Steve earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture
in 1986 and his Bachelor of Architecture in 1991 from Lawrence
Technological University. He began his architectural practice
under George Zonars Architect, in Birmingham, Michigan prior
to joining Luckenbach / Ziegelman and Partners Inc. in 1985
where he served his internship.
In 1992 Steve became a member of the staff at Roy G. French
and Associates Inc., fulfilling both design and project architect
roles for a variety of projects including work for the Rochester
Community and Hazel Park Public Schools, as well as Huron Plastics
Corporation Group Corporate Offices and the Port Huron Country
Club expansion.
Steve established his own firm in 1994, first serving as a
consultant with Jickling, Lyman and Powell on the C.C. Little
Laboratory Renovations at the University of Michigan and later
as the founding Principal in the firm AGZ Architects Inc.,
created to help execute his first major commission, St. Joseph
Church in Lake Orion, the subject of his graduate thesis.
In 1997 Steve formed SA+A to refocus his design energy, business
skills, and client service capabilities.
As the son of a carpenter, Steve’s design experience
with regard to practical applications helps maintain the fine
balance between constructability, aesthetics and budget.
Steve resides with his wife Jari and daughter Alison in Oxford,
Michigan.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Architecture/
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Lawrence Technological University
Architectural Studies
Northern Michigan University - Marquette, Michigan
REGISTRATIONS
Registered Architect State of Michigan
Registered Architect State of Ohio
Registered Architect State of Florida
Certified National Council of Architectural
Registration Boards (NCARB)
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Licensed Builder in the State of Michigan
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
American Institute of Architects AIA
Association of Consultants for Liturgical Space (ACLS) CAM Board of Directors
Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture
National Trust for Historic Preservation
New Urban Congress
Village of Lake Orion DDA Chair
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Engineering Society Outstanding Achievement Award for Design
Construction 1993; W.K Kellogg Foundation Headquarters.
Architects Contractual Trade Association 2005; Apostolic Church of Auburn Hills
American Institute of Architects, Detroit Chapter Honor Award; 1990; Michigan National Corporation
Headquarters.
Masonry Institute of Michigan and Society of Architects Masonry
Award; 1993; W.K Kellogg Foundation Headquarters. 1990; Michigan National Corporation
Christopher M. Aller AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Chris graduated from the University of Detroit
in 1995 with his Professional Degree of Architecture with a
minor focus in Business. While studying there he participated
in the University’s Study Abroad Program in Florence
Italy. He began his architectural career with SH & G in
Detroit, Michigan and later joined SA+A Architects team in
1997. Chris became a Principal in 2001.
Chris’s extensive experience, within a wide variety of
building types and construction systems, makes him an invaluable
member of the SA+A team, Chris is a firm believer that attentiveness
to creative design issues, with a focus on being thorough throughout
the design process, are the key ingredients to achieving a
beautiful finished project. Chris has served as project architect
for some of SA+A most challenging projects.
EDUCATION
Professional Degree of Architecture
University of Detroit - Detroit, Michigan
European Studies Program
Florence and Volterra, Italy
REGISTRATIONS
Registered Architect State of Michigan
Certified National Council of Architectural
Registration Boards (NCARB)
LEED Accredited Professional
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT
Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church
Apostolic Church of Auburn Hills
St. Malachy Catholic Church
Cornerstone School Redford
Cornerstone School, Grove Street Campus
Sagebrush Cantina Mexican Restaurant
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
AGZ Architects Inc. - Southfield, Michigan
Smith Group (formerly SH&G) - Detroit, Michigan
Michael Wancour Architects and Consultants - Rochester
Hills, Michigan
ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
American Institute of Architects AIA
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture
New Urban Congress
AWARDS
Architects Contracted Trade Association 2005; Apostolic Church of Auburn Hills
Brad M. Klein
Project Manager
Brad earned his Professional Degree in Architecture
at the University of Detroit Mercy where he participated in
the University’s Study Abroad Program at the Warsaw Polytechnic
University in Poland. Brad initially worked with Steve’s
staff as a student intern and later began his professional career
by joining the SA+A team in 1998.
Both his education background and project experience have exposed
Brad to a wide variety of building types, design styles and
construction methods. Coupled with
his attention to detail and belief that every building obstacle
is an opportunity for design, Brad has become an integral part
of the SA+A team and its success in building design through
the execution of quality construction documents.
Brad resides in Holly with his wife and son.
EDUCATION
Professional Degree of Architecture/ Business Administration
- Minor
University of Detroit Mercy- Detroit, Michigan
European Studies Program
Warsaw Polytechnic University, Warsaw, Poland
REGISTRATIONS
Certified National Council of Architectural
Registration Boards (NCARB)
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT
Palace Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Faith Lutheran
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Orion Pointe Mixed Use Development
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
AGZ Architects Inc. - Southfield, Michigan
The Design Forum - Grand Rapids, Michigan
ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
American Institute of Architects AIA
Knights of Columbus
Susan Welch
Project Manager
When Susan joined the SA+A team in 2003, she
brought with her 15 years of professional project experience.
From this experience she has formed a work ethic dedicated
to effective design execution through attentive project management
and coordination.
Susan’s problem solving skills and ability to translate
design ideas into working construction plans and details play
a vital role in SA+A’s success of turning its clients
dreams and goals into a built reality.
Rochester First Assembly
Robertson Brothers: Links of Independence Northwyck Milford Lakes
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Wilson & Associates - Oxford, MI
MSC Associates - Sterling, MI
Taubman Company - Bloomfield Hills, MI
ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
Orion Art Center, Vice President
Volunteer for the Susan G. Komen Foundation
Auxiliary Member, American Legion Post 108
Chairperson, Orion Art Center Annual Student Exhibit
Matthew J. MacDougall
Project Manager
Matt’s experience working in construction
and carpentry provide him a practical background from which
to approach Architecture. His Architectural experience was
initiated as he put himself through school, attending Lawrence
Technological University School of Architecture and Design.
In 2003 Matt earned his Masters in Architecture with a focus
on “Management and Practice”.
Matt has a passion for sculpture and the creative arts, which,
tempered by hands-on construction experience enables him to
become an integral part of the development of a project throughout
the design process. Matt resides in Davisburg with his wife
and daughter.
EDUCATION
Masters of Architecture, 2003
Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 2002
Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI
REGISTRATIONS
Intern Development Program For
NCARB Certification
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT
Cornerstone Schools Redford
Waterstradt Developments
Oxford Family Chiropractics
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Wilson & Associates, P.C. - Oxford, MI
Richard L. Bowen + Associates - Troy, MI
SSOE, Inc. Architects/Engineers - Troy, MI
ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
Men’s Recreational Hockey League, Rochester
Frankenmuth Snow Fest Snow Sculpting Competition participant
and team leader
Certified open water SCUBA diver
Sea Kayaking
Patrick P. Patrello, Jr.
Project Manager
P.J.’s architectural experience started at SA+A when
he was in his first year of college.
P.J. has returned to SA+A after three years of working in
Chicago and gaining experience in a wide variety of architectural
projects including Multi-Family Residential, Religious, Office,
Health Care, and Retail.
P.J.’s past experience includes the Orion Office Complex,
Wabash Club Townhomes, and The Vue Mixed-Use Development
in Chicago.
PJ resides in Midtown, Detroit with his wife.
EDUCATION
Masters of Architecture, 2003
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 2001
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
European Studies Program
Florence and Volterra, Italy
REGISTRATIONS
Certified National Council of Architectural
Registration Boards (NCARB)
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT
St. Irenaeus Catholic Church Renovation
Lake Orion United Methodist Church Addition
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture - Chicago, IL
PFB Architects LLC - Chicago, IL
Kowalewski & Associates Architects - Ann Arbor, MI
ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
Hands on Network, New Orleans
Member of the Detroit Yacht Club
Member of the Detroit Institute of Arts
City Living Detroit Volunteer
Detroit Sandlot Baseball Club
Debra L. Lare
Business Manager
With over 10 years experience in office management,
Debra offers proven ability in several key roles for the SA+A
team. Her responsibilities as business manager extend beyond
the fundamental accounting and office administration tasks
to include her position as marketing director and client liaison.
By maintaining clear and open lines of communication, Debra
sustains the essential link between SA+A and its clients. Her
attention to detail and her ability to balance competing priorities
and deadlines ensure office efficiency and client satisfaction.
Debra lends her abilities outside of the firm as an active
member of St. Joseph Church in Lake Orion where she participates
as a member on several committees including the communications
committee. She also serves as a Eucharistic minister to the
elderly. This involvement strengthens her understanding of
the church community's needs, values and expectations.
EDUCATION
Associates Degree
Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills, MI
Communications Major
Oakland University, Oakland, MI
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
American Express Financial Advisors - Troy, MI
L + A Architects - Troy, MI
Franskoviak and Company - Troy, MI
ACTIVITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS
Society of Marketing Professionals
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
Matthew Carlton
Intern Architect
Matt’s architectural experience began in his U.P. home town of Calumet, MI when he was a sophomore in college. Soon after, he worked for his former professor in downtown Marquette, MI, who specialized in historic preservation. After graduating from the University of Michigan’s architecture program, Matt worked for a year at a firm specializing in healthcare, in downtown Kalamazoo before moving across the state with his fiancée.
Matt plans on going back to school in a couple years to earn his Master of Architecture degree, study abroad in Australia, and pursue his professional practice.
Matt currently resides in Auburn Hills.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 2006
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Architectural Studies, 2004
Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI
REGISTRATIONS
Intern Development Program For
NCARB Certification
PROJECT INVOLVEMENT
Kensington Community Church - North Campus
Kensington Community Church - Main Campus
Fish Hook Vodka Distillery
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Eckert Wordell Architects - Kalamazoo, MI
Barry J. Polzin, AIA, Marquette, MI
