We believe design should elevate everyday life, and be grounded firmly in place. It should speak softly, and resonate deeply.

At Kadlec Architecture & Design, we are disciplined in pursuit of the personal. Our design philosophy is reflected in who we are. Quietly confident, enduringly accessible, casual, yet thoughtfully considered.

Our studio was founded in 2004 to convene a tightly knit team of designers with exceptional experience. We remain deliberately small, working closely to give each project our full and focused attention.

With every project, we work to build a lasting relationship with our client.

It’s through this relationship that we develop meaningful perspective into our client’s needs and aspirations. This clarity of perspective informs the simple and direct design solutions we believe in.   

We’ve worked with growing families and empty-nesters, young professionals and established executives, shopkeepers and developers. While each client relationship is its own, every project is connected by our thoughtful, disciplined, and detailed approach.

Meet the Team

  • Principal

    Steve is a registered architect and interior designer with over 35 years of experience in residential interior architecture and design. His work is personal and deliberate, focused on client relationships and translating their functional and aspirational goals to create well considered simple interiors. He founded his studio in 2004 to create a tightly knit team of designers who work closely with clients, contractors, and vendors to give each project its full and focused attention.

    This focus on quality design has been nationally recognized by Architectural Digest, Gallerie Magazine, Luxe Magazine, CS Interiors, House Beautiful, Metropolitan Home, and other publications featuring the firm’s work. While Chicago is home, Kadlec’s projects extend across the country including Los Angeles, Palm Desert, Austin, Miami, Naples, Connecticut, and Michigan.

    Mr. Kadlec is an active member of the American Institute of Architects, American Society of Interior Designers, The Design Leadership Network, as well as past chair of DIFFA Chicago, the Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids. The firm and staff are also active in and support various Chicago based charities and organizations.

  • Design Director

    As the creative design lead at Kadlec, Kevin is responsible for the design effort of many of the firm’s residential projects. He draws from his background in studio art to interior design using color, texture, and composition to artfully design spaces that reflect a client’s vision and complement the surrounding architecture. Kevin is also effective at project management, applying his design experience and organizational skills to all his projects.

    Kevin received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Journalism degree from Quincy University and holds a Master of Arts degree in Interior Design from Harrington College of Design.

    In his free time, Kevin is passionate about thrifting and vintage shopping, photography and skincare.

  • Senior Architect

    With over 18 years of experience in residential architecture and interior design, Wayne brings a keen eye for contemporary design and detailing to his projects. Driven by his love of architecture and construction, he is an effective collaborator with clients, contractors, and consultants ensuring the design intent is seamlessly executed.

    Prior to joining KAD in 2013, Wayne worked with Booth Hansen and Kathryn Quinn Architects, and he received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from The Illinois Institute of Technology.

    Wayne is an avid climber and enjoys all foods, hot and spicy.

  • Senior Designer

    Paige is an experienced interior designer who is well rounded in the creative and technical aspects of residential architecture and design projects. She is effective in the design and execution of residential projects from design visioning through construction administration. She brings a fresh perspective to projects combining her background in fine arts and high end residential design.

    Paige received her bachelor’s in Interior Architecture + Design from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

    Outside of the office, Paige loves to exercise and explore Chicago for the best food, documenting her experiences in a collaborative blog.

  • Business Manager

    With over 18 years of administrative, accounting and furniture procurement experience, Katey is well versed in operations, vendor relations, and providing exceptional client experience. Her versatile background in luxury interior design industry blends impeccable organization, knowledge, and creativity in the Business Manager role.

    Katey received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fiber and Material Studies from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

    In her spare time, she enjoys pursuing sewing and textile art projects, urban gardening and attending art lectures.

  • Studio Director

    With a firm belief that the spaces we live and work in greatly influence our lives, Donna has designed residential spaces, workplaces, and custom furniture that have supported and influenced culture, quality of life, and lifestyles. Her extensive experience in the creative design and management of residential, hospitality, and specialty projects provides a depth of knowledge and stewardship for our clients. Prior to joining Kadlec Architecture + Design, Donna was the Design Director at Gary Lee Partners.

    Donna received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture from Wayne State University. 

    Outside of the office, Donna enjoys volunteering her creative and sewing skills to the local non-for-profit dance studio, long walks throughout the city, attending ballet performances, and hosting Big 10 tailgate gatherings for family and friends.

  • Designer

    Anna joined Kadlec in 2024 and brings with her a solid foundation of high-end residential interior design experience. Her work style is collaborative, detail-oriented, and bespoke, focusing on custom designed spaces that focus on each client’s needs. She is versed in various graphic design programs that bring both technical and creative skills to the design process.

    Anna received her bachelor's degree in Interior Design from the University of Arkansas with a minor in History of Architecture and Design. Prior to joining KAD, Anna worked with Sasha Adler Design and Callison RTKL in Seattle, WA.

    Anna enjoys exploring the city, spending time with her cat while reading, and feeds her competitive side through a beach volleyball league.

Student Internship Opportunity

In addition to our full time staff, Kadlec Architecture & Design consistently supports student internships from various schools.

Interested in applying to our student internship?