ABOUT
OUR FIRM
Destree Design Architects is a thriving architecture and interior design firm that calls Wisconsin home. We are devoted to elevated design projects emphasizing the specific needs of our clients. With more than 22 years' experience, our practice covers the gamut of project types from single-family homes, boutique hospitality, food & beverage, civic minded spaces, educational facilities, business, and retail environments. Over the years, Destree has earned an excellent reputation as an award-winning design firm. Our success is demonstrated by our long-standing clients with projects throughout the United States and spanning five continents.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Destree Design Architects utilizes a personalized, collaborative delivery system which caters to the individual requirements of each client. The client is involved as a member of the team in each step of the design process.
Projects are designed with an excellent balance of creativity and functionality to create spaces that are as efficient to use as they are striking and unique. We are committed to environmental responsibility, energy efficiency and alternate energy solutions, customizing each design to meet the client's specific goals.
"Finding the materials and form that speak to each client is the challenge and delight of our design process."
OUR TEAM
MELISSA DESTREE AIA, NCARB, IIDA, WRID
Principal Architect / Interior Designer
Melissa has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Masters of Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She began her career at the Madison offices of Flad & Associates as an intern architect, followed a few years later with Kahler Slater Architects, focusing on restoration as well as corporate and healthcare interiors.
In February of 2000 Melissa began Destree Design Architects, a general practice firm focusing on planning, architecture, and interior design. Celebrating over two decades in design, Destree has developed a reputation for elegant, yet functional buildings and interiors ranging from single and multi-family residential to corporate, hospitality, retail and municipal projects. Her firm's work can be seen throughout the states and across five continents.
Melissa is an active member and Past-President of both the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). She is a guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin as well as a member of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Interior Architecture, Student Advisory Board. Melissa is a Licensed Architect in Wisconsin and Illinois and Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer. She loves to travel and take in architecture and interiors at every opportunity.
JEREMY CYNKAR
Director of Commercial Design
Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. After completing his education, he joined the Janesville offices of Angus & Young Associates as an intern architect. Jeremy joined Destree Architects, Inc. in 2004 as a Project Coordinator and Construction Administrator.
Jeremy has more than 19 years of experience in project management and construction administration. He has extensive experience working on his client's behalf including site development, municipality coordination and submittals, comprehensive zoning studies, and navigating the approval process. He has led award winning projects including Monona Bank – Atwood, Samba Brazilian Grille, Bonfyre American Grille, and The Coopers Tavern. Jeremy has also completed numerous renovations for the University of Wisconsin-Madison including Memorial Library Graduate Learning Center, Educational Sciences WCER and office space for the Pyle Center.
He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects. His work has been featured in Wisconsin Architect, Wisconsin Builder, The Daily Reporter, and the Wisconsin State Journal. When he is not working, he is volunteering as a soccer coach, driving his Tesla, and encouraging others to install solar arrays.
JASON EKSTROM
Director of Residential Design
Jason earned his Certificate in Architecture Technology from Minneapolis Technical. Over the past 26 years, he has gained experience in historic renovation and rehabilitation, single-family homes, restaurant design, and mixed-use developments. His design experience includes, interior architecture, and residential design.
Since joining Destree in 2012, Jason has led the design of numerous residences from classic to contemporary style. Commercially, he was lead designer for the award-winning Prairie Café Building in Middleton as well as the 2016 Park Hotel renovation in Madison, WI, named InBusiness 2016 Project of the Year. His level of detail and commitment to every project is exceptional. This dedication to artistry can also be seen in his hand-crafted woodwork and furniture pieces that find their way into a few select Destree projects.
LINDSEY SHOTWELL AIA
Project Specialist/ Designer/ Architect
Lindsey is a licensed architect that joined Destree in 2018. She earned her Bachelors and Masters of Architecture from Andrews University in Michigan. She began her career focused on residential design with Braulio Casas Architects in Florida and then Reynolds Architecture in Chicago. Lindsey contributes to the Destree team with her enthusiasm for traditional architecture and her experience in all stages of home development. Her thoughtfulness and care are key components creating some of Destree’s most stunning residential designs to date. Her current mission is raising a small collective of backyard chickens.
RICHARD DOLEZAL
Project Specialist/ Designer
Richard earned a Specialized Associate of Science Degree in Architecture and Design at Northwest Technical Institute, Egan, MN in 1995. He has over 21 years of experience as a technician for commercial and residential design and construction, developing high-quality design drawings from the schematic phase through construction documents. His expertise with food and beverage planning and design is astounding, keeping our F&B clients coming back project after project. In addition, Richard has a broad experience in AutoCAD, Revit and Architectural Desktop including training and support of staff. Richard is always busy with family and makes the most amazing rice paper egg rolls (which Melissa loves).
AMY ERNST
Project Specialist/ Designer
Amy has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. During her schooling, Amy worked as an intern at an architecture firm, an interior design company and a commercial real estate firm. Amy joined Destree shortly after completing her degree in 2020. Amy specializes in interior architecture, design, and graphics. Recent projects include a restaurant renovation for Steenbock on Orchard and planning and design for Duluth Trading Co. She loves to travel and is proud to say she spent this last year perfecting her pumpkin chocolate chip bread recipe.
ARIANNA WOLSKE
Project Specialist/ Designer
Arianna earned her Architectural Technology Degree from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in 2021. Arianna was a residential design intern in Door County assisting with the design of projects ranging from small cabins to large lake homes. Following her internship, she moved to Madison where she honed her skills focusing on the municipal permitting processes of commercial architecture. Arianna joined Destree in 2022, returning to her passion to practice residential design. In her free time, you can find Arianna outdoors camping, kayaking or snowboarding.
JACK DAVIS
Project Specialist/ Designer
A recent addition to the Destree team, Jack earned his Bachelors of Science in Architecture Degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 2021. During school he worked alongside professors specializing in historic preservation. After completing his Bachelors, he honed his skills in corporate design as an intern at an architectural firm in Milwaukee. Jack then moved to Spain to complete his Masters in Advanced Architecture from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia. After returning to the U.S., he then joined Destree in 2023 focusing on commercial architecture. Outside of the office, Jack enjoys watching a good movie, going on bike rides and watching the Premier League.
JILL BLUMER
Advisor to the Board
Jill has spent over 21 years in the engineering and telecommunications industries working for companies large and small nationwide. She provides operational expertise to Destree’s Board of Directors related to Project Management, IT, Human Resources, Quality Standards and Best Practices. Jill holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.