Team Melichar
Each of our dedicated team members play an integral role in our customized projects; inspiring beauty, creating perfection and achieving excellence. We consistently deliver at the highest level, which can only be achieved after years of collaborative assignments . Think of us as orchestra performers.
Diana Melichar is our President Extraordinar. With 35 years of architectural design and construction experience, she provides the vision, leadership and design direction which are the cornerstones of the firm. Additionally, she supervises all team activities and is responsible for design and technical services, including development, construction documentation, budgets and construction supervision. Her wide range of expertise in exterior and interior architecture for residential, commercial, civic, historic preservation and adaptive re-use projects assures effective management of the complexities of each project. Diana is committed to providing exceptional results with excellent value for her cherished clients.
Diana holds a Master of Architecture and Urban Design degree from Columbia University in New York City and a Master of Architecture degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. She is a registered architect and an interior designer and previously held a real estate license for fifteen years. Diana is certified as an Aging-in-Place specialist by the National Association of Home Builders as well as a member of the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB). Taking her professional commitment even further, Diana served for five years as a Commissioner of the Preservation Commission in Highland Park, IL, reviewing proposed projects and generating public awareness of preservation. Additionally, she has participated in community forums and committees along with being a Small Project Forum Advisor for the American Institute of Architects. She has sat on a juror for preservation awards reviews along the North Shore, including Chicago, Evanston, Highland Park and Lake Forest. She was also an active participant on the Renovation Task Force Committee for Ragdale, now an artist's residence but originally the summer home of Howard Van Doren Shaw, a noted Lake Forest architect. Diana is currently on the Board of Directors for the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, serving two years as Vice President and two as President. Concerned about climate change, Diana serves on the Board of Directors for a leading manufacturer and technical innovator in the green energy industry. Quiet time includes reading, singing in her church choir, painting, spending time with her family and friends and exploring nature.
Bob Abell, our Senior Architect, serves as Project Manager for most of our complex commissions and oversees all technical aspects. With more than 35 years of professional experience, Bob has extensive technical experience and is adept at working closely with contractors to guarantee the process is completed on schedule and within budget. His commitment to understanding and coordinating all building systems ensures successful projects. He has overseen varying structural elements; historic renovations, adaptive reuse, expansion and restoration projects and upgrades. He has lead multi-faceted commercial and institutional projects, working in-depth with all aspects to deliver perfection.
Bob received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. He is a licensed architect in the State of Illinois and an active member of the American Institute of Architects. Bob loves traveling around the world with his wife - exploring distant places, learning about new cultures and tasting new foods.
Gavin Sheridan is a Staff Architect with 20 years experience with our firm. He has completed a wide range of projects, from residential renovations and new construction, to institutional and municipal buildings. Gavin takes an active role in design development, construction documentation and administration phases. His greatest interest lies in design and construction detailing. He enjoys the complexities from aesthetic decoration to building structures. Gavin excels in problem-solving and finding means for the extremely complex building to function properly.
Gavin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture Studies from the University of Illinois in Champaign. He is a licensed architect in Illinois and Wisconsin. Gavin is an active member of his local church and enjoys helping and serving others and spending time with his family.
Marla Schimpf, our Office Manager, has more than 15 years of managing the abundance and timely administrative tasks for our firm. Her impeccable skills in accounting, invoicing, organizing and client correspondence are significant.
Her dedication is one of the many reasons why Melichar has been such a successful business model over the years.
Marla attended the Business School at Illinois State University. Marla enjoys traveling with her husband to new places. She has participated in the National Alzheimer's Association Walk as well as the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
Jennifer is a Senior Architectural Designer with over 20 years of experience. She enjoys working closely with clients and serving their specific needs. Her experience includes renovations and additions of residential and commercial projects. Jenn especially enjoys interiors and detailed millwork to include colors, finishes, lighting and custom built-in furnishings.
Jennifer received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree as well as a Certificate in Urban Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Jennifer loves reading, and she enjoys spending time hiking, gardening, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Julia is an Architectural Designer. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, in this "Venice of the North," crowded with splendid palaces, cathedrals, tree-lined avenues and beautiful bridges, she was exposed at an early age to the fine arts and classical music. These early inspirations ultimately led her to a career path as an architect/interior designer.
Subsequent to completing advanced studies in architecture at Ben-Gurion University in Israel (BA) and graduating from Harrington College of Design, Chicago, IL with a Masters in Interior Design, she had the privilege of working with prestigious design and architectural firms in Israel and the United States. Her experience ranges from commercial, corporate, retail, and hospitality to high-end residential projects.
Her rigorous architectural approach to space planning, form creation, and detail is evident in all of her work. She likes reading, photography, painting, hiking, and spending quality time with her children, family and friends.
Jessie is a Designer and our Marketing Creator specializing in interiors, 3D design, advertising, etc. She is passionate about all creative aspects, from small home renovations and additions to new construction. In her role, she contributes to various phases and actively engages in graphic design, marketing initiatives and enhancing the client experience. Additionally, she leverages her skill set to encompass social media and photography to create impactful brand content. Jessie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Architecture and Design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Outside of her career, she enjoys hot yoga and spending quality time with family and friends.