Meet our people

Charles R. Reifsteck
Charles R. Reifsteck (Chuck), AIA ALA, President

"I am blessed...I truly love what I do. I enjoy helping people solve problems. It's a great feeling to design improvements that make buildings work better for our clients."

A lifelong resident of the midwest, Chuck grew up in Tolono, Illinois and also lived in St. Louis. He earned a master of architecture degree and a bachelor of science in architectural studies, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Chuck has been an adjunct faculty member in the U of I School of Architecture since 1987 and periodically teaches design studios. He has also taught a construction technology course.

What sets us apart: "We are a very close office and like working with one another. Everyone has unique skills and is creative. We also have great clients and I've become friends with many of them."

Stasz T. Gorski
Stasz T. Gorski, AIA, Architect

"I enjoy meeting the end user client and understanding the specialties they have. I enjoy working with the people involved in a project, including the clients, contractors and their workers, consultants and, especially, people in our office."

Originally from La Crosse, Indiana, Stasz came to Champaign-Urbana to attend the University of Illinois. He earned two degrees there — a bachelor of architecture and a bachelor of architectural studies — and now teaches a graduate-level UI course. He is also interested in architectural history.

What sets us apart: "Our quality of work, construction management service, fairness with clients and contractors, a minimal turnover in personnel, having the respect of the construction community, visible principal involvement in all phases of the project."

Kevin G. Price
Kevin G. Price, Project Manager

"Working with our clients to create the kinds of spaces they want and need is extremely interesting and very satisfying."

An Urbana, Illinois native, Kevin earned a master's degree in architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a bachelor's degree in accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His paper addressing integration of computers in the practice of architecture was published in the online University of Illinois at Chicago's Architectural Review.

What sets us apart: "Working here is always challenging and ever changing."

Bridgett R. Wakefield
Bridgett R. Wakefield, AIA, LEED-AP, Project Architect

"I enjoy the process of taking each unique situation and turning it into something useful and attractive for each individual client. Every project is completely different because every client is unique, and that makes each day interesting."

A native of Champaign, Bridgett earned a master's degree in architecture and a bachelor's degree in architectural studies, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her master's thesis in educational facilities was published by the American Institute of Architects. Bridgett also received an AIA Excellence in Educational Design Merit Award.

What sets us apart:
"Continuity. Our clients get to know and work with the same team throughout their project."

John W. Grice
John W. Grice, Architectural Staff

"This is the ultimate way to utilize my training and experience in guiding multiple disciplines to successful completion of architectural projects. The experience can be somewhat like that of a musical conductor in that an incorrect note or sequence can sour a beautiful work."

A native of Meridian, Mississippi, John was involved in civil engineering for the U.S. Air Force for 11 years, earning three meritorious service medals and four achievement medals. He also owned and operated a general contractor business for 20 years. John earned degrees in construction management from Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois; in construction technology from Tanana Valley Community College in Fairbanks, Alaska; and in construction technology and management from Community College of the Air Force.

What sets us apart: "In addition to a great design team working to create projects of architectural interest, having construction management in-house is another great tool for communication between clients, architects and contractors. Better communication offers clearer direction and greater results."

Kristen L. Fanning
Kristen L. Fanning, Interior Designer

"I enjoy working with clients and designing to their needs and interests."

A Chicago native, Kristen earned a master's degree in environmental and interior design from Illinois State University in Bloomington, and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Illinois College in Jacksonville.

What sets us apart: "The personal attention we pay to our clients and delivering exactly what they request."

Chris Bieser
Chris Bieser

"To me, architecture is about problem solving. What I enjoy most is how the practice of architecture can help people find practical solutions to improve their daily lives through the built environment. I get satisfaction from knowing that people are able to experience and appreciate something that I helped create."

A lifelong midwesterner, Chris has lived in Indiana and Illinois. He earned a bachelor of science degree in architectural studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

What sets us apart: "Each project is unique and provides an opportunity for individual and project-specific design considerations. The variety of different projects encourages collaboration within the office since each person in the office brings a distinct basis of knowledge."

Sean Bott
Sean Bott

"I enjoy working with clients to find solutions to their project design goals."

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Sean attended the University of New Orleans and later studied architecture and environmental design at the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

What sets us apart: "Utilization of new technology, specifically Building Information Modeling (BIM), allows us to provide clients with better visualization of their projects during the design process. Dealing with issues early on saves clients money while reducing delays in project schedules."

Jenny Schleyhahn
Jenny Schleyhahn, Office Manager

"I enjoy my co-workers. We have a great group of people."

Originally from Champaign, Jenny attended Southern Illinois University and Parkland College.

What sets us apart: "Although we're a small firm, we have a lot of strengths."