New leadership team at Legat Architects embraces design with a difference
Legat Architects has appointed a new leadership team primed to set the course for the firm’s growth and design evolution. The six team members were selected for their diverse backgrounds and complementary skills. Some have been with the firm for decades; others were brought on more recently for their talents and ability to advance the firm.
As president and chief executive officer, Jeff Sandberg, AIA will drive the vision and strategy for the firm’s next chapter. Sandberg holds master’s degrees in architecture and civil engineering with a construction management focus from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He joined Legat in 2000 and quickly became a trusted advisor to clients. In 2011, he established Legat’s Quad Cities studio, which has since expanded from one employee with one client to a team of talented individuals that has served more than 40 regional clients.
Zach Wiese, AIA assumes Sandberg’s former position of chief operating officer. Wiese will focus on increasing efficiencies and ensuring projects respect clients’ budgets and schedules. He kicked off his Legat career in 2000 after graduating from the University of Michigan. Wiese quickly established a reputation as the firm’s go-to resource for technical challenges with code compliance issues and building enclosure details. He advanced to director of Legat’s Oak Brook, Illinois studio in 2018 and firmwide director of operations in 2020. In his leadership roles, Wiese has streamlined processes, standardized documentation, and increased communication between the firm’s six studios.
Kathleen Conneely, an alumna of Northwestern University’s prestigious Kellogg School of Management MBA program, has assumed the role of chief financial officer. Her responsibilities include leveraging technology to enhance workflow and optimize profitability. With more than 20 years of experience in finance at multinational companies including a role as Midwest regional controller at the world’s largest food service company, Conneely has made significant strides since joining Legat in 2023. She has revamped and streamlined the firm’s financial operations, introduced AI and machine learning tools to improve processing times, and transitioned to electronic and cloud platforms.
As corporate secretary, Adam Quigley, AIA will serve as primary administrator for agreements, contracts, licensure, and shareholder-related matters. Before landing at Legat in 2019, the University of Michigan graduate spent 18 years rising through the ranks at a Chicago-based architecture firm. Legat appointed Quigley director of its Chicago studio in 2022. In just five years, he has raised the firm’s design production and strengthened camaraderie among his coworkers. Many building owners have benefitted from Quigley’s ability to lead complicated projects with a broad range of stakeholders.
Chief Design Director Evan Menk will focus on mentoring project teams and elevating Legat’s design impact, sustainability initiatives, and industry visibility. A graduate of Ball State University, Menk built his portfolio of award-winning projects while working at prominent Chicago design firms. He came aboard Legat as technical director in 2015 and advanced to director of design in 2022. During his time at Legat, he has not only strengthened the firm’s quality assurance program and enhanced its design reputation but also helped position Legat as a premier workplace.
Jody Boyce, chief marketing director, leads Legat’s marketing strategy and brand development. After graduating from Boston University with a degree in communications and graphic design, she launched her career as a graphic designer at an international advertising agency. She then transitioned to the design/construction industry as an art director and marketing manager at firms on both coasts. Legat welcomed Boyce in 2019, and she played a major role in meeting the firm’s revenue goals and enhancing its marketing strategies. Key initiatives resulting from Boyce’s efforts range from brand standards, onboarding materials, and promotional videos to revived proposals and an award-winning website led in collaboration with Menk.
Sandberg succeeds Berry DeSimone, who served as Legat’s president and CEO between 2021 and 2024. During that time, DeSimone piloted a strategic plan that paved the way for a firmwide reorganization and the next wave of leadership. Also stepping down is past CFO Susan Jahn, who joined Legat in 2009 and led the restructuring of the firm’s accounting and project management systems.
“The leadership team is thankful for the clients, partners, and employees who’ve helped get us here,” said Sandberg. “Now, we’re looking ahead. We’ve got fresh perspectives, and we’re ready to embrace new ideas. We’ll keep designing smart, forward-thinking projects while making Legat a great place to work.”
Contact us to get in touch with our leadership team or share your facility design challenges.
