job done right. He enjoys problem solving, which makes him a perfect fit for the many space planning and design challenges EAA’s clients face.

A native of St. Louis, he fell in love with Chicago at an early age and eagerly pursued an opportunity to attend graduate school at the School of the Art Institute.

He enjoys running and biking along the lakefront, spending time with friends, and, of course, exploring Chicago’s amazing architecture.

 

Education:

University of Missouri, Columbia, B.S. Degree in Architectural Studies

School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Master of Architecture

• phone: 312-768-4237
• email: rclubb@eaachicago.com

Jorge Villao Galarza

Architectural Associate

My favorite hobbies? “I enjoy sketching, painting and other forms of illustrations. These creative hobbies fit well with my architectural responsibilities and my desire to find new ways to design interior spaces.”

A visit to Chicago is what sparked Jorge’s desire to move here and delve into the city’s rich architectural scene. He previously worked in a boutique architectural firm in New York and was graduated from a five-year architectural program at the New York Institute of Technology.

He enjoys all forms of illustration, along with photography and traveling. The fast paced life at EAA is a perfect fit for his architectural passions and his willingness to work hard and help create space that fits each client’s needs.

 

Education:

New York Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Architecture

 

 

• phone: 312-768-4241
• email: jvillaog@eaachicago