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, healthcare and correctional projects with their associate firm Venture Architects.
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 Interior Design and Architecture for corporate, retail and hospitality clients.
Melissa continues to be an active member of the American Institute of Architects since 1994. She chaired the 2002 AIA-Wisconsin State Convention and was a 2005-2006 member of the AIA-Wisconsin Board of Directors. She is a guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a Professional Mentor at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture in Spring Green, WI. Ms. Destree Design Architects’s work has been featured in Madison Magazine, Signature Kitchens & Baths, Wisconsin Architect, Wisconsin Builder, and the Wisconsin State Journal.
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, and project coordination on a wide variety of large-scale commercial projects. Searching to develop his professional expertise in residential and multi-family housing, Jeremy joined Destree Design Architects in October 2004. He has led projects including Middleton Hills Center Townhomes, Ginza of Tokyo in Wisconsin Dells and the Wando’s Expansion.
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, along with a minor in Business Management. During his education he juggled a variety of occupations, including a position designing homes, additions, garages, and small commercial spaces for a local building center in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He has an excellent balance of technical and design expertise including extensive skills with CAD drawings and 3-D computer rendering. Tyler has successfully led many projects for Destree Design Architects including Middleton Hills Center Lofts, Eager Building Renovation, Sonic Foundry and WinterSilks.
Alyssa McDonald
Interior Designer/Resource Librarian
608.268.1499
alyssa (@) destreearchitects.com
Alyssa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Architecture from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. In addition to her expertise in interior design and specialty lighting, she has an extensive background in retail and restaurant design, specialty millwork and construction administration. As an Interior Designer, Alyssa continues to develop strong relationships within the construction product community to deliver both value and design to each and every project. Alyssa’s creative skills can be seen in the interior design at the Samba Brazilian Steakhouse/Cabana Room, Fromagination and Bean Sprouts Café in Middleton.
Toby Latimer
Graphic Designer/Resource Librarian/Office Administration
608.268.1499
toby (@) destreearchitects.com
Toby is the most recent addition to Destree Design Architects, Inc. She attended UW Madison studying Art and Education and received her Associates Degree in Graphic Design from MATC. She has been a Graphic Designer for ten years, managed a variety of retail businesses and had her own coffee shop business for three years. Toby organizes and maintains the Materials Library, designs our advertising and marketing pieces, assists with clients’ graphic needs, and does miscellaneous office administration.
Edwin Larson
Business Manager
608.268.1499
ed (@) destreearchitects.com
Ed joined the firm in 2002 as office manager. He is responsible for business services, office management, human resources and project accounting. Previously he ran his own retail business and was a supervisor for a local metal restoration company working on projects such as the State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion. As a performing musician, he is an asset to the firm on many of our performance related projects.