K+S - Key Persons
April came to KSP with a history of administrative and accounting experience in the Chicago design community, first at Booth Hansen and then Gary Lee Partners. She is primarily known for being an office jackie-of-all-trades and managing multiple tasks and timelines with a smile.
She earned a B.A. in Theatre from Indiana University and can be seen on stage in various Chicagoland theaters. This artistic background makes her appreciate the opportunity to work with other creative people in the design industry.
Articulating Art's contribution as a designer is easy - he delivers refined architectural projects that integrate architecture, interiors, furniture, and art. With a client-centered approach, each project begins with examining the problem to create solutions that address client needs. His experience includes a range of project typologies: workplace, residential, hospitality, retail, and public spaces.
His passion for understanding world cultures through art, architecture, furniture, and landscape has led to extensive international travel. After studying abroad in Paris during graduate school, he has ventured to places like Argentina, Australia, Japan, Dubai, South Africa, and Europe. Essential to his travels is research before, during, and after each experience. He has been to six continents.
Art has an undergraduate degree in Economics and Art History from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He received a Master's degree in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where his master's thesis examined film related to architecture and process. His interiors for The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati won a National AIA Award and were used extensively as a set for The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017).
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Communications Manager
- Green Associate
- Marketing & Communications
Cat leverages her architectural knowledge with her creativity to elevate the firms marketing and communications efforts. She believes that design has the power to communicate complex ideas in simple terms.
Cat joined KSP after receiving her Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech. She has worked in media relations all through her undergrad, from photographing to website management.
Deniz believes that great ideas emerge through dialogue, and she is passionate about sustainable building practices. Her designs' quality has been enhanced by her expert research, idea sharing, and digital design skills. She is an immensely valuable teammate and has been instrumental in a wide range of projects, including residential, educational, cultural, and government work.
At Krueck Sexton Partners as a summer intern, Deniz joined the studio full-time after receiving her Professional Bachelor of Architecture Degree, summa cum laude, from Illinois Institute of Technology. At IIT, she was awarded the Danforth Traveling Fellowship and the Association of Licensed Architects Award. She has a specialization in Digital Design and a minor in Construction Management.
Purposeful yet inquisitive, Don is driven by a natural curiosity. His long-term client relationships reflect his thoughtfulness and ongoing commitment to their success.
Constantly exploring new ways to use technology to push the limits of design, Don's background in construction, woodworking, and sculpture informs his approach to design visualization, detailing, and craftsmanship.
Don's diverse project experience includes the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning & Leadership, U.S. Embassy - Nairobi, Center for Medicare & Medicaid, Reston Crossing, and the Grogan | Dove FBI Federal Building.
A resident of Logan Square, he is part of a grassroots team of citizens spearheading the creation of a multi-modal, pedestrian-friendly urban experience to improve safety for visitors and commuters.
Don earned a bachelor's degree in architecture from Kansas State University. He serves as an instructor at Northwestern University and teaches online classes for Black Spectacles.
Edgar's passion for building is as strong as his love of design. Raised in a family of builders, he is well-versed in both construction and architecture.
A graduate of Illinois Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, Edgar enjoys sharing his architecture knowledge as a mentor and educator. An instructor to both national and international high school students through IIT's Experiment in Architecture program Edgar has helped provide students with the opportunity to experience what the study of architecture entails.
Edgar has worked on a diverse range of projects in the educational, residential, and commercial fields. Born and raised in Chicago, he enjoys running, biking, painting, graphics and graffiti arts - and of course - the Chicago Bears.
Job Titles:
- Trust - Interview With Architect Mark Sexton
- Trust Keynote Speaker
Job Titles:
- Director of Sustainable Design
With over 15 years of experience and multiple awards, Gabriel specializes in high-performance sustainable buildings. In particular, he believes that design begins with intensive research to understand the culture, climate, and context of the site and only then can you create solutions for the most pressing issues of today. Gabriel's diverse background experience in construction, civil engineering, and architecture have provided him with a well-rounded understanding of the industry necessary for integrated design.
Gabriel received his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from Southern Illinois University and then proceeded to receive his Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois. Educated with a focus in sustainable design he applies a site sensitive and passive design approach that compliments each project's natural resources.
Since joining KSP more than two decades ago, Jamie has built enduring relationships with his clients, colleagues, and other project partners.
Honest and forthright, he is an exceptional communicator who approaches his work with pragmatism and an unwavering commitment to bridging competing interests. Clients always know he has their best interests in mind.
Jamie's impeccable organizational skills and attention to detail equip him to effectively manage complex projects simultaneously. Over the course of his KSP career, he's worked on some of the firm's most challenging and sensitive assignments. From corporate to complex embassy projects, his portfolio is diverse, including Herman Miller Main Site - Building C1, U.S. Embassy - Dhaka, Shure Inc. - Great Hall, and A Safe Haven (previously CCIL).
In addition to the architectural projects Jamie manages, he is actively engaged in the operations of the design studio and oversees the management of KSP's security program for compliance with government contract requirements.
He earned a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Washington and a master's degree in architecture from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design.
Jason's studies allowed him to travel extensively to India, Iceland, Rome, and England. Through these experiences, he developed a wide view of landscape, urbanism, art, and architecture. The acts of making and drawing are integral to his process, where a concept becomes an artifact, and an idea becomes buildable. He draws from these resources to engage the specificity of a site and program to create innovative, layered, and imaginative spaces.
Jason works on a broad range of project types and scales from commercial and institutional to residential and ideas-based competitions. He has worked on several U.S. Embassy projects and, recently, on the re-envisioned amenity spaces at 125 High Street in Boston.
Jason graduated from Yale School of Architecture with a Masters in Architecture and received a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies from Judson University, then worked for several years in Texas, California, and New York before joining our team.
Juan is a tenacious leader and a big thinker with bold ideas for expanding the influence of architects.
He skillfully aligns resources and stakeholders to bring projects to life, recognizing the importance of connecting the dots to successful outcomes.
Juan's architectural experience ranges from large-scale commercial developments to technically complex institutional projects. Recent work includes the redevelopment of the United Airlines - Terminal 7, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the expansion of several U.S. Embassy complexes, including the U.S. Embassy - Buenos Aires, and the repositioning of large commercial buildings in Boston 125 High Street and International Food Market.
In every assignment, Juan serves his clients through meticulous attention to detail and commitment to connecting projects to their urban context. His hands-on approach to design reflects his training as a metal fabricator with specialized digital fabrication expertise.
Juan earned a Bachelor of Design degree with highest honors from the University of Florida and a master's degree in architecture from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. He spent a semester abroad at the Federal Technical University in Zurich, Switzerland (ETH).
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Senior Associate
- CPAU Joins KSP As Senior Associate Principal
With over 25 years of international experience in high profile design, construction, and revitalization of buildings within a diverse range of project types. Laura has carved herself a specialization in multi-family high-rise residence, large-scale mixed-use developments, cultural facilities, and commercial buildings.
Educated at Syracuse University she received her Master of Architecture II after receiving her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Buenos Aires. She is licensed in Illinois and Argentina along with being a LEED Accredited Professional.
Laura believes in bettering the client's life through design solutions and improving the context where the project resides all while creating a more beautiful world.
Job Titles:
- Director of Visual Communication
Leif is a collaborator, creating concepts and interpreting ideas from sketches into three dimensional models to create presentation renderings that draw you into the design experience. His knowledge of architectural detailing and his technical skills enable him to develop solutions for complex details while collaborating with consultants during the design and development of a project in order to create beautiful and sustainable projects that will endure.
He is experienced in the design of projects from high-rises such as an 875 meter tall Spire in Ras al Khaimah, which used a stack effect to generate power from generators in a solar chimney to the Mansueto Library at the University of Chicago that implemented an innovative automated book retrieval system sixty feet below grade under an elliptical glass dome - to the Northwestern Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center in downtown Chicago that uses a double-skin facade that integrates passive design strategies.
As Director of Visual Communication at KSP he uses his experience to advise on workflow processes to create 3d models, renderings and graphics to enhance collaboration and exploration within design teams. Leif received his M.Arch, University of South Florida, and Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ringling School of Art and Design.
Exposed to the real estate and design industry at a young age, Luke studied architecture to answer challenging problems through innovation and invention. He believes design is improved with input from multi-disciplinary teams.
Experienced in the design-build processes and teaming with experts in other fields, Luke's collaboration skills are visible daily - in the office and on the jobsite.
Since receiving a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Ball State University and a Master of Architecture from the Parsons School of Design, Luke has gained experience with Commercial, Higher Education, and Residential projects.
Job Titles:
- Associate AIA, LEED Green Associate
Marilia's exposure to architecture and career path choice was greatly influenced by her mother, an architect and urbanist, and father, a civil engineer. Together they have developed research in sustainable construction materials.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Senior Associate
Mariusz is a designer, teacher, and entrepreneur. He values the knowledge he has acquired from the cross-disciplinary teams he works with - from clients to consultants, contractors to teammates. He believes greater results are achieved through idea sharing and open communication.
With his education and work experience in Architecture, Urban, Landscape, and Digital design, Mariusz approaches complex problems from a holistic perspective. Throughout his work, he integrates technology in design and delivery. He is an essential part of the KSP team - a creative leader who creates spaces that respond to context and where communities grow.
His experience is diverse from residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments to master planning, urban design, and analysis. He is open and collaborative, maintaining a philosophy of always learning and evolving.
Mariusz graduated with distinction from Harvard University Graduate School of Design with a Master of Architecture in Urban Design; the Illinois Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Architecture - Cum Laude with specializations in Landscape Architecture, City and Regional Planning, and Digital Design.
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the American Institute of Architects
- Founder & Co - Managing Partner
Mark is a co-managing partner of Krueck Sexton Partners. Beyond design leadership, chief among his responsibilities is developing and fostering strong relationships with the firm's clients, collaborators, and the broader community. Whether speaking of the firm's work on a federal building in the Southeast, an embassy in Africa, or an educational institution a few miles from the firm's office, Mark points out that successful design does not emerge of its own accord: it is a function of trust that evolves out of engaged and open dialogue with clients and partners throughout the process.
An impassioned and tenacious problem-solver, Mark sees challenges and obstacles as critical to innovative solutions. The Crown Fountain, in Chicago's Millennium Park, showcases his passion for material and structural innovation, as well as his ability to transform fragile concepts into powerful experiences. Leading the team that designed the tower's glass blocks and the structure that supports them, he seamlessly integrated the materials, LED, and water technology to create a welcoming and inspiring space for all to enjoy.
A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Mark graduated from the College of Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1980. He has recently joined the Board of Trustees at IIT and continues his college support, serving on the Board of Advisors Co-Chair for the IIT College of Architecture. He is a member of the GSA Design Excellence Program, National Registry of Peer Professionals, the Chicago Architecture Biennial board. He is an Adjunct Lecturer of Northwestern University, teaching in the Architectural Engineering and Design program at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Chicagoan of the Year in 2005, Mark has received recognition for his work over the past four decades.
With over 15 years of experience, Michael has a diverse portfolio of projects including public safety, K-12, higher education, and industrial centers. His passion is integrating innovative designs with high performing, yet constructible, details. He especially enjoys the construction phase where collaboration and problem solving are integral.
Michael received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago; and is active with the UIC Architecture Alumni Association. On the weekends you can find Michael biking around Pilsen or admiring the view of the city from the 18 th Street Bridge.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Operations
It took only three semesters studying architecture before Mike realizing that while he liked being with creative people, he much preferred working with numbers. After six years of working in public accounting, he reconnected with his architecture roots by switching to work in the A&E community. Since 2005 Mike has helped architecture and engineering firms perform to their greatest potential through sound financial methods and strategic business planning.
Mike is responsible for our firm's financial operations, including financial planning, analysis, reporting, business systems management, statutory compliance, and treasury activities. In addition to leading the financial health of KSP, Mike is also spearheading our Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives and Human Resources for the firm.
Mike has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and also in Finance.
Job Titles:
- Founding Partner
- Founding Member of the Friends of the Farnsworth House
Beginning with his first project, The Steel and Glass House, Ron's clear intent has been to contribute to Chicago's architecture legacy. What began as a studio has evolved into a dynamic practice that has attracted young architects seeking to learn. Several Krueck Sexton Partners' newest generation of leaders has spent much of their careers working alongside Ron, carrying forward his vision and his joy of discovery.
As Ron says, "The work is grounded in a humanistic value. Whether it's a house, school, museum, or city, the act of discovery and making is a delight."
As an advocate for the preservation of modern architecture, Ron is a founding member of the Friends of the Farnsworth House and the Mies van der Rohe Society. A trained painter and collector of art, Ron is on the Committee of 20 th Century and Contemporary Art at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Ryan is a conceptual thinker and excels in visualizing a project from early site approach and massing to performance driven design tectonics. As a project leader, he enjoys collaborating with his clients and design partners to solve complex challenges in ways that promote design excellence.
Ryan joined KSP after completing his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan. He also holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design with an emphasis in architecture from the University of Colorado.
As a member of the KSP Green Team, Ryan has a passion for sustainability. He brings this focus into a holistic approach in responding to urban and ecological issues while enriching human-centric experiences.
Ryan's career in architecture began as a construction laborer, where he worked on over a dozen high and mid-rise towers throughout Chicago. This foundational experience helped develop his belief - how a material is used is just as important as the type of material itself.
He has continued his passion for physically creating objects through the design and fabrication of furniture. At the building scale, Ryan is interested in the human aspects of architecture. He enjoys designing space with light and material to promote the mental well-being of the building's occupants. Outside of architecture, he is an avid rock climber, runner, and cyclist.
Ryan attended Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned a Master of Architecture and Master of Construction Management. He received a BS in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Sara's commitment to craftsmanship can be traced back to working alongside her dad in his woodshop. She loves working with her hands and partnering with artisans to build our client's aspirations.
As a sustainability champion at Krueck Sexton Partners, she leads the firm's commitment to achieve 100 percent net-zero energy on all of its projects by 2030.
Sara works closely with colleagues, clients, and project collaborators to ensure that our buildings achieve their design and environmental performance goals, rooted in her belief that an enduring building is the most important first step to creating a sustainable future and repairing the earth.
Sara has worked on projects at all scales-from boutique residences to major embassy compounds. Her current work includes the new Loyola Academy - Performing Arts Center, a preservation project for the U.S. Chief of Missions Residence - Paris, and an urban-scale security upgrade to the streets adjacent to the U.S. Embassy - Paris.
She has a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a master's degree from Columbia University.
A native Chicagoan, Sarah enjoys walking around the city and getting to know it better. Sarah believes in designing for both people and place by thinking about how a building becomes a part of both a cultural narrative and an ecological one.
She received her Bachelor of Arts from Brown, where she also became interested in printmaking and drawing which lead her to complete her Master of Architecture I from Yale. Sarah has also developed an interest in textiles, and the art of making, from quilting, dyeing, weaving, and sewing.
Scott joined Krueck Sexton Partners after working with Murphy/Jahn Architects for 36 years. There he contributed to more than 20 award-winning buildings across the United States and Europe, including the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library at the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago West Campus Combined Utility Plant, One and Two Liberty Place in Philadelphia, 10940 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, and the Sony Center Filmhaus in Berlin, Germany.
At KSP, Scott works closely with clients and teammates to foster professional excellence, ensuring that our quality standards are achieved. In recent years he has guided several State Department/OBO and GSA projects, including the U.S. Embassy - Port Moresby and the U.S. Department of Education.
Scott also works with several non-profits and has served as an owner's representative on various affordable housing projects. He founded Architecture Plus-Chicago, LLC, in 2009 and is a board member of the Evanston Community Development Association, a member of the Mies van der Rohe Society, and is on the Executive Committee of Chicago's historic Moody Church.
Stephen is a designer, thinker, and problem solver with over 12 years of experience in a broad range of project types including civic buildings, mixed-use, multi-family housing, transportation, and hospitality. He approaches each new project with a holistic mindset - understanding that everything from large concepts to small details must work together to realize successful and meaningful architecture. He grounds his decisions in research, tested intuition, and iteration. Most of all, he trusts the process of design in approaching any challenge.
Stephen graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, and then continued his education to receive a Master of Architecture from the University of Washington.
On the weekend he can often be found chipping away at the renovation of his 100-year-old Chicago bungalow.
Job Titles:
- Co - Managing Partner
- Co - Managing Partner of Krueck Sexton Partners
Tom Jacobs is a co-managing partner of Krueck Sexton Partners. Tom's role at the firm brings together his experience and personal ethos as a citizen-architect. As the firm's key designer, he is actively engaged in projects day-to-day and responsible for nurturing a work culture that encourages individuals and teams to do their best work.
Tom also leads the firm's overall strategic visioning, to increase its positive impact on people, the planet, and profits. This includes using exploration and innovation as the drivers of a successful business model, fueled by commitments to social and environmental advocacy within and outside the firm.
Xiang brings to the table a unique mix of industrial design and architecture. He approaches each design with a global perspective influenced by his education at Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, travel in Asia and Europe, and the knowledge he gained while attaining his Master of Architecture degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
In Beijing, Xiang studied product, graphics, and interior design, so the evolution of his interest in the larger world of architecture is easy to understand. He believes in the harmonious interaction between people and the environments they inhabit- where the physical components of a space complement and enrich each other, and where the built environment positively impacts the world around it.
Xiang used to be a Sneakerhead but still has a limited collection of basketball shoes, from the 1990s to 2010s.