Passionate architects and interior designers, we work as one integrated team with one another and with our clients.
Together, we use the power of design to unlock value.
We believe that a successful project begins with a successful partnership, and that is why we strive to establish a long-term, trusting relationship with each client.
Established in 1996, we started Wright Heerema Architects with a singular mission: to deliver the highest level of design and service to our most demanding clients. In the first five years, our talented professionals successfully completed over 5 million square feet of projects. Our work has garnered recognition from some of the industry’s most respected organizations.
From our roots in corporate headquarters and commercial offices, we’ve expanded our portfolio to include interior architecture, hospitality, laboratories, and multifamily buildings.
Based in the historic Marquette Building in Chicago’s Loop, our open and collaborative space reflects our innovative spirit. Our interdisciplinary team of designers and architects collaborate seamlessly as we firmly believe the best ideas can surface when we work together.
Wright Heerema Architects engage closely with clients, striving not just to understand what they want but why. Through thoughtful listening, we craft creative solutions that surpass expectations, delivering spaces that inspire and excite.
We work hand-in-hand with our clients to design spaces that help solve their business challenges. This starts with achieving a mutual understanding of not only what they seek, but why they seek it. We bring together interior designers and architects on a collaborative team, believing best ideas always surface when we work as one.
With respect for our clients and our colleagues, we engage in thoughtful listening and value the insights we gain from working collaboratively. By considering clients’ needs, aspirations and economics, we design creative solutions that generate excitement.
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Stephen Wright, Founder and Managing Principal of Wright Heerema Architects, has over 40 years of experience designing corporate and investment office properties across the United States. He believes that client relationships should continue even after the project is complete, and continues to maintain a working relationship with the firm’s first client from 1996.
As Principal-in-Charge, Steve provides leadership to the WHA team and takes an active role in upfront strategic discussions to ensure the client’s business and design goals are met. He analyzes all design options alongside the team to arrive at a finished product that embodies the client’s brand, responds to the needs of its employees, and functions as a high-performance space. His approach to architecture and design is highly regarded by professionals across the industry.
Steve is an active member of Chicago’s vast real estate community. One of his most cherished local causes is the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The firm is a recurring sponsor of the depository’s annual Commercial Real Estate Awards dinner.
As Principal-in-Charge at Wright Heerema Architects, Roger adopts a holistic approach to every project. Since joining the firm in 1996, Roger has played a pivotal role in bringing our clients’ visions to fruition and delivering creative, inventive solutions. His strategic leadership has diversified our services beyond our core market, leading to enhanced offerings for our clients and the development of an exceptionally talented team. Roger will provide leadership to the project team, ensuring cohesive design direction and strong client relations.
Download VCardDan’s passion for architecture developed as a student when he formed an appreciation for its blend of art and science. He evokes that same passion today as an experienced architect and project manager. Having worked alongside designers throughout the course of his career, he has a keen understanding of what it takes to bring drawings to life and recognizes the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with the design team throughout the course of each project.
Since joining our firm in 1998, Dan has led the development of some of the largest commercial office projects we have completed, including those attaining LEED certification. Of his many accomplishments, he is especially proud of leading A.J. Gallagher’s 315,000 SF corporate headquarters redevelopment in Rolling Meadows, IL.
Dan oversees WHA’s IT department to ensure the firm stays at the leading edge of technology. He is also an active member of the Village of Wilmette’s Appearance Review Commission, and helps assess applicant designs for new construction and renovations of commercial properties, multi-family buildings and retail shops in the community.
As Principal and Project Executive at Wright Heerema Architects, Ken brings over 35 years of architectural expertise to the forefront. A proud graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago, he holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture.
Ken is a hands-on leader who thrives on guiding projects from inception to realization. His relentless follow-up and commitment to our clients eases concerns, ensuring every detail is effectively resolved. A client noted, “once it’s written in Ken’s notepad, it’s as good as done.”
Ken’s diverse portfolio includes corporate headquarters, financial institutions, retail centers, pharmaceutical facilities, and cannabis grow and processing facilities. His holistic approach ensures each project is cost-effective and truly constructible, reflecting his unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.
Daniele grew up in Uruguay, South America competing in mock design competitions against his budding architect brother and presenting to the “jury”–his architect father. These early lessons in architecture and design led to the development of his unique and realistic graphic style, which won AIA’s General Excellence in Architecture award. Today, Daniele utilizes both computer and hand sketch methods to explore designs that offer clients exceptional and economical solutions.
Otniel was inspired to explore the field of architecture after discovering his unique artistic talent, mathematical precision and affinity for detail at a young age. Encouragement from family and friends led him to study architecture in college, where he further advanced his design skills. He has since developed extensive graphic rendering methods to help WHA clients visualize a wide range of design solutions through realistic, 3D software. These methods have helped him design beautiful spaces for end-users to ultimately work, play, and rest in.
Otniel believes that having a clear purpose and balanced visual appeal leads to equally attractive and functional spaces. He uses this approach every day in his own work to ensure that the aesthetics, as important as they are, do not obscure the space’s main purpose. He’s seen this method come to life through the work of architects Santiago Calatrava and Renzo Piano, who both celebrate aesthetics without compromising the building’s true purpose.
As an Associate Principal and Technical Director at Wright Heerema Architects, Scott is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the architectural field. His educational background includes a master’s degree in architecture and a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies, both earned from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Scott plays a pivotal role in the technical aspects, overseeing design development, contract document packages, consultant coordination, and construction administration for complex projects. He ensures the best quality and consistency of documents for our clients while collaborating closely with the Project Manager and team.
Ellen serves as Senior Interior Designer and Associate at Wright Heerema Architects, bringing 20+ years of experience to her role and 12 years at the firm. An active member of the team, she participates in all phases of the project from conceptual planning/sketch design to project closeout, including design, document preparation, and construction administration.
Ellen leads projects to success with her meticulous attention to detail in interior space development and FF&E selection. She was most recently honored by BOS as a Profile In Design honoree in 2023.
Laurel Sieber is a Project Manager, Associate at Wright Heerema Architects, bringing over a decade of experience in ground-up, core-shell, built-to-suit, and repositioning projects. As a registered architect and holder of a Master of Architecture degree, Laurel possesses a robust foundation and deep expertise in the design process.
Laurel's leadership ensures that client needs are not only met but exceeded, as she guides integrated design teams to success. Today, her dedication to delivering high-quality work is one of the driving forces behind the continued success of our firm.
We are talented. We are qualified. We are award-winning.
Our work has been recognized by some of the industry’s most respected organizations. Following are a few examples of our recent accolades.