Evanston, Illinois-based Morgante Wilson Architects, Ltd. (MWA) has promoted four employees from project managers to associates. Diana Ortiz was named associate in interior design and Kevin Thayer was promoted to associate of architectural interiors, while Monica Musialowski and Ellen Whitehead have both been named associates in architecture.
“It’s always incredibly rewarding to see dedicated employees develop professionally and advance in their careers with us as they contribute to our success as a company,” said Fred Wilson, co-principal of MWA. “These promotions are a testament to the depth of talent we have in all of our firm’s areas of expertise, including architecture, architectural interiors and interior design. As these team members take on additional responsibilities in their new roles, we know they will continue to be leaders and help us maintain the growth trajectory we have been on in recent years.”
Ortiz joined MWA nine years ago as part of the firm’s growing interior design department, which was launched in 2007 by co-principal Elissa Morgante and principal/partner K. Tyler in order to expand the company’s scope of work and offer clients a valuable add-on service. As an associate in interior design, Ortiz will continue her work on interior design projects for private residences as well as multifamily developments. Most recently, she was an integral part of the MWA team that designed the amenity spaces and common areas for the newly opened 727 West Madison, the tallest rental tower in Chicago’s West Loop. Ortiz attended the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, where she earned a bachelor of fine arts in interior design.
Thayer joined MWA three years ago as a project manager in the firm’s architectural interiors department after serving as lead interior designer for Barrington, Illinois-based Katherine Elizabeth Designs. As associate of architectural interiors for MWA, Thayer is responsible for overseeing the architectural interiors team and implementing standards and procedures for the firm’s design process, drawing standards and purchasing. An Allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers, Thayer attended the Art Institute of Colorado and holds a bachelor of fine arts in interior design from the Illinois Institute of Art in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Musialowski has been with Morgante Wilson for five years, joining the firm after working for several smaller architecture and construction companies. In her new role as associate in architecture, she will lead a variety of residential projects ranging from single-room remodels and renovations to ground-up design of new-construction homes. Originally from Michigan, Musialowski is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds both a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master of architecture from the school. She is currently pursuing LEED accreditation.
Whitehead joined MWA five years ago as a project manager. In her new position as associate in architecture, she will continue her focus on managing single-family residential design projects. She will also assist in managing MWA’s social media profiles, and will work to enhance the firm’s digital drawing library. During her tenure with MWA, Whitehead obtained her architecture license and became certified by the by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Whitehead holds both a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies and a master of architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is involved in Chicago Women in Architecture, and is currently pursuing LEED accreditation.
“We pride ourselves on the comprehensive, multi-faceted approach we take to our projects and the elevated design experience it gives our clients,” Morgante said. “That wouldn’t be possible without incredibly talented staff like Diana, Kevin, Monica and Ellen who each contribute so much in their respective specialties.”
