Our Team
Melichar Architects’ team is dedicated to your architectural project, inspiring beauty and excellence. We work nationwide, providing the highest level of collaborative design and service.
Diana Melichar is the President of Melichar Architects. With over thirty-five years of architectural design and construction experience, she provides the vision, leadership, and design direction that are the cornerstones of the quality of work done by the firm. Additionally, she coordinates and supervises all activities of the architectural team and is responsible for design and technical services, including design development, construction documentation, budgets, and construction supervision. Her wide range of experience in exterior and interior architecture for residential, corporate, commercial, civic, and historic preservation projects assures effective management of the complexities of any project. Diana is committed to providing exceptional results with excellent value for clients of Melichar Architects.
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 registered as an architect and an interior designer and previously held her real estate license for fifteen years. Diana is certified as an aging-in-place specialist by the National Association of Home Builders. She is a professional 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, Illinois, reviewing proposed projects and generating public awareness of preservation. Additionally, she participated in community forums and committees and has been a Small Project Forum Advisor for the American Institute of Architects. Diana has been a juror for preservation awards reviews along the North Shore, including Chicago, Evanston, Highland Park, and Lake Forest. She also actively participated in the historic renovation of the City of Lake Forest's Ragdale artist's residence on Ragdale's Renovation Task Force Committee. Diana is currently on the Board of Directors for the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, serving for two years as Vice President and two years 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. Diana enjoys reading, singing with her church choir, painting, spending time with her two daughters, and exploring nature with her dog, Lucy.
Bob Abell, a Senior Architect of our firm, serves as a project manager for our most complex commissions. He also oversees the technical aspects of all firm projects. With more than thirty-five years of professional experience, he has extensive technical experience and is adept at working closely with contractors to guarantee the building process is completed on schedule and within budget. His commitment to understanding and coordinating all building systems has helped to produce successful projects. Bob has been the project manager for many new buildings, historic renovations, adaptive reuse projects, expansion projects, restoration, and upgrades. He has led a variety of multifaceted commercial and institutional projects, working in-depth with all functions and aspects of a building.
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 is an active member of the American Institute of Architects. Bob loves traveling around the world with his wife - exploring new places, learning about new cultures, and trying new foods.
Gavin Sheridan is a Staff Architect with Melichar Architects. In his twenty years of experience, 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 the design development, construction documentation, and construction administration phases of our projects. His greatest interest lies in design and construction detailing. He enjoys the complexities of architectural design and detail, from aesthetic decoration to building structure. Gavin excels in problem-solving and finding means for the extremely complex building to function well.
Gavin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture Studies from the University of Illinois in Champaign. He is a licensed architect in the States of 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 is the Office Manager for Melichar Architects. She has more than fifteen years of experience with managing and administrative tasks in our office. Marla's impeccable skills in accounting, invoicing, organizing, and client correspondence are truly significant reasons why the firm has thrived and been successful 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 Melichar Architects. With over 20 years of experience, Jennifer likes working with clients and serving their needs. Her experience includes additions and renovations of residential and commercial projects. She especially enjoys the design of interiors and detailed millwork, which includes colors, finishes, lighting, and 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 with Melichar Architects. 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 from her earliest years to the fine arts and classical music, which were her first inspiration that ultimately led her to a career choice as an architect/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 Marketing Creator at Melichar Architects, specializing in interiors, 3D design, and creative marketing. She is passionate about all aspects of the field, from small home renovations to new construction. In her role, Jessie contributes to various phases of design projects and actively engages in graphic design and marketing initiatives, enhancing client understanding and experience. Additionally, she leverages her skills in social media and photography to create impactful marketing content. Jessie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Architecture and Design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Outside of work, she enjoys hot yoga, taking walks, and spending quality time with family and friends.