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

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

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

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

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

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

Frederick Christiano

Project Manager

Why architecture? “I think a lot of it stems from the love of playing with Legos when I was younger.  They give you the ability to follow the plans to build something but at the same time you had the creative freedom to come up with something completely original which could be equally as awesome.”

At EAA, Freddy utilizes this same creativity when solving design problems, always keeping the client’s needs top-of-mind. His goal is to design a space that inspires its occupants to be creative and generate new ideas. He is involved in the complete design process, an expert in concept and schematic design, design development, code and zoning knowledge, 3D modeling and visualization, and construction administration. Seeing designs and ideas move from paper and images to their built form is his favorite part of the work.

Outside of the studio, Freddy spends his time looking for new street artwork around the city, and designing soccer jerseys.

Education:
University of Illinois at Chicago, Masters in Architecture
University of Illinois at Chicago, BA in Architecture
Moraine Valley, Associate Degree in Science
NCARB

• phone: 312-768-4244
• email: fchristiano@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

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

Tim Nguyen

Architectural Associate

Tim’s favorite part of Chicago are the alley ways. “I love how overlooked and bleak they are, while also being central to the city’s function. Walking through the alleys at night gives a heightened sense of singularity.”

A child of the Southwest, growing up in San Diego and Las Vegas, Tim had always wanted to live in a bustling city full of architecture and design. He came to Chicago for school on a full ride scholarship, and now calls the South Loop home.

When Tim isn’t pouring over architectural plans and creating 3D models, he can be found making raw vegan food in his dehydrator, creating digital illustrations, and taking 4 hour bike rides with no destination in mind.

 

Education:

Illinois Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Architecture

• phone: 312-768-4245
• email: tnguyen@eaachicago.com

Nick Jordan

Client & Community Relations Manager

What do you love most about your work? “I love being a member of such a diverse and inclusive environment. The organization consistently seeks to embrace the world with knowledge and care, which is personally invigorating. I’m proud to work with a team of such highly talented professionals.”

Nick was born and raised in Northwest Indiana, and attended Columbia College Chicago where he immediately fell in love with the progression, energy, and warmth of America’s second city. He carries himself with a contagious enthusiasm for life, which naturally contributes to the development of genuine, impactful relationships. He prides himself on adaptability, empathy, and a zest for ideation; all traits he employs during the planning and execution of marketing campaigns and while developing compelling client relationships. A man of many hats, Nick understands the key to any successful project depends on the understanding of the clients’ needs.

Education:

Columbia College Chicago, BFA in Interior Architecture

• phone: 312-768-4246
• email: njordan@eaachicago.com

Heidi Lemon

Marketing Coordinator

My favorite Chicago activity? “I love to explore neighborhoods and wander the streets discovering pockets of architectural marvel.”

Heidi is a highly creative individual with a passion for all things art, design, and the built environment. She works best when she is able to collaborate with her coworkers in brainstorming sessions, then consolidate the ideas and create exciting, fresh material. Her curious nature, honest POV, and trust in research lead to work that is thorough and authentic.

Her personality aligns with the Danish concept of hygge, finding happiness through the moments of peace and coziness – whether it’s reading a book with a candle lit, getting lost in nature, or finding the perfect cup of coffee.

She is a Detroit native and loves the Midwestern culture.

 

Education:

University of Miami, Bachelor of Science in Communication

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

Gabby Gomez

Office Administrator

What do you love about your role? “I appreciate how much I am valued at work — not everyone is fortunate enough to find themselves working for a company that takes your thoughts and opinions into consideration. From a Human Resources standpoint, I strive to continually add individuals to our team who embody our core values and respect the opinions of their peers.”

With a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, and a Minor in Business Foundations, Gabby was the perfect addition to the Earles Architects and Associates Administrative team. Gabby is lighthearted, kind, and hard working. When she is away from the office you’ll find her checking out a new restaurant with friends, taking a hot yoga class, or exploring a new city.

 

Education:

Indiana University, Bachelor of Science Human Resource Management, Minor in Business Foundations

• phone: 312-768-4223
• email: ggomez@eaachicago.com

Molly Weslow

Administrative Coordinator

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 administrative 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 multiple administrative tasks 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