Legat Architects Announces New Leadership Team

Legat Architects, with offices in Gurnee and Oak Brook, Illinois, has announced a strategic leadership transition to guide the firm’s next chapter of growth, innovation, and client service. The new leadership structure strengthens Legat’s commitment to “design with a difference to make a difference” and includes expertise across operations, finance, design, and marketing.

Jeff Sandberg, AIA, the new president and chief executive officer, has more than two decades of experience at Legat. With master’s degrees in architecture and civil engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Sandberg has played a key role in expanding the firm’s reach and impact.

“Legat has always been about pushing boundaries in design and collaboration,” said Sandberg. “With this leadership team, we’re ready to embrace new ideas and continue delivering forward-thinking solutions for our clients.”

Additional leadership appointments include:

• Zach Wiese, AIA – Chief Operating Officer, responsible for optimizing project efficiency and technical standards. A Legat team member since 2000, Wiese has been instrumental in improving firmwide processes and documentation.
• Kathleen Conneely – Chief Financial Officer, focused on enhancing workflow and profitability. With over 20 years of financial leadership experience, she has introduced AI and cloud-based financial solutions since joining Legat in 2023.
• Adam Quigley, AIA – Corporate Secretary, managing agreements, contracts, and licensure. Since joining Legat in 2019, Quigley has advanced the firm's project execution and studio culture.
• Evan Menk – Chief Design Director, leading sustainability initiatives and enhancing Legat’s design impact. Menk, who came on board at Legat in 2015, has strengthened the firm’s reputation for design excellence.
• Jody Boyce – Chief Marketing Director, overseeing marketing strategy and brand development. A communications and graphic design expert, Boyce has played a pivotal role in elevating Legat’s brand presence since she was hired in 2019.

The transition follows the leadership of Berry DeSimone, who served as president and CEO from 2021 to 2024, and Susan Jahn, who led financial operations as CFO since 2009. Their contributions paved the way for this new leadership chapter.

About Legat Architects

Legat Architects is a nationally recognized architecture and interior design firm dedicated to creating spaces that empower people and enrich communities. With studios across multiple regions, Legat delivers innovative solutions in education, healthcare, commercial, and civic architecture.