Biographies |

Michael T. Edgar, ALA, Principal, founded Design Studio C, Ltd. in 1998. Michael grew up in Lake County and returned to the area in 1994 after receiving his Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Southern California (USC) in 1992 and Masters in Architecture from the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA) at the University of Houston in 1993. Both programs allowed Michael the opportunity to study ideas beyond the regional context of metropolitan Chicago and bring fresh perspective to his design and planning work.

Since starting Design Studio C, Ltd. in 1998 Michael has developed a well rounded and diversified practice encompassing residential, commercial and design/build work. He also participates in a number of local community organizations such as the GMLV.  Before moving the practice to Libertyville, Michael served as a director of the Grayslake Chamber of Commerce.
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Southern California;
Master of Architecture, University of Houston (Space Architecture / Extreme environment Option)

Irene Cohen Edgar, RA, Principal, joined Design Studio C, Ltd. in 1999. Irene has over 10 years experience in commercial architecture, specializing in complex technical projects such as restaurants and industrial buildings. Her project experience also includes office, retail, dental, car washes, convenience stores, sensitive additions to and adaptive re-use of historic buildings.

Irene is involved in all aspects of commercial projects, from code analysis and feasibility studies to design and construction documents. Ms. Edgar is also a Chicago Registered Energy Professional and serves on the board of directors for Waukegan Main Street as well as chairs the Design Review Committee.
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Master of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Historic Preservation Option)

(listed alphabetically)

Vanessa Bauman, Intern, joined Design Studio C, Ltd. in 2004.  During her initial summers and winters with Design Studio C, she focused on the design and production of the firm’s Stock Plan Book and Portfolio.  Since graduating, her IDP training is underway as she works with Project Managers on several residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects.  She also has an interest in sustainability and green design; her Spring 2007 Sustainable Studio design was chosen as a finalist for the Ohio Valley Creative Energy competition and is currently awaiting actual development.
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

Jesse Morales, Intern,  joined Design Studio C, Ltd. in 2006.  Jesse has been working closely with Project Mangers on both Residential and Commercial projects as he begins his IDP.  He is rapidly learning how a project evolves from its initial idea to its final completed structure.  He has helped on projects such as Office build-outs, Restaurants, Gas Stations and Home Remodel/Additions.  Jesse looks forward to increasing his involvement in the design aspect of projects in the future.
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Tom Senkpeil, Project Manager, joined Design Studio C, Ltd. in 2000.  Tom has over 5 years experience in residential architecture specializing in custom homes and home additions and renovations.  Tom has also worked on commercial architecture projects such as Strip Malls, Gas Stations, Banquet Halls, Restaurants, Bars, and other Entertainment facilities.  He brings with him a exceedingly detail-orientated and thorough mindset. Associate Degree in CAD Drafting (Architecture Option), College of Lake County, Grayslake

Jennifer Troop, Project Manager, joined Design Studio C, Ltd. in 2004. Jennifer has over 10 years experience in residential architecture specializing in custom homes and home additions and renovations. Jennifer has also worked on numerous commercial architecture projects such as a currency exchange, retail, and hospitals. 
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;
Master of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Historic Preservation Option)