Appointment of new studio directors at Legat Architects’ Chicago and Oak Brook, Illinois locations tightens firm’s focus on sustainability, mentoring, building envelope services, and design
Legat Architects has named Adam Quigley, AIA director of its Chicago studio and Rob Wroble, AIA director of its Oak Brook location. Quigley and Wroble, both licensed architects, will make sure all projects based in their studios meet client goals for design, budget, and schedule. They will stay heavily involved in their existing projects and assume an executive role for other projects going forth.
“Adam and Rob have all the right qualities to excel as studio directors,” said Legat President and CEO Berry DeSimone. “They not only have decades of experience coordinating large, complicated projects, but they also exemplify team spirit and are highly respected by their coworkers.”
Legat Chief Operating Officer Jeff Sandberg added that Quigley and Wroble “have the personalities and problem-solving abilities that enable them to continue making their studios profitable while building a culture of mentorship for our next generation of leaders.”
The appointment enables previous studio directors to devote more effort to their specialties. Tom Kikta, former director of the Chicago studio, will expand Legat’s building envelope services. Past Oak Brook studio leader Evan Menk assumes the role of design director.
Adam Quigley
On his first day at Legat in July 2019, Adam Quigley jumped into documentation for the new John Hancock College Preparatory High School. His expertise in detailing and technical issue resolution played a major role in overcoming the hurdles of designing Chicago Public Schools’ only new school completed in 2021.
Quigley went on to lead prominent projects for Chicago’s Metra commuter rail system. The 59th and 60th Street station renewal, for instance, will create a modern gateway to the Midway Plaisance public park, the University of Chicago, and the new Barack Obama Presidential Library. Quigley is also managing the replacement of the historic 115th Street station, as well as the rehabilitation of the 150-year-old Blue Island-Vermont Street station, the oldest station in Metra’s portfolio.
Quigley’s efforts with Hancock High School, the Metra projects, and many others proved his patient approach and his ability to bring clients and coworkers into his train of thought. His studiomates consistently comment on his easygoing nature and willingness to show the ropes to less experienced coworkers.
“Adam has an incredible ability to distill complicated ideas into bite-sized pieces for others whether it’s through a gorgeous hand sketch or clear written directions,” said coworker Justin Banda. “He’s also extremely patient and has a wicked sense of humor that occasionally flickers beneath the surface. He’s an easy guy to get along with.”
Quigley has more than 20 years of experience in the Chicago architecture arena. He holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan and an undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Quigley, a father of two daughters, is also “fluent in Portuguese and automotive maintenance.”
Rob Wroble
Rob Wroble has been a member of the firm’s Oak Brook studio since its inception in December 1992. In the ensuing decades, he led many of Legat’s largest preK-12 education projects. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, for instance, Wroble oversaw six new schools in New Lenox School District 122. His current project, the A.E.R.O. Therapeutic Center now under construction in Burbank, Illinois, will become one of the largest special education facilities in the Midwest.
Such experience has endowed Wroble with a highly analytical approach, strong organizational skills, and an understanding of people’s strengths and weaknesses.
Coworker Tyler Wade commented on Wroble’s “cool, calm, and collected” attitude and willingness to encourage novice team members to take on more important roles. “He allows mentees to make mistakes, and if that happens, he calmly explains how he would do it differently. Next time, they know how to handle the situation.”
“Rob has the experience, expertise, and understanding of how the studio functions, as well as the charisma to be a leader,” added coworker Jessica Carlson. “He’s respected for his dedication to the job as much as his ability to have fun with it. He’s approachable, honest, and one of the first people to join in for an impromptu lunch or studio outing.”
Wroble, who has more than 30 years of experience, holds Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Wroble also has two daughters, although he is not as adept at automotive maintenance as Quigley.
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