Business Details
26 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architecture & Interior Design in Madison, WI
Destree Design Architects is a Wisconsin-based architecture and interior design firm with over 24 years of experience delivering tailored design solutions. Our practice spans diverse project types including single-family homes, boutique hospitality spaces, educational facilities, and commercial environments. We employ a collaborative delivery system that actively involves clients throughout the design process, ensuring each project balances creativity with functionality. Our team holds multiple professional accreditations and has earned recognition through numerous industry awards. We prioritize environmental responsibility by integrating energy-efficient solutions and sustainable materials into our designs.With projects across the United States and five continents, our firm maintains long-standing client relationships built on trust and expertise. Our multidisciplinary team includes licensed architects, interior designers, and specialists with deep technical knowledge. We actively contribute to industry organizations and academic institutions while maintaining state certifications in architecture and interior design. Our commitment to quality has established us as a respected leader in the design community. Through continuous innovation and client-focused service, we create timeless spaces that meet evolving needs.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Historic Preservation
Sustainable Design
Commercial Renovation
Residential Design
Restaurant Planning
Space Planning
Building Code Analysis
Environmental Design
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 24+ years of experience across diverse architectural sectors
- Collaborative design process with client involvement at every stage
- Commitment to sustainable design and energy-efficient solutions
- Award-winning portfolio recognized by national design organizations
- Multidisciplinary team with specialized expertise in historic preservation
Associations and certifications
- International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- State of Wisconsin Woman Owned Business
- City of Madison Woman Owned Business
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services encompass comprehensive facility analysis, code compliance evaluation, and new construction projects. We specialize in creating functional spaces that balance aesthetic appeal with practical requirements. Our team handles programming, structural planning, and construction documentation for diverse building types.
Interior Design
We offer full-service interior design including finish selection, furniture coordination, and wayfinding graphics. Our approach focuses on creating environments that reflect client brand identity while optimizing spatial functionality for commercial and residential applications.
Historic Preservation
Specializing in historically sensitive renovations, we preserve architectural integrity while integrating modern amenities. Our expertise includes code upgrades, material analysis, and restoration of period-specific design elements for protected structures.
Sustainable Design
We incorporate energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials into all project phases. Our sustainable approach addresses material selection, waste reduction, and alternative energy integration while maintaining design excellence and functionality.
Commercial Renovation
Our commercial renovation services transform existing spaces into modern, efficient environments. We manage full build-outs, tenant improvements, and adaptive reuse projects while minimizing business disruption during construction phases.
People
Melissa Destree
Principal Architect / Interior Designer
Licensed architect and interior designer with 24+ years experience. Holds degrees from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Past President of IIDA and AIA. Appointed to State Capitol Board by Wisconsin Governor. Specializes in mixed-use projects.
Jeremy Cynkar
Director of Commercial Design
Architect with 24 years of project management experience. Specializes in municipal coordination and zoning studies. Led award-winning projects including Lake Ridge Bank and University of Wisconsin renovations. Active AIA member.
Jason Ekstrom
Design Lead
Certified architect with 29 years of experience. Expertise in historic renovation and residential design. Lead designer for Prairie Caf Building and Park Hotel renovation. Creates custom woodwork pieces for select projects.
Lindsey Shotwell
Designer/ Architect
Licensed architect specializing in residential design. Holds degrees from Andrews University. Brings traditional architecture expertise and comprehensive home development knowledge to the team.
Richard Dolezal
Project Specialist/ Designer
23-year design veteran with technical expertise in food & beverage planning. Proficient in AutoCAD and Revit. Known for creating detailed construction drawings and exceptional culinary space designs.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architecture including new construction, renovations, code compliance analysis, and historic preservation projects.
Do you specialize in specific building types?
We work across residential, commercial, hospitality, educational, and institutional sectors with specialized historic preservation expertise.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We integrate energy-efficient systems, alternative energy sources, and eco-friendly materials into all design phases while maintaining aesthetic quality.
Can you handle complex renovation projects?
Our team specializes in historically sensitive renovations and commercial build-outs with proven experience in adaptive reuse projects.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Wisconsin, we complete projects throughout the United States and internationally across five continents.
How are design decisions made?
We use a collaborative process involving clients at every stage to ensure designs reflect their specific needs and brand identity.
