MEET OUR PEOPLE

Our design philosophy requires collaboration and communication. The most important things we build are relationships. Click on the images to meet the people who build those relationships.  

Dani FitzgeraldPrincipal

Dani Fitzgerald

Principal

A place you take people from out of town that says “I’m a Chicagoan...
"Twin Anchors on Sedgewick, Absolutely NO Dancing, and the best ribs in town!"

Your super power is....
"I’m a mom, I have a bunch!"

Last best concert you’ve been to?
"Dead & Company at Wrigley Field, it will be the next best concert when I go this summer!"
 
Coolest place you’ve been lately?
"Iceland! It was an unplanned extended layover. We hired a car a toured around. It was cool"

My spirit cartoon character is….
”Google says Velma from Scoobie Doo, I don’t agree”
 
My greatest adventure, so far?

"Repelling down a 160 ft waterfall, and zip lining in Costa Rica"


Eric WilkensProject Manager

Eric Wilkens

Project Manager

My greatest adventure, so far….
"Kayaking on Lake Superior at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore."
 
The Architect or Designer that inspired me?
"At a young age I wanted to be the next Frank Lloyd Wright; while I prefer some other contemporary architects these days, my original interest can be traced back to FLW."

A brag about me that’s not on my resume?
"I volunteer at PAWS three to four times per month helping Chicago’s homeless dog population."

A place where I take people from out of town to let them know I’m a real Chicagoan?
"Everyone wants deep dish, but Chicagoan’s know it’s Pequod’s!"

Why FITZGERALD APD?
”FAPD really cares about designing a solution to meet the client’s needs. These unique solutions keep the work fresh and fun!"


Diana GrosArchitectural Designer

Diana Gros

Architectural Designer

A really great day is....
 "A day of walking into the city with my husband and enjoying some good coffee and food."

Something about you that would surprise us....
"I used to play the mandolin in the orchestra at church!"

In a quiet moment you grab a book,  movie or music?
"I would say a good book, along side a cup of tea."
 
What is your Super Power?
"Gardening"

What is on your playlist?
U2, First Aid Kit, Michael W Smith, Vertical Church Band, Gungor, London grammar, Sigur Ross

Why FITZGERALD APD?
"For the opportunity to work on such a diverse portfolio of projects."


Madison KellyProject Architect

Madison Kelly

Project Architect

Something about you that would surprise us....
"I live in Minnesota! After working in Chicago for FAPD for 7 years, I now work remotely from my hometown of St. Paul."

If you could visit anyplace in the world?
"Japan in on the top of my list of places to visit. Perhaps soon!"

My favorite place in Chicago?
"A favorite of many people: The Art Institute. I always enjoy a walk through the Impressionist Wing when I visit."

My favorite things to do?
"Create things. My hobbies include baking, wood working and knitting. Designing and creating goes beyond architecture!"

Coolest place I’ve ever been?
”Too many to pick just one, but the photo here is from the rice terraced valleys in Yuanyang, China. An amazing place for sure!”


Catlan FearonArchitectural Designer

Catlan Fearon

Architectural Designer

Your super power is…..
"An uncanny ability for puns, word play, jokes and missed opportunities."

On your bucket list....
"Learn to play the cello"

A brag about you that’s not on your resume?
"I know how to whistle, and bake!"

Favorite fictional character?
"Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

Coolest place on earth you have been?
"The Vatican."

The Architect or Designer that inspired you?
”Bruce Goff”

What is your spirit animal?
One of those birds that does the ridiculous dancing thing while David Attenborough narrates. Or maybe a tardigrade?


Patrick FitzgeraldBusiness Manager

Patrick Fitzgerald

Business Manager

A really great day is....
"18 holes of golf, watch my son run track then my daughter play volleyball. That would be a great day."

Something about you that would surprise us....
"I once killed a seagull with a golf ball. That’s not a brag, but do you know anyone else who has?"

In a quiet moment you grab a book, movie or music?
"I guess music, I'm learning to play guitar, slowly; but it is a great way to relax."

Your prized possession is?
"Some amazing photos of my first Bruce Springsteen show ; Cobo Hall, Detroit 1977. I sat second row, center; we snuck in a 35mm camera and zoom lens. My friend, who is now a professional photographer, got some amazing shots."

Why FITZGERALD APD?
"For the opportunity to contribute to the success of this new firm. My role is to support this talented group of architects and designers, they do what they love, and I do what I love. It is a great match."


Lucy Trimarco

Sr. Interior Designer

A really great day is....
 “Hanging out with my husband, sleeping in; taking a huge walk, with many stops along the way. One of the stops has to involve sitting down to share some coffee and a treat!”

If you could visit any place in the world?
”Greenland and Iceland; two cold, magical places with fresh air, midnight sun and Northern Lights!” 

In a quiet moment you grab a book,  movie or music?
Music! Some favorites are: Cyndi Lauper, Ani DiFranco, Prince, Fleetwood Mac, Alabama Shakes and ANY Chicago House Music!”

 Places you take people from out of town to let them know you are a Chicagoan?
D’Amato’s Bakery on Grand for pizza and bread, then next door to Bari for sharp provolone and Parma prosciutto, Freddy’s Pizza on 16th St. for anything and Ferrarra for cookies.”

Star Wars or Star Trek, and why?
Both! + Stargate!. A present day wormhole connects time and space, indeed!”
 
Why FITZGERALD APD?
”The people, the collaboration and the passion they express in the work”


Sara DababnehArchitectural Designer

Sara Dababneh

Architectural Designer

My greatest adventure, so far is....
 “I hiked up one of the highest mountains on the border of Poland and The Czech Republic. It took a few hours to get up there, but the views were great!”

A show that I binge watch....
 “Friends”

In a quiet moment you grab a book,  movie or music?
”Music, the second option would be a book.”
 
If you could visit anyplace in the world….
”I would go back and visit Europe again, I would start in Barcelona. I would also like to visit an island, like Bali.”
 
Why FITZGERALD APD?

 “Working here I get to learn from a great group of people; plus, I get to work on a wide variety of projects through all phases and construction.”


James T. KirkChief Interstellar Officer

James T. Kirk

Chief Interstellar Officer


A really great day is.... Chasing, and catching, a Klingon War Bird, outside the neutral zone.
 

Something about you that would surprise us.... I really do believe there are Kobayashi Maru situations.
 

In a quiet moment you grab a book,  movie or music? I enjoy listening to Spock play his Vulcan harp.

 
Your prized possession is? My survey equipment from the SS Faragut.

 
Why FITZGERALD APD? Why not Fitzgerald ADP!