Project Team
Melissa Destree, AIA
Principal Architect
608.268.1499
melissa (@) destreearchitects.com
Melissa received her Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree in 1992 as well as her Master of Architecture in 1994 from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. After completing her education, she joined the Madison offices of Flad & Associates as an intern architect in 1994-1998. She developed a keen ability to work with large complex teams on intricate research and development projects and health care projects. In 1998, she made a move to Kahler Slater Architects, there focusing on corporate interiors and healthcare projects.
While working as a designer and project architect, she began a position as a part-time instructor at Madison Area Technical College. Ms. Destree Design Architects held this position for three semesters, from January 2000 to May 2001. She developed course work and instructed students in the areas of Architectural Drawing and Building Technology.
In February of 2000, she received her architectural license from the State of Wisconsin. That same year she began Destree Design Architects in Madison, WI specializing in Architecture and Interior Design for corporate, retail and hospitality clients.
Melissa continues to be an active member of the American Institute of Architects since 1994. She is currently a member of the 2009-2010 AIA-Wisconsin State Board of Directors and chaired the 2002 AIA-Wisconsin State Convention. She is a guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a national committee member for the 2011 Congress for the New Urbanism CNU19. Destree’s work has been featured in Madison Magazine, Signature Kitchens & Baths, Architect, Money Magazine, Wisconsin Builder, and the Wisconsin State Journal.
Jan Cashin, IIDA
Interior Design Manager
608.268.1499
jan (@) destreearchitects.com
Jan received her Bachelor of Art degree in Interior Design from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She has over 15 years of design experience. In addition to her expertise in interior design she has an extensive background in corporate workspace, hospitality, spa and restaurant design and procurement. Ms. Cashin has developed strong relationships within the construction and interior product community to deliver both value and design to each and every project. Ms. Cashin has extensive furniture selection and coordination experience as well as expertise in sustainable finishes and materials.
While working at the North Central Group she oversaw the design of multiple Marriot and Hilton hotel projects in Wisconsin, Illinois, Nebraska and Arizona. In addition to new construction projects she has worked on multiple renovation projects for both hospitality and restaurants. In 2007, while working at the Fiore Companies she developed an award winning guestroom prototype. She is currently leading the Lowell Center Interior Design project and Interiors for Chippewa Valley Regional Airport.
Jeremy Cynkar, Assoc. AIA
Project Lead
608.268.1499
jeremy (@) destreearchitects.com
Jeremy received his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee in 1999. During his education he worked as an intern for an entertainment facilities and retail architecture firm, gaining experience with many elements of drawing, display, and design. Following his graduation he was employed as an intern architect with a large architecture/ engineering firm in southern Wisconsin, where he developed extensive knowledge with code compliance, project coordination and construction administration on a wide variety of large-scale commercial projects.
Searching to develop his professional expertise in residential design and commercial projects, Jeremy joined Destree Design Architects in October 2004. He has led award winning projects including Samba Brazilian Grille and Bonfyre American Grille.
Tyler Smith , Assoc. AIA
Project Lead
608.268.1499
tyler (@) destreearchitects.com
Tyler received his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Minnesota in 2005, along with a minor in Business Management. Tyler has successfully led dozens of projects for Destree Design Architects including Covenant Presbyterian Church, Sonic Foundry, Fromagination and WinterSilks. He has an excellent balance of technical and design management expertise. His project, Eager Economy Building Renovation, Evansville, WI won the 2009 Madison Trust for Historic Preservation – Rehabilitation Award.
Toby Latimer
Graphic Designer /Office Administration
608.268.1499
toby (@) destreearchitects.com
Toby attended UW Madison studying Art and Education and received her Associates Degree in Graphic Design from MATC. She has been a Graphic Designer for over twelve years, managed a variety of small businesses and had her own coffee shop business for three years. Toby is responsible for business services, office management, human resources and project accounting. She also organizes and maintains the Materials Library, designs our advertising and marketing pieces and assists with clients’ graphic needs.