Our Staff

Ellen F. Stoner, AIA, CxA+BE, LEED AP

Founding Principal, Preservation Architect

As the founder of and Preservation Architect at AltusWorks, Ellen leads a team of diverse professionals in the holistic approach to the restoration and rehabilitation of existing and historic structures. Through Ellen’s profound understanding of historic and new building materials, technologies and systems, AltusWorks excels at problem solving related to the complexities of working with existing and historic structures. With such expertise, Ellen facilitates the implementation of a variety of projects from facility assessments and program management to additions, building renovation and restoration, envelope repair, and adaptive reuse.

estoner@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x222
Connect on LinkedIn

Carolyn Isaacson, AIA

Director of Operations, Principal

As Principal and Director of Operations, Carolyn manages and directs project and office operations to drive efficiencies, improve deliverables, advance strategic initiatives, and enhance our culture.  On a project level, Carolyn is passionate about creating impactful spaces informed by stakeholder engagement and focused on accessibility and sustainability. Carolyn’s work over the last decade has been driven by a deep understanding of contextual design, an eye for technical detailing grounded by experience with small-scale construction, and managerial prowess and organizational skills. She has managed large-scale assessment projects, multi-family affordable housing developments, K-12 building rehabilitations, and cultural venue renovations.  She actively engages in all aspects of the design process, from pre-design evaluations and code analysis to construction documentation and contract administration.

cisaacson@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x229
Connect on LinkedIn

Kylie Fitzgerald

Director of Business, Principal

As Principal and Director of Business, Kylie manages and oversees the company’s business operations. Her responsibilities encompass financial controls, human resources, and internal communication. With a bachelor’s degree in interior design, Kylie brings a unique blend of creative and business acumen to our team. Her meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and dedication to both internal resources and external stakeholders are pivotal to our continued success and growth.

kfitzgerald@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x228
Connect on LinkedIn

Axel Joakim Bäckström, AIA, LEED AP

Director of Design, Architect

Joakim (Joa) offers a diverse project experience in new construction and additions as well as complicated adaptive reuse and repositioning projects. Joa has designed and managed a wide range of project types including breweries/distilleries, commercial, residential, and religious, with specific focus on retail in Sweden, France, Canada, and throughout the United States. As an innovative Brewery Architect, Joa interprets the owners’ vision into unique and vibrant experiential environments.

jbackstrom@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x221
Connect on LinkedIn

Anney Grish

Cultural Resource Specialist, Planner

Anney earned her Master’s Degree in Urban Planning and Policy from University of Illinois at Chicago to better understand how historic preservation can benefit cities and communities as a whole. She brings diverse experience in architectural research, including Section 106 & Historic American Building Survey (HABS) and Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) documentation; preservation advocacy; comprehensive planning; and transportation analysis. She also has a passion for Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and communication design, and seeks to incorporate these skills into the preservation field. Anney’s experience bolsters the team’s capabilities in historic preservation documentation and planning.

agrish@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x225
Connect on LinkedIn

Marty Kelly

Field Assessor

Marty’s concrete and masonry restoration experience and expertise in the repair of high-rise building enclosures expands over three decades. Marty was employed at several of the most prominent restoration contractors in Chicago. He has previously supervised the concrete and masonry restoration work at several projects designed by AltusWorks and has an established relationship with our staff. Marty’s attention to detail, commitment to quality control and safety makes him an asset to our practice.

mkelly@altusworks.com
773.545.1870
Connect on LinkedIn

David R. Periolat

Director of Project Delivery

David approaches each project collaboratively to ensure the highest quality results. David has been responsible for the planning, design, and construction administration for new construction and interior renovations of residential, educational, transit and commercial projects. With a focused attention to detail and an understanding of building systems and integration, he fosters strong working relationships with clients and the construction team and has the capability to successfully manage various project needs.

dperiolat@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x230
Connect on LinkedIn

Melissa Smith, AIA

Architect

Melissa holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas Honors Program. She was Vice President of Architecture Student Council and earned certificates in Historic Preservation, Health & Wellness, and Global Awareness. Melissa developed a love for history and culture while studying sustainable design and adaptive reuse in Copenhagen, Denmark. Melissa’s interests, skills and experience make her essential to the success of our assessment, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse projects across diverse market sectors.

msmith@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x224
Connect on LinkedIn

Terry Sullivan, AIA, LEED AP

Director of Transportation Design, Principal

Terry brings over 30 years of experience leading diverse projects that showcase a range of specialties and interests nurtured throughout his rich architectural career. Along with his love for designing Chicago bridges and transit stations, Terry’s passion for Chicago architecture has resulted in local and regional award-winning transit, infrastructure, education, vertical farming, and large commercial/private projects. Consistently exceeding expectations, Terry has fostered a loyal client base in both the public and private sectors.

tsullivan@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x227
Connect on LinkedIn

Jon Hiatt

Architect

With over two decades in the architectural field and five years as an accessibility consultant, Jon has successfully guided both residential and commercial projects, ranging from discrete accessibility upgrades to multi-family residential developments. His dedication to providing access and housing for everyone, combined with his passion for technical details and love for the built urban environment, enables him to deliver impactful and enduring architectural solutions.

jhiatt@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x223
Connect on LinkedIn

Ken Clein, AIA, LEED AP

Preservation Architect

With over 40 years of experience, Ken is a seasoned preservation architect whose work focuses on sustainability, place-making, and the revitalization of historic and heritage buildings. His background spans both university and professional practice, equipping him to lead project planning, scope management, and existing conditions assessments with clarity and care. Ken brings exceptional organization and a collaborative spirit to every project. Outside the office, he enjoys biking, swimming, gardening, music, and time on Lake Michigan.

kclein@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x233
Connect on LinkedIn

Diana Rodriguez

Architectural/Preservation Staff

Diana is an architectural designer with a passion for creating thoughtful, community-focused spaces. She holds a Master’s and Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Southern Illinois University and has experience ranging from high-rise multifamily developments to adaptive reuse and civic spaces. Committed to community and preservation, Diana volunteers with AIA Chicago’s Architects in Schools program and the Chicago Workers Cottage Initiative. She is dedicated to designing sustainable, inclusive, and inspiring spaces for clients and communities alike.

drodriguez@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x232

Elizabeth Kivel, AIA

Architect

With more than a decade of experience guiding projects from concept through completion, Elizabeth (Liz) brings a versatile skill set across a wide range of project types. She is driven by a thoughtful balance of practical and aesthetic considerations, creating cohesive and meaningful design solutions. As a Chicago native, Liz is passionate about creating spaces that benefit the people who use them and is motivated by projects that strengthen communities while balancing creativity with real-world constraints. Outside of work, she is an avid traveler, theatre-goer, and volleyball player.

ekivel@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x234
Connect on LinkedIn

Armen Avedoumian, BECxP, CxA+BE

Technical Lead

Armen is an architect with more than 20 years of experience in the architecture and building industry. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Yerevan State University of Architecture and Construction in Armenia and is known for his creative yet practical approach to problem-solving, delivering thoughtful, efficient, client-focused design solutions. A Certified Building Envelope Commissioning Agent, Armen brings a rigorous, systems-based perspective to a wide range of project types. Outside of architecture, Armen is an avid sailor, having participated in the Tri-State Chicago to St. Joe sailing race, an experience that reflects his discipline, teamwork, and appreciation for precision and performance.

aavedoumian@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x235
Connect on LinkedIn

Matt Gilbert, AIA

Architect

Matt brings over 12 years of experience on complex architectural projects, with a focus on civic and institutional work. Guided by a respect for existing buildings and a collaborative approach, he plays a key role in projects from master planning through construction administration. He has volunteered with ACE Mentor Chicago since 2015, supporting high school students pursuing careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. Outside of work, Matt enjoys photographing and exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods and their rich architectural heritage.

mgilbert@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x226
Connect on LinkedIn

Ferdinanda Marcic, AIA

Architect

Ferdinanda brings a diverse background across a range of project types, including cultural, hospitality, transportation, landscape, restoration, and residential work. With complimentary expertise in architecture and civil engineering, she approaches projects with a systems-based perspective, balancing design vision with technical constraints to deliver thoughtful, sustainable solutions. Her experience is grounded in design, where she works to translate complex project requirements into clear, buildable outcomes while maintaining a strong focus on environmental responsibility. She is known for her creative problem-solving and ability to think beyond conventional solutions.

fmarcic@altusworks.com
773.556.8060
Connect on LinkedIn

Jennifer Ries

Preservation Architect

Jen rejoins AltusWorks, after nearly 20 years, to augment our preservation services by bringing extensive experience in historic preservation, building restoration, and repair projects throughout the country. She combines strong technical knowledge with an artistic approach to develop detailed repair solutions that balance existing construction with modern solutions. Jen especially enjoys the hands-on aspects of field work, building documentation, and investigation. She leads project teams through all phases of a project, guiding design toward successful project outcomes through collaboration, technical expertise, and attention to detail.

jries@altusworks.com
773.545.1870 x236
Connect on LinkedIn

Sam Malnati

Cultural Resource Specialist, Planner

Sam has a background in architectural history and a passion for the diverse stories that connect people and places. She earned dual masters’ degrees in urban planning and heritage conservation from the University of Southern California to gain the tools necessary to uplift culturally significant places and ensure they continue to benefit their communities for years to come. She has diverse experience in archival research, photogrammetry, conditions assessments, preservation planning, Historic Structures Report and HABS/HAER documentation, and virtual tours for cultural institutions. Outside of work, Sam enjoys oil painting, exploring new cities, and tinkering with broken clocks.

smalnati@altusworks.com 
773.545.1870 x237
Connect on LinkedIn