Diana Melichar

Diana Melichar is President of Melichar Architects. With over thirty-five years of architectural design and construction experience, she provides the vision, leadership, and design direction that are the cornerstones of the quality of work done by the firm. Additionally, she coordinates and supervises all activities of the architectural team, and is responsible for design and technical services including design development, construction documentation, budgets and construction supervision. Her wide range of experience in exterior and interior architecture for residential, corporate, commercial, civic, and historic preservation projects assures effective management of the complexities of any project. Diana is committed to providing exceptional results with excellent value for clients of Melichar Architects. 

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Diana holds a Master of Architecture and Urban Design degree from Columbia University in New York City and a Master of Architecture degree from Tulane University in New Orleans. She is registered as an architect, an interior designer and previously held her real estate license for fifteen years. Diana is certified as an aging-in-place specialist by the National Association of Home Builders. She is a professional member of the National Council of Architecture Registration boards (NCARB). Taking her professional commitment even further, Diana served for five years as a Commissioner of the Preservation Commission in Highland Park, Illinois, reviewing proposed projects and generating public awareness of preservation. Additionally, she participated in community forums and committees; has been a Small Project Forum Advisor for the American Institute of Architects. Diana has been a juror for preservation awards reviews along the North Shore, including Chicago, Evanston, Highland Park and Lake Forest. She also actively participated in the historic renovation of the City of Lake Forest's Ragdale artist's residence, on Ragdale's Renovation Task Force Committee. Diana is currently on the Board of Directors for the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce, serving for two years as Vice President and two years as President. Concerned for climate change, Diana serves on the Board of Directors for a leading manufacturer and technical innovator for the green energy industry.   Diana enjoys reading, singing with her church choir, painting and spending time with her two daughters, and exploring nature with her dog, Lucy.