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 24 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.
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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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. In 2023, Melissa was appointed by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers as an Interior Design Representative to the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board (SCERB). Melissa is also an interior design member of the Architecture & Engineering Board for the State of Wisconsin. She loves to travel and take in architecture and interiors at every opportunity.
JEREMY CYNKAR NCARB
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.
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​Jeremy has more than 24 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 Sprinkman Real Estate Offices, Lake Ridge 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 the Wisconsin School of Business.
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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
Design Lead
Jason earned his Certificate in Architecture Technology from Minneapolis Technical. Over the past 29 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.
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Since joining Destree in 2012, Jason has led the design of numerous residences from classic to contemporary style. Commercially, he was lead designer for award-winning projects, such as the Prairie Café Building in Middleton, the City of Madison Lake Edge Park Shelter as well as the 2016 Park Hotel renovation in Madison, WI, which was 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
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 venture is exploring sailing as a hobby.
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 23 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, one of note being Manny's Parkside in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. 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 DITTLOF ASSOC. IIDA, NCARB
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, the 2024 Aldo's Café renovation, Duluth Trading Co.'s Belleville, Wisconsin location, and work for the Wisconsin School of Business. She loves to travel and is proud to say she spent this last year perfecting her pumpkin chocolate chip bread recipe.
ZACKARY SHUMATE ASSOC. AIA
Project Specialist/Designer
Zackary is our most recent addition to the Destree team. He began his professional service as a member of the US Army, being honorably discharged as Sergeant after 8 successful years before serving another 2 years with the U.S. Army Reserves and being honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. Zack received his Associates Degree in Architectural Technology from Madison College. He brings to Destree his expertise in Revit, keen interest in technical systems, and 3 years of experience with General Engineering in Portage. Zack is an active member of the American Institute of Architects and enjoys writing, tabletop games as well as playing his harmonica.
JILL BLUMER
Advisor to the Board
Jill has spent over 26 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.