Meet the 2020 Board of Directors

President: Brian Scully, AIA LEED BD+C

Brian is an architect and project manager for Itasca-based DLA Architects, Ltd., a top-30 firm nationwide in the K-12 education market. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he earned both his Bachelors in Science in Architectural Studies and his Master of Architecture degrees with a focus on integrated design. As a project manager for DLA, Brian has worked on everything from parking lots to major renovations to brand-new school buildings. His attention to detail benefits his numerous clients including nearly a dozen school districts. A father of two, working with schools means a lot to him; every day he has the opportunity to improve the daily lives of the students. He makes a difference, working as a partner in developing long-range plans and designing spaces that support and enhance educational delivery.

Brian has been an AIA member since college as part of AIAS at the University of Illinois. He has been part of the Northeast Illinois chapter since 2014, serving on the Board since 2017. Brian has previously held the position of Director and Secretary. Today, he chairs the Sponsorship committee and is the Vice-President/President-Elect. Brian will be the 2020 Board President.

VP/ President Elect: Jeffrey Minor, AIA LEED BD+C

Jeffrey is an architect with over 15 years of experience. He is currently a senior project manager at Ethos Workshop Architects in downtown Naperville. At Ethos Workshop he has managed the design and construction administration of hospitality and commercial projects throughout the Midwest.  In addition to managing projects at Ethos, Jeff also manages the firms CEU program and BIM standards.  His graduate studies in architecture at the University of Pennsylvania cultivated a passion for material expression and the unlimited potential of digital design and BIM integration.  Prior to joining Ethos Workshop, he gained experience at design firms in Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, New York and Chicago; Including one year as a designer at Rafael Vinoly Architects in New York.    

Jeff has been a member of the AIA since 2010 and joined the Northeast Illinois board as a director in 2018.  Prior to serving as VP/President Elect Jeffrey was the Secretary of the board in 2019.  In addition to his role as VP/President Elect, Jeffrey is also the chair of the Communications Committee.

Secretary: Maggie Krieger, AIA

Treasurer: G. Iain Dickie, AIA, PMP

Iain is an accomplished architectural professional with 30+ years of experience. Current role is that of Director of Architecture for the Chicago based firm of Virtual Energy Solutions, Inc. Project experience is wide ranging and includes health care, civic, commercial, institutional and higher-educational program types.  Current project leadership role is managing diverse multi-discipline project teams, active interface with client/stakeholders, scheduling/budgeting, managing contracts, technical oversight, and business development. Comprehensive knowledge of all phases of the project delivery process: conception through activation. Primary market focus is the Midwest but is also active in southern and southeastern United States. Credentials include professional licensure/registration in 16 states, active member of the American Institute of Architects, NCARB certification, Project Management Professional (PMP), and LEED AP.

Immediate Past President: Megan Harte, AIA EDAC, LEED AP

Megan is an architect, planner and co-founder of 845 Design Group, a community focused architectural design firm. Her graduate studies in architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, focusing on design integration, uncovered her passion for designing in harmony. Upon receiving her master's degree, Megan has spent the past several years of her career specializing in the healthcare and life science markets, and has worked on a variety of projects from small rural health clinics to large community hospitals. As a principal at 845 Design Group, Megan focuses on healthcare and interiors clients while also managing the firm’s business development efforts. Megan's design background has influenced her compassionate approach to creating holistic solutions, and has guided her responsibility as an architect to create responsive and sustainable environments for her clients.

Megan has been an active member of the AIA since 2006, and has served on the AIA Northeast Illinois Board of Directors since 2014. While on the AIA NEI Board, Megan has held the role of Director, Vice-President/President Elect and is currently the 2019 Board President. Megan has been actively involved in the Chapter’s Sponsorship, Programs and Membership Committees.

One-Year Directors:

J. Andrew Ouper, AIA LEED AP, NCARB

Dedicated to client service, Andy is a passionate licensed architect focused on understanding each of his client’s needs, goals, and values by listening and delivering exceptional building designs.  Andy believes in developing innovative strategies and creative design solutions which are unique to each specific client he serves.  This philosophy has resulted in over $70 million of completed projects located in northeast Illinois and southeast Wisconsin covering a diverse range of building typologies.  Completed projects include multiple retail developments, many projects in the municipal realm, several community recreation centers, an indoor natatorium addition, public high school remodeling projects, a historic barn restoration, and a surgery center building addition for a private orthopedics practice.  By nurturing client relationships, Andy has earned repeat business from multiple clients while employed at different area architecture firms.

Michael Becker, AIA

Michael Becker is an ambitious, licensed architect who specializes in design and project implementation. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with his master's degree in 2012 and has been practicing in the profession ever since.  He is currently acting as senior designer and project architect on a broad range of projects from educational and public service facilities, to corporate and private developments. He is engaged through all phases of a project, from design through construction.  He brings technical and creative skills, paired with leadership, to a project team. He is passionate and excited about what can be achieved in the field of architecture. "I'm inspired by the way a project can have an impact on a client, the users and the community."

By joining the Board of Director's for AIA NEI, Michael hopes to connect with and help the local community of architects reach for and achieve their professional goals.  "By being a part of the AIA NEI, I have the opportunity to work with a great team, to help maintain and build a thriving chapter for local architects."

Three-Year Director: Jane DeJongh Ostergaard, AIA  

Jane was motivated to join the board to provide a link between the academy and the profession through her role as chairperson of the Architecture and Construction Management programs at College of Dupage and as Vice President of the Coalition of Community College Architecture Programs. In both of these capacities Jane provides leadership towards increasing the diversity of the profession.

Associate Director: Laurie Hoffman, Assoc. AIA  

Laurie currently works at Bancroft Architects + Engineers in Elk Grove Village. She received her Bachelors of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology and completed her graduate studies in Infrastructure Planning and Management with the University of Washington. She has been working in the industry since 2011 with project experience spanning Education, Healthcare, Retail and Residential in both the New York and Chicago-land markets.

Laurie has been an Associate AIA member since 2011 and has been a member of the NEI Chapter since 2016. She currently serves as the Associate Director, chairman of the Outreach Committee and participates on the Digital Communications Committee.

Affiliate Director: Heather Mistele

Heather exemplifies Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote “Be an opener of doors”, a treasured attribute when you require attention to detail and customer service that exceeds expectations. Heather is an Architectural Consultant at Allegion, representing the Chicagoland region and is a member of CSI and AIA.  She has over 20 years of experience in the industry working alongside developers, general contractors and architects with varying types of projects in hospitality, healthcare, K-12 and multi-family.   Heather assists the Greater Chicago architectural community with product knowledge, coordination of specification writing, submittal reviews and code consulting. Heather believes in the importance of safety and security and knows the value of bringing not only her knowledge but also enthusiasm to each project and architectural firm.  

AIA Illinois Delegate: Leanne Meyer-Smith, AIA, LEED AP

Leanne is licensed architect and vice-president of architecture at Wight & Company with close to 30 years of client-centric experience that ranges from campus-wide facility assessment and master plans to completion of a variety of types of construction projects. She has supported clients on both construction and complex, phased renovations. Positive collaborations with public and education clients have given Leanne a deep understanding of clients’ perspectives and the importance of the consensus building process.  As a result, she is well versed in design and management of a client’s capital program, from strategic planning to ribbon cutting.

Beginning with a leadership role as American Institute of Architects Student President at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign though various post-graduate AIA board positions, including former President of the Northeast Illinois American Institute of Architects,  Leanne has been an active member of AIA for her entire career.  Currently, Leanne is serving as Director on the AIA Illinois Board of Directors. “Being part of AIA has provided many ways to develop leadership skills and relationships that have strengthened my architectural career.”