OUR PRACTICE
The team at EDA and EDI is uniquely positioned to offer impeccable, individualized attention to each project with a select group of talented designers and architects. We value and foster a collaborative environment both internally and with our trusted vendors. As an intentionally small firm we offer a boutique, full-service experience to our select clientele. Our Principal, Ed Deegan, is directly involved in all aspects of a project from start to finish; overseeing the team while championing their talents.
Ed Deegan, NCARB, AIA
Principal
B.Arch from Drury University. Master’s of Architecture from The University of Notre Dame.
Licensed in: IL, MI, WI, MA, TN
Ed lives in Lake Bluff, IL with his wife and three daughters and is an active member of the community. He loves spending time with his daughters as they ride horses, dance, and play with the family golden doodles. His family and work keep him well occupied, but he tries to stay as active as possible, and enjoys the occasional swim on his lunch break.
Barbara Ankenman
Office Manager
B.S.B.A. in Accounting from The Ohio State University, CPA (Non-Practicing)
Barbara manages our office in Winnetka, taking on many roles including but not limited to: accountant, payroll manager and general administrative wizard - always with a cup of tea in hand. Barbara lives in Lake Bluff as well, and loves traveling to new places, exploring nature and local histories.
James Wooster, NCARB
Architect
B.S. in Architecture & Masters in Architecture from Andrews University
James hails from Hutchinson, Minnesota and now lives in Lake Bluff. James especially enjoys the structural details of all of his projects as well as the development of the unique aesthetic that our clients hope to find. He creatively designs half-timbered exteriors on one project, and lime-washed brick on the next. Outside of work, he loves a good cross country road trip on his motorcycle and he plays just about every musical instrument you can imagine.
Kirsten Schumacher
Director of Interiors
B.S. in Interior Architecture from Northern Illinois University
Kirsten leads the interiors team as Director of Interiors. With 20 years of experience in high end residential design, Kirsten can expertly move from an electrical walk through with a sub-contractor to a client meeting at the Mart. Overseeing each project, Kirsten brings together her own sense of design together with the client’s vision to create spaces that truly welcome our clients home. Kirsten resides in Glenview with her husband and 2 teenagers.
Jeff Ralph, NCARB
Associate Principal
B. Arch from Drury University, Licensed in IL
Jeff is a Chicago area native, but has lived in many areas of the United States. He has spent 25 years working, first, in commercial resorts and entertainment, and then in high end residential architecture. Jeff has a passion for the artistic side of architecture as well as the technical aspect of creating spaces. Outside of the office, Jeff is an avid fan of traveling, photography, and the outdoors. He loves spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Cristin Lombardo
Senior Designer
B.A. in Interior Design from Miami University
Cristin moved to Chicago from a small town in Ohio after graduating from Miami University. As a Senior Designer, she specializes in cabinet design and helps with finish & furniture selections. Undoubtedly the quickest at the keyboard, she is the technical lead on the design team. Cristin is a friend of all green plants, and she loves her summers weekends on the boat in Michigan.
Maria Dettore
Senior Associate
B.A. in Interior Design from Harrington Institute of Interior Design
Maria lives in Libertyville with her husband and son. With over 20 years of design experience, she loves to bring interiors to life in AutoCAD. Maria also loves to cook and bake in her own custom designed kitchen. She is a huge fan of her twin sister who she loves to spend time with.
Emily Schuler
Associate Designer
B.F.A in Interior Design from Iowa State University
Emily grew up in Libertyville, IL and now lives in Downtown Chicago. As part of the interiors team, she helps with furniture and soft goods selections and has developed her AutoCAD expertise. Emily also loves a quick hand sketching to communicate design options for our clients. She enjoys spending time with friends, discovering new coffee shops, and getting creative in the kitchen with some carrot ginger soup.
Ornella Gregorutti
Associate
B.S. in Architecture & Masters in Architecture from Andrews University
Ornella joined the EDA Team in 2023. She is fluent in Spanish as she was born in Paraguay, then raised in South West Michigan. Currently Ornella resides in Highwood. She enjoys spending time at the lake with her husband and beagle puppy. Her hobbies include painting with water color and reading.
Hannah Zurlo
Associate Designer
M.F.A. in Interior Architecture, The George Washington University
B.A. in Communications, University of Denver