Kahler Slater Proudly Announces Leadership Promotions to Associate Principal

Jennifer Buck, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

As Project Leader, Jennifer is an expert in her ability to move projects forward while never losing focus on our clients’ strategic business goals. She is a proactive team member known by our team and our clients for her approachable style, strong communication and organizational skills. Jennifer is currently engaged with the Milwaukee Public Museum on their future museum project, UW-Madison’s Computer Data & Information Sciences building, and Marquette University’s Athletic Human Performance Research Center Phase II.

Erica Chappelear

Erica serves as Kahler Slater’s HR Manager. Her integral role enhances our culture of learning and development as she oversees Kahler Slater’s internal process for reviews, staff coaching, employee engagement, and onboarding. She understands the rapid changes in the architectural field as well as employee expectations as we welcome the next generation of architects, interior designers, and staff. Erica has her Masters in HR Training and Development and became a Society of Human Resources Senior Certified Professional in 2022.

Elizabeth Crowley

Beth serves as Kahler Slater’s Director of Marketing as well as the Senior Strategist for the Higher Education, Sports and Recreation, and Civic and Cultural markets. She leads the strategy, development, and execution of the Kahler Slater brand across our multiple industries and offices. Since joining the firm in 2007, Beth has been a key player in securing significant projects across the US, Canada, and Singapore. She is known by staff and partners for her ability to facilitate meaningful discussions and is considered a mentor to many of our team members. Beth has worked remotely from Savannah, Georgia since 2009 and has remained a strong advocate and champion of Kahler Slater’s culture.

Nicole Fermanian

Nicole is Kahler Slater’s Contract & Licensing Specialist. A skilled writer aided by fifteen years with the firm, she develops and manages agreements for both clients and consultants across all project teams. She is also fluent with state licensing and registration requirements and works to keep both firm and licensed individuals compliant. Nicole is recognized for her broad knowledge of firm operations, ability to guide and assist staff and leadership in decision-making, and her ability to develop procedures for complex processes.

Jeremy Happel, AIA

Jeremy has an extensive background in adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and cultural resource management and has helped to guide several complex projects that are both symbolic and catalytic for their communities. He is known as a thoughtful, motivated architect who consistently delivers artful and innovative solutions to complex projects. Jeremey played a key role in the recent renovation of the Milwaukee Athletic Club and the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in Milwaukee.

Melinda Pogwizd-Nerad, AIA

Melinda plays an important role within our firm and the design industry to advance the role of women in architecture. For the past several years, Melinda has been a strong mentor to the next generation of designers and has become an important voice for gender equity in architecture and design. Melinda has been involved on several significant projects for our firm, including St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (Ontario, Canada), Integrated Care Hub in Singapore, Northwestern Huntley Hospital, and Nebraska’s Merrick Medical Center.

Kurt Thieding

As Kahler Slater’s Senior Graphic Designer and Manager, Kurt plays an important role in designing and communicating our brand. He has been with the firm for 25 years and is a well-known creative and highly regarded as an expert in marketing, technology, and operations. He has built a reputation for guiding and developing quality deliverables, going above and beyond to meet commitments. Kurt’s dedication to Kahler Slater has been evident throughout his years of service.