WE ARE a passionate community of friends & designers who believe in the power of design to positively impact the world.

YOU ARE looking for someone who will listen to your passions and empower them through design to transform your community.

Let's get connected.

Meet our team, you'll like them! (each comes programmed with at least three jokes!)

Steve Oliver, President

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Steve Oliver, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

President

​Director of the Healthcare Design Group

Steve joined BLDD right out of graduate school and has watched the firm grow from 17 people working out of one office, to over 60 people working out of five locations. He has a gift for managing people and problems, where he strives to effectively finding positive solutions. Steve is a goal oriented leader and has a vision for the bigger picture and an intense drive to see every project exceed client expectations. A good listener – Steve truly wants to make sure all voices are heard and their project dreams are accounted for. His experience has been founded on strong relationships with clients – relationships built on honesty and integrity.
 
Outside of the office, Steve enjoys spending time with his wife and family. Steve’s hobbies include fishing, traveling, exercising, playing the guitar, and he is a pretty good cook – especially when it involves the grill. Steve is also actively involved in leadership at his church.  An avid Illini fan, Steve enjoys attending sporting events from his alma mater. 

Steve's Blog

Explore Healthcare Design

Sam Johnson, Principal

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Sam Johnson, AIA, LEED AP, REFP

Principal

​Director of the PK-12 Design Group

Since 2001, Sam has served as the director of the PK-12 Design Group, a group dedicated to reimagining school facilities to create relevant, future focused learning environments.  Focusing on innovation, Sam has led the development of BLDD's "Think Big" prototyping process ("reimagining" the process of invention), as well as digital tools for quantitative decision making, processes for community engagement and planning, and performing research to inform design solutions.

Outside of work Sam and wife Donna love traveling, hitting the lake to ski or cruise, or checking out live music. An inexplicable lapse in judgement led Sam to follow the Bills, Cubs, and Illini, but working at BLDD, or enjoying a great microbrew, helps ease the pain!

Sam's Blog

Explore PreK-12 Design

Bruce Maxey, Principal

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Bruce Maxey, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

Bruce started working for BLDD after graduate school and thanks to his strong affinity for numbers and spreadsheets he now serves as the Treasurer for the firm as well as the Principal overseeing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Information Technology (IT). This passion, along with his educational background in structural design, makes him the perfect person to manage many of the firm’s largest projects.
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When he’s not at work it’s pretty common to see Bruce with his two daughters or spending time with his wife, Jill, at an Illinois basketball game – they are season ticket holders. He also enjoys designing and building furniture or kicking back with a glass of wine and some sushi.

Explore Higher Education Design

Carson Durham, Principal

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Carson Durham, AIA

Principal

​Director of the Religious Design Group

With a little bit of southern charm and an infectious smile, Carson’s passion lies in creating great places that make a difference in his community. His architectural designs are inspired by history, nature, technology and human behavior. This Georgia native believes architecture and design is all about invention and innovation - inspiring built environment is all a part of human expression. He is also inspired by his lasting relationships with his clients; and you can definitely find him in his element when he is connecting with people of all walks of life.
 
Outside the office you can find Carson watching college sports, playing basketball, traveling, and finding a little happiness in just about every situation in life. But what really sparks that smile are his “two girls” – wife, Nicole, and daughter, Greer. They always make him laugh. 

Mark Ritz, Principal

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Mark Ritz, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

Mark is most inspired about the way architecture serves as a vehicle to help people achieve their dreams and aspirations. He believes that architecture is not about the physical structures; it's about what happens inside them. He enjoys getting involved in the in-depth problem solving required to develop solutions for clients that bring about high-quality outcomes, but more than anything he loves the excitement on our clients’ faces in early phases of design when BLDD helps them envision what the project could be. His commitment to our clients doesn’t end there, he feels equally rewarded to experience their reactions as the building takes shape and comes to life, exceeding their expectations.

Mark enjoys spending time with his wife, Raquel, and his children: Stefan, Isabella, Beckham, and Cohen. He especially enjoys sharing his passion for sports with Stefan and playing golf with Isabella. He admits that he isn’t a great golfer but that occasional beautiful shot makes him forever optimistic that he will get better. Lately, he spends most of his time with Raquel and their two young sons, Beckham and Cohen, traveling, eating well, listening to live music, and spending time with friends and family.  Mark’s community is important to him and he contributes through his service the Boys and Girls Club.

Scott Likins, Principal

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Scott Likins, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

​Director of the Senior Living Design Group

Scott is the early bird in the office, which helps him get a little work done before staff arrives each morning. As managing Principal of BLDD’s Chicago office, each day centers on directing and mentoring staff to insure projects run smoothly and efficiently. Scott works hard to deliver complex projects within tight schedules.  As Director of BLDD’s Senior Living Design Group, Scott also markets his experience and passion to deliver culture change within senior living environments.
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After work, Scott enjoys time with his wife and three sons who love to fish, play baseball and golf. Scott also squeezes in time to serve on committees at his local church, the Lockport Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as the alumni board of his college fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi.

John Whitlock, Principal

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John Whitlock, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

​Director of the Higher Education Design Group

John is someone to be counted on... you can count on him to be a valuable resource to you and your team, a leader that will make your vision a reality, a partner that will bring levity to any situation, and someone you'd like to have an adult cocktail with after a long work week.  John leads BLDD's Higher Education Design Group, but also has a passion for fitness and athletic facilities and an expertise in the design of secure and safe educational environments.  John will be your partner and friend from the conception of an idea to its ultimate conclusion. 

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When John isn't developing 21st century learning environments, he is busy practicing what he preaches…reading a good book, watching his kids play a plethora of sports, water skiing, or playing guitar. You can be sure that John is always seeking solutions that will benefit and advance the education environment.

Todd Cyrulik, Principal

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Todd Cyrulik, AIA, LEED AP

Principal
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Lead Designer

​Co-Director of the PK-12 Design Group

Todd has been a passionate designer and planner for BLDD for almost 20 years. He has spent his life devoted to improving the built environment around him and is dedicated to helping every project reach its full potential as an asset to the community in which it resides. Todd believes that the architect's supreme mission is to elevate the aspirations of everyone that comes in contact with the built environment, clients, users, community members and even pets.  
 
Todd's passion for planning and designing extends to his personal life as well. He enjoys serving alongside his neighbors and friends to plan community festivals, neighborhood clean-ups, and bringing Santa to town. He is former member of his local school board. Todd loves discovering new things and looks forward to sharing his passion for discovery with his entire family. In their free time, he and his wife, Angie, can be found trekking all corners of the United States in search of fun and memories with their own little group of explorers: oldest son, Evan and triplets, Claire, Owen, and Olivia.

John Maynerich, Associate

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John Maynerich, AIA, LEED AP

Associate

Like so many budding architects, John realized his love for his craft when he was a kid, creating buildings from Legos and Lincoln Logs or any other miscellaneous item around the house that would satisfy his imagination of the built environment. Today, John’s clients cite his attention to detail and perfectionism as a few of the many reasons they love working with him. He has managed to blend his love of art (passed down from his grandfather who was an amateur painter), graphic design, and software knowledge to develop some amazing and relevant projects for them.
 
John came from a large and loving Catholic family that instilled a great sense of faith and loyalty in him. He and his wife Margo have started a large family of their own with five children. He enjoys sharing his love of art, architecture and design with them. His good nature and experience inventing games with his six siblings is easily shared in the office, where he has come up with the Office Olympic Games and various contests – all in the effort to promote laughter and camaraderie. He also enjoys putting his graphic design skills to the test designing bottle labels for his family’s winery, traveling, sports, and just appreciating the finer things in life, whether that’s food, drink, art or industry.

Ryan Fuqua, Associate

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Ryan Fuqua, AIA

Associate

Ryan started his career with BLDD as a summer intern while still in graduate school, joining the firm full time once he graduated. Ryan has an enthusiasm for structural design and has become a leader of the firm’s structural group. He enjoys problem solving and developing creative solutions to difficult problems. Ryan's favorite part of the job? Visiting construction sites. He enjoys seeing what he has designed become a reality as well as learning how to improve his designs to make them more efficient.
 
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys the outdoors. Most evenings he can typically be found taking his children to ball practice or to their next ice hockey game. When not at the ballpark, Ryan can be found riding his bike or working in the yard. Sundays are all about NASCAR. Ryan has made it a point to visit at least one new track every year. 

Jean Underwood, Senior Associate

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Jean Underwood, AIA, LEED AP O+M

Senior Associate

Jean has a long history with BLDD including everything from graduate school intern to Davenport Office manager including 5 years as a stay at home mom. Over the years, Jean has developed a strong passion for improving PreK-12 educational experiences for every student, no matter their abilities, talents, or passions through innovative, flexible environments that are future-ready. Making personal connections with clients and providing a positive construction experience are her top priorities. Jean's big personality is put to use bringing joy and fun into the workplace and her projects. As the Licensing Advisor and new employee trainer, she has a passion for mentoring interns and young architects. It's not uncommon to see her at area schools introducing youth to the field of architecture. 
 
Jean is an avid reader, podcast listener and traveler. Lifelong learning is in her blood!  Weather permitting, she can be found gardening in the backyard, camping across America, or competing in triathlons with her husband and teenage son.  

Jessica Whitlock, Associate

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Jessica Whitlock

Associate

​Director of Marketing

Jessica is an energetic idea-generator and big thinker, proud to be a part of an amazing team of creative and hard working people.  As Director of Marketing, Jessica manages the brand, image and marketing/communications efforts for the firm, and also leads the branded environments team at BLDD.  Her passion lies in making a positive impact with design, by improving experiences and perceptions.

Outside of work, you'll find Jessica staying active... on the boat skiing and wakeboarding with her awesome family and friends, or undertaking messy projects of all kinds (music, art, home improvements, a vegetable garden, and home-made pasta to name a few).  Jess is also a prolific thrift shop treasure hunter and lover of musical theater.   

Margaret Aman

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Margaret Aman

Business Manager

Margaret’s love for numbers and her keen organizational skills make her a perfect fit as Business Manager for BLDD Architects.
 
When she isn’t crunching numbers she loves to spend time with her children and grandchildren, going camping, and enjoying life with a big smile on her face – one she is always willing to share with her coworkers.

Jeffery Byrkit

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Jeffrey Byrkit, AIA, SE

Licensed Architect

​Licensed Structural Engineer

Since moving back to his hometown of Decatur in 2000, Jeff has worked on a variety of buildings at BLDD for all of the offices. As a structural engineer, the knowledge and experience he shares with his coworkers is a valuable asset to the firm.
 
If his five children aren’t keeping him busy, Jeff enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether it is running, landscaping or gardening the fresh air is always a welcome reprieve. He also enjoys cooking and watching F1 racing in his spare time.

Tony Croslow

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Tony Croslow

Draftsman

Since the mid 1980's (and the days of pencil drafting), Tony has been a part of the BLDD family and has experienced the growth and success of the firm, not to mention the push forward to 3D computer modeling. Taking it all in stride, Tony enjoys the teamwork aspect of producing construction documents. He specializes in roofing design and often provides consultation and mentoring to the staff in this capacity.


At home, Tony's architectural interest continues with the many home improvements that he and his wife undertake on their late nineteenth century home.

Sara Diesburg

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Sara Diesburg

Interior Designer

Sara feels the best interior spaces are the ones that evoke emotion, yet are functional and practical for the user. She enjoys history and finds historical precedents to be inspirational in her design work. Sara believes re-using and repurposing old materials and spaces is not only environmentally responsible, but also essential to preserving the history and character of buildings and communities. Overall, quality and intuitive interior design can impact the well-being of all.
 
When not in the office, Sara spends time running in marathons and hiking. She recently ran a half marathon and hopes to complete a full marathon sometime soon. She enjoys antique shopping for unique furniture pieces and has a deep appreciation for historic homes. She would like to someday dabble in historic home renovation.

Rachel Emmons

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Rachel Emmons

Software Systems Developer

It’s hard to believe Rachel’s career as a software developer started when she was asked what she knew about Microsoft Access. Her response: “Access to what?” threw her head long into programming and in a role that she loves: problem solver. She thoroughly enjoys creating, implementing, and teaching new tools that continually get our clients excited about a new project. Of course, she describes herself as a “geek” at heart that is middle brained – just the right mix of creative and technical.
 
At home, she enjoys playing games with her daughters, Holly, and Gracie, and just being silly (especially with her oldest daughter who shares her goofy sense of humor.)  Her youngest has started to show her mother’s affinity for all things analytical and recently created a chart of how much her family loves each other – it’s now proudly displayed on Rachel’s wall next to her desk and tends to spark a lot of conversation. When time permits, she spends time with her girls doing crafty projects like decorating the Christmas tree solely in construction paper snowflakes and paper doll gingerbread men. If you are looking for a “killer” themed-birthday party, Rachel’s kids can tell you that their mom plans parties that get their classmates and parents talking.

Candace Furgeson

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Candace Furgeson

Registered Interior Designer

Fascinated by the emotional impact that the interior environment can have on people, Candace loves how a well-designed space can energize and invigorate, soothe and comfort, cheer and uplift, inform and inspire. She enjoys entering a client's world to learn about daily activities and concerns, and designing interiors that will make life easier, more pleasant and productive for them. The opportunity to provide positive experiences for people--students, patients, professionals, and other members of the community--is what makes Candace want to come to work every day.
 
In cold weather, Candace can be found curled up with a good book, but in the summer she’s on the lake, boating with her children and grandchildren. Candace and her husband love spending time with their grandchildren, (5 so far…but hoping for more!) seeing the world in a fresh new way through their eyes, and providing them with plenty of fun times and good memories to carry with them into the future.  

George Gauthier

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George Gauthier, AIA, LEED AP

Licensed Architect

George Gauthier brings a qualitative, diversified 15 years of architectural experience to the office. He has combined a well-rounded set of skills with a design sensibility to enhance his experience on various projects. Most notably, he has developed expertise with sustainable design and implementation of various project delivery methods. He is experienced with all phases of design and construction from marketing, master planning, and programming through project closeout and beyond. He has successfully taken a hands-on approach to managing project teams with challenging schedules, while serving as the main client contact.
 
George enjoys spending time with his wife and family. His many interests include catching up with friends, watching sports, creating photography and glass art, designing furniture, researching history, playing guitar, enjoying restaurants, and camping annually with his family. Additional activities include attendance at local chamber of commerce and AIA (Chicago Chapter) events.

Emiel Guede

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Emiel Guede, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Licensed Architect

Emiel started with BLDD in 2002 and every day since has enjoyed the multi-faceted project experiences that working at BLDD offers. During his time with BLDD, he has collaborated on projects that range from research laboratories to senior living facilities to elementary schools. Emiel is passionate about building science and enjoys creating details that are both energy efficient and sustainable while also enhancing the overall building design.
 
In his free time Emiel loves reading, watching early silent films, gardening, cooking, and exploring as many of Chicago’s great restaurants as possible. Each spring one of the highlights of his year occurs when Emiel takes a day off to hunt for the ever elusive morel mushroom with fellow co-worker, Scott Likins.

Stacie Hanneken

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Stacie Hanneken

Administrative Assistant

Stacie recently joined the BLDD family as the administrative assistant in the Central Illinois office. Her previous experience involved case management and administrative duties at a community college in Adult Education, CDL, and the Highway Construction Careers Training Program. Stacie is a detail oriented ,people person who loves to learn new things.
 
When she’s not in the office, Stacie is a mom and considers this her greatest job, accomplishment, and the absolute best part of who she is. She is also a self-admitted concert addict, a Cubby fan, and a dancing machine.

Jennifer Hoffman

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Jennifer R. Hoffman, NCARB

Licensed Architect / Structural Designer

After interning for BLDD during the summers, Jennifer joined the firm full-time after graduate school in 2010. She enjoys working with all of the members of the project team and coming up with creative solutions. She also loves getting out on the jobsite to see projects come to realization! She believes valuing your peers not only as coworkers but also as friends creates a great sense of morale.
 
Jennifer loves training for and running races. She also enjoys volunteering, practicing yoga, and getting outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking, or sitting around a campfire! Having spent a lot of time studying abroad in school, Jennifer continues to have a passion for travel. Her personal goal? Visiting all 50 states and each continent.