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Mark Stenftenagel | IIDA CEO | Registered Interior Designer With Whitney since…the beginning As founder of Whitney, Mark has 35 years of diversified design expertise for which he is highly respected in the industry. Under his direction and leadership, the Whitney team has been instrumental in developing millions of square feet of commercial space throughout the country. Mark has a detailed design eye and strives to be sustainable in all aspects of his life from the car he drives to the solar panels on his house. Mark has built this firm on relationships and forward-thinking design. Thanks to his investment in a new knee, he can still out-slalom any of his Whitney team members on the lake. Mark’s Links | tidebelize.org | onwardhouse.org | stopglobalwarming.org | oceana.org |
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John Burjek | AIA President | Licensed Architect With Whitney Since…1987 With involvement in the majority of projects that come through Whitney’s doors, John is a hands-on President and team member. John is a licensed architect in 30 states and counting. His favorite U.S. city is New Orleans, where the oldest of his three daughters is attending college. John enjoys networking on the golf course and cooking for his family to unwind. He also just so happens to be the saltine-eating champion of the office. John’s Links | continuingeducation.construction.com | everytrail.com nickinbkk.blogspot.com | cdga.org | chicagorealestateinstitute.com | monarchwatch.org | ncarb.org |
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Salvatore Graziano Principal | Director of Design Registered Interior Designer With Whitney Since…1985 As Whitney’s Director of Design, Sal is the go-to person in the office for project design input. He has an amazingly acute eye for his surroundings. With incredible hand-rendering capabilities, Sal’s background in drawing consistently benefits our clients in visualizing their space’s potential. With interests including intricate custom millwork, furniture design, and rendering with sidewalk chalk, he is a jack-of-all-trades. He loves his classic Ferrari, but not as much as the little occupant of the car seat in the back. Sal’s Links | westelm.com | cb2.com | byrne-electrical.com | bomanite.com fypon.com | bugatti.com |
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Amy Stinson | IIDA Principal | Workplace Strategist Registered Interior Designer With Whitney Since…1984 With roots in the South and a passion for textiles and color theory, Amy’s great attention to detail and joie de vivre never cease to amaze us. She is a collector of ethnic textiles, beads, and artifacts. Her broad range of interests encompasses everything from gourmet cooking to reptiles (both before and after they’ve been made into handbags). Having centered her design career around educating others on the history and potential of design, Amy has extended her knowledge base to include workplace strategy. Amy has successfully guided many of our clients through Immersion Programming and Workplace Discovery sessions to help them uncover hidden potential and identify workplace issues that might impact their space. Amy’s Links | finelineca.org | thelocalbeet.com | epicurious.com | wisteria.com www.panteek.com | vivaterra.com | simplysoles.com |
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Mary Esche Principal | Business Development With Whitney Since…1998 As our business development guru, Mary does not stop moving. She is involved with every project that she brings through Whitney’s doors. Her relationship-driven business sense has built the personality of Whitney over the years. Mary has a passion for her involvement in non-for-profit organizations, including the Chicago Food Depository and City of Hope. She is a committed team member at Whitney, and her dedication is evident through the network she has established. Mary loves spending time with her kids, vacationing in warm climates, and valets whenever possible. Mary’s Links | www.cityofhope.org |
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Melissa Bogusch Principal | Licensed Architect With Whitney Since…2005 As one of Whitney’s certified architects, Melissa offers valuable input on the majority of Whitney’s architectural drawings. She is the go-to team member for any building code inquiries or problem solving. As a LEED AP, Melissa has started our Whitney Green Committee and has a thorough background in environmental design. Her interests include Southwestern architecture and textiles, as well as red pens. Melissa’s Links | madeleinelengle.com | cwarch.org | santafe.org |
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Joanne Bunda Principal | Operations Manager With Whitney Since…1984 Joanne has been with Whitney since day one. Often referred to as “the glue” of the company, she manages HR and Accounting, not to mention the everyday operations needed to keep Whitney running smoothly. In her time outside of the office, she enjoys theatre, concerts, old movies, mystery novels, and politics. She always makes time for her daughters, son-in-laws and her precious grandsons. Joanne loves this country and actively supports the brave men and women who defend it. Joanne’s Links | toysfortots.org | uso.org | pkdcure.org | foxnation.com |
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Jeffrey Eland VP Tenant Development | Senior Project Manager With Whitney Since…1996 As Vice President of Tenant Development, Jeff has led his team through significant growth over the past decade. He has enjoyed the opportunity of expanding his side of our business to where it is today. Whether it is running square footage calculations or keeping an eye on the stock market, he is dedicated to making the numbers work. When Jeff is not enjoying his team at Whitney, you might find him sailing on the high seas or perhaps fishing in the Western Suburbs. Jeff'’s Links | marketwatch.com |
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L. Suzanne Astra | AIA, LEED AP Senior Project Manager | Licensed Architect With Whitney Since…1997 With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Suzanne has worked on a plethora of projects from financial powerhouses to corporate giants. As much as she enjoys working with her teams at Whitney, she gains her focus and dedication outside of the office as a triathlete and swim coach. While raising three teenagers, she finds serenity while training for her biggest achievement to date, a Half Ironman triathlon. In her down time, Suzanne’s interests include gardening, cooking, and kayaking. Suzanne's Links | usatriathlon.org | ilmsa.com | allrecipies.com |
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Thomas Brackett | IIDA, LEED AP Senior Project Manager | Registered Interior Designer With Whitney Since…1994 A naturally creative soul, Thom adds inspiration to the Whitney studio through his renderings and sketches – sometimes life size. Thanks to his background in art, Thom can visualize just about anything and transfer it to paper. As a long-time member of the Whitney team, Thom offers extensive experience on all project types and enjoys the diversity of work with which he is involved. He is currently Director of the Northern Illinois City Center (NICC) on the board of IIDA. Thom’s family plays a major role in his life. Whether it is his daughter’s athletics, his son’s performing arts, or a team member at Whitney, Thom is a full- time supporter of everyone around him. Thom’s Links | cff.org | iida.org |
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Ron Walker Senior Project Manager | Licensed Architect With Whitney Since…2004 With 25 years under his belt in the commercial design industry, Ron is a vital member of our Tenant Development team. After spending seven years as a facility architect for a large Chicago bank, he shares the same thought process as our clients. This allows him to assess each project he manages with the client's needs as top priority. Also known as Ron “the Hammer” Walker, he describes himself as “larger than life and louder than a freight train.” Ron is known for the sound of his laugh across a crowded room. Among other things, he is the Golf Pro of the Whitney School of Golf and servd as the Cubmaster of local Cub Scout Pack 108 for 12 years. Ron’s Links | http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/project-runway |
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Brett Polich | AIA, LEED AP Senior Project Manager | Licensed Architect With Whitney Since…2005 As an Architect/Photographer/World Traveler/Dad, it's clear why Brett specializes in problem solving. Whitney team members rely on him for his vast knowledge of technical details. His strength in the details has gotten him through the toughest of projects, including a tour of duty working for the Department of Corrections. You may have noticed how perfect those door frames were last time you walked through one of Illinois’ choice prisons! Brett knew he would become an architect after building a house with his dad. Now that he has a son of his own, Brett’s interests are sure to be passed along to the next generation. Brett’s Links | http://www.fightingillini.com | http://www.architecture.org http://arcchicago.blogspot.com |
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Richard Lott | RIBA Project Manager | Licensed British Architect With Whitney Since…2003 Richard not only adds a British accent to our office, he is also our resident CAD guru and problem solver extraordinaire. As a well traveled bloke, Richard brings global experience to his designs. He runs his projects as if they were a marathon, not a sprint. Every detail is thought through to the greatest extent and there is never a possibility overlooked. He gives his all to everything he sets forth to accomplish. Richard is an avid runner, kite surfer, kayaker, snowboarder, cyclist, and swimmer. His teammates at Whitney wish he would be more open to trying new things. Richard’s Links | runningtheusa.com | formula1.com | whereareyourunning.blogspot.com |
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Rob Oppenborn | AIA, LEED AP Senior Project Manager | Licensed Architect With Whitney Since…2004 With interests ranging from building kaleidoscopes to playing the trumpet, Rob always has something new to share with his team at Whitney. As a member of the Tenant Development team, Rob has the ability to work under strict deadlines and meet all of his clients' expectations. Rob is an active member of our Whitney Green Committee, and practices environmentally sound design in all aspects of his life. Rob’s Links | nd.edu/~ndband/ | chantalstainedglass.50megs.com/ manhattanbeachmusiconline.com/ |
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Nici Nilles | LEED AP Project Manager | Registered Interior Designer With Whitney Since…2001 Nici {Nick–E} is a crucial member of the Whitney design team. She is a decisive and proactive Project Manager. Nici is a problem solver and communicator and has the professional knowledge to support her enthusiasm for design. Outside of the office, Nici is used to being outnumbered by her son, husband and their dog, Charlie. Nici’s interests include large-scale pendant lighting and perennials, not to mention downhill skiing after a childhood of competing in the sport. Nici’s Links | etsy.com | thrillist.com | iidcpac.org | cookiemag.com | sheddaquarium.org |
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Heather Thomas Senior Designer | Registered Interior Designer With Whitney Since…2003 Never afraid to think outside the box, Heather’s creative spirit allows her to deliver innovative designs beyond her clients’ expectations. Using her artistic talent and extensive knowledge of the latest design trends, she delivers creative solutions to every problem given to her. These skills, combined with her project management experience, allow her to design spaces which not only function, but enhance the overall company performance. In addition to Heather’s design interests, she serves as a Board member to Junior Achievement of Chicago and enjoys painting, hiking, and working with students. Heather is an avid world traveler, whose travels influence her as a designer. She has traveled to South Africa, Thailand, New Zealand, and spent time living in Aspen, CO. The next not-so-hot spot could possibly be The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. Heather’s Links | juniorachievment.com | dwell.com nbc.com/The_Officeminicooper.com |
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Rick Joutras Senior Designer With Whitney Since…2005 With a multitude of degrees including Organizational Psychology, Culinary Arts, and Industrial Design, it is no wonder Rick brings a creative outlook to his Whitney and QDesign teams. Rick graduated from University of Michigan after leading his water polo team to championships two years in a row. His accomplishments prove that he is driven in all aspects of his life. Rick spends any spare time he has hanging out with his wife and their dog, Bubba. Rick’s Links | qdesign.us.com | idsa.org | umich.edu | armadawaterpolo.com |
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Melissa Mahoney | LEED AP Senior Designer | Registered Interior Designer With Whitney Since…2004 Since joining the Whitney team, Melissa has gained extensive project-management experience with several multi-market clients. She has helped develop design standards for these clients, and has assisted implementing these standards globally. With her lively personality, she brings freshness and life to every project she is on. Melissa enjoys making one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces in her spare time, and is slowly outfitting everyone in our industry. She also has an unhealthy addiction to team sports and committees. Melissa’s Links | meshchicago.com | jonathanadler.com | anthropologie.com hazeltonphoto.com |
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Beth Sager | IIDA Senior Designer | Registered Interior Designer With Whitney Since…2005 As a Kansas State graduate in Interior Architecture, Beth came to Whitney with a design background and K State blood flowing through her veins. She heads back to her alma mater a few times a year to support the Wildcats. Beth has become a vital member of our Tenant Development team and enjoys the wide range of work. After passing her NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) with flying colors, Beth decided to volunteer on the NCIDQ Jury and take part in the future of our industry. She is dedicated to her career and clients. In her time away from Whitney, Beth enjoys designing jewelry and knitting. Beth’s Links | ncidq.org | capd.ksu.edu/ |
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Samantha Wenzel | IIDA, LEED AP Project Designer | Registered Interior Designer With Whitney Since…2005 Samantha came to Whitney armed with degrees from Illinois State University in Interior Design and Business. Since joining Whitney, she has adapted to meet any project challenges thrown her way. Samantha has gained extensive experience working with teams on a variety of projects ranging from hospitality to corporate. She is involved in professional organizations and is currently an IIDC Committee Chair. Samantha recently took a road trip to visit a handful of our nation’s ballparks. Samantha’s Links | iidcpac.org | iida.com | emiliostapas.com | lollapalooza.com daniel-libeskind.com |
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Ogge Schieber | BDIA Project Designer With Whitney Since…2003 After growing up in Bopfingen, Germany and traveling throughout Europe, South America, and North America, Ogge decided to plant his roots in Chicago and pursue his passion for design. His family’s woodworking business sparked his interest in design at a very young age. Ogge has the computer rendering skills that benefit many of our clients during their project process. His rendering style gives a picture-perfect visual of what is to come after construction is completed. As a tri-lingual, master hunter, fisherman, and former bee keeper, Ogge enjoys the great outdoors and camping. Ogge’s Links | qdesign.us.com |
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Jane Anderson | LEED AP Designer | Registered Interior Designer With Whitney Since…2006 Jane is strong and driven, with a background in design from Southern Illinois University. To some it may be a surprise that this petite, soft-spoken woman is a woodworker on the side. Since joining our Tenant Development team, Jane has proven her capabilities, not only by beating Ron in an arm-wrestling tournament, but also in her project work. She is a quick but thorough designer who produces crisp and well-established space plans while thinking through the end result of the project as a whole. Jane is one with nature and enjoys the great outdoors while camping, hiking and rock climbing in her spare time. Jane’s Links | wshs-dg.org/wshs.com | siuc.edu | pandora.com |
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Kate Hagelow | LEED AP Designer With Whitney Since…2007 Since joining the Whitney team, Kate has had essential input on all aspects of design within her projects. She is confident, assertive, and intuitive with her design concepts. She is never afraid of the project challenges put before her, and strives to make each client’s vision for their space a reality. Kate graduated from Indiana University with degrees in Art History, Music, and Interior Design, which helps explain her multitude of interests and accomplishments. She is a spirited Chicago sports fan with a team-player attitude at Whitney and in all that she does. Kate enjoys traveling. Her favorite spot is Litchfield Beach, S.C., in the summer. Kate’s Links | lonelyplanet.com | foodnetwork.com | chicagobears.com teamintraining.org | townofpawleysisland.com |
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Elaine Decho-Fishman | IIDA, LEED AP Designer With Whitney Since…2008 As an avid tennis player with a graphics and interiors background, Elaine keeps it professional on and off the court. Voted “Cutest Baby Boy”in a high school photo contest, she has a great sense of humor in all aspects of her life. Elaine enjoys space planning and workplace psychology. She plays a critical role on our Whitney team by sharing her extensive graphic design talent and passion for interior design. Elaine enjoys immersing herself into the research that goes into each aspect of her projects. In her time away from the office and off the court, you may find her vacationing in California with her two rescued Greyhounds. Elaine’s Links | usta.com | greyhoundsonly.com | youtube.com flickr.com | annsacks.com |
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Diane Nakis Administration With Whitney Since…1984 Diane has worked diligently at maintaining her part-time status at Whitney for 25+ years. After a few years in our Director of First Impressions position, Diane transferred to our accounting department. Without Diane’s organizational skills and persistence in tracking projects, Whitney wouldn’t be the company it is today. In her time away from Whitney, Diane can be found planning her next cruise. She is a fan of any beach where she can avoid fish or reptiles. At home, Diane is surrounded by males: two sons, her husband and their dog, Shamus. Diane’s Links | cruisecritic.com | tripadvisor.com |
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Marge Ramirez Bookkeeper With Whitney Since…1996 Marge is the money woman of the office, which makes her the most popular Whitney team member on pay day. With her cheerful personality it is no surprise that Marge loves laughter. She enjoys traveling and recently took a trip to Italy with her husband and two sons. In her time away from the office, Marge watches old and new movies, listens to a wide range of music, and dines out. Marge’s Links | chicagotribune.com | ramirezcpa.com | foodnetwork.com artic.edu | opentable.com |
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Mary Diebold Director of First Impressions With Whitney Since…1999 As our Director of First Impressions, Mary D. is the personality of Whitney. She is the voice that every Whitney client since 1999 has gotten to know and love. As a sibling of eight, mother of four, and grandmother of two, Mary knows just how to take care of everyone who graces us with their presence. Mary makes the best out of every situation that comes her way, always with a smile on her face. At the end of a long day, you can always catch her in the midst of her 4000 stair run. In her time away from 2215 S. York, Mary loves to seek out live music with her honey. Mary’s Links | patrickdiebold.com | berridge.com | johnnymathis.com |
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Emily Brown Environmental Branding Consultant With Whitney Since…2008 As a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in Graphic Design, Emily clearly has the education to support her creative energy. Emily doesn’t stop at corporate graphics and branding, she also enjoys creating custom invitations, stationery, and even paints when she has a spare minute. After meeting Emily, it is not a surprise that her favorite color happens to be a range of green, from kelly to lime and anything in between. She loves spending time out on the lake with her husband and their dog, Jackie. Emily’s Links | risd.edu | aiga.org | cooksillustrated.com | etsy.com | facebook.com linkedin.com | paper-source.com | planetdog.com | segd.org |
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Jessie James Designer With Whitney Since…2010 Jessie joined the Whitney team after completing her Bachelors and Masters in Interior Design at Iowa State University. She enjoys all aspects of design, and is always ready and willing to jump into a new project. Jessie speaks fluent Italian and is always up for a jaunt to Europe. Although she shares her name with an outlaw and a custom chopper designer, she doesn't happen to share the same hobbies. As a national competitor in billiards and horse back riding, she is sure to keep up with any new challenges that are brought her way. Jessie’s Links | www.azbilliards.com | www.iastate.edu |
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Jennifer Fangmann | LEED AP Senior Project Manager | Registered Interior Designer With Whitney Since…2000 A multi-tasking mother of four girls, Jennifer is known around the office as a woman who can handle anything that comes her way. She aims to please in everything she does on a daily basis. She specializes in working with our national and global corporate clients. With a travel schedule and family of 6, she is thankful for her husband who happens to be an architect, and therefore “gets it’. Her growing family enjoys living a simplified life in an earth-friendly home; be that by line-drying laundry (including cloth diapers), growing grapes to make homemade jelly, knitting, sewing, or spending time in Iowa on the family farm to keep them connected to their farming heritage. Jennifer’s Links | www.soulemama.com | www.blueyonderranch.com
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Mary Beth Peters| LEED AP Project Manager | Registered Interior Designer With Whitney Since…2000 Living in a creative household, Mary Beth enjoys being inspired on a daily basis. Her husband, who designs and builds custom furniture, and their two sons round out her artistic family. After her design education, which included studying for a semester in the Netherlands, Mary Beth found her way to Whitney. Her designs are always thoroughly thought through with great attention to detail. She is constantly seeking out new things to learn and challenge herself with. In any spare time she happens to have, Mary Beth enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. Mary Beth’s Links | www.designsponge.com | www.pandora.com | www.facebook.com www.npwoodworking.com |
