Meet The Faces Behind the Designs

Megan is an architect, planner and designer who specializes in the design of community-focused spaces. Her work often consists of complex renovations of institutional and federally owned buildings, and her design approach promotes collaboration, inclusiveness, and future-state thinking. Her final designs are thoughtful and delights in the unanticipated. As an AIA leader, Megan has served as AIA Illinois- Northeast Director and was the 2019 AIA Northeast Illinois President. Her involvement in the AIA since 2006 has fostered several connections and experiences throughout the State, including participation in the inaugural AIA Bridge Program in 2009. Since 2012, Megan has co-managed 845 Design Group, a planning and architecture practice in La Grange, Illinois. Her firm, founded with her college classmate, has been recognized by regional business associations and has earned a reputation for humanizing the design process.

As a Subject Matter Expert, Karen previously worked with the United States Virgin Islands Department of Public Works/ Witt O’Brien’s hurricane recovery team to rebuild the four islands of the Territory. As Bureau Chief of Urban Program Planning for the Illinois Department of Transportation, Karen led the development of the Illinois Long Range Transportation Plan, Transforming Transportation for Tomorrow. Focusing on State Capital Planning, Karen served as Associate Director for the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. This required development of the annual Capital Budget for the State of Illinois. Karen was responsible for building the legislation and implementation of Governor Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now and Jump Start capital programs. School Construction and planning has been a focus for Karen. As Supervisor at the Illinois State Board of Education and Administrator of School Construction at CDB, Karen led the development of a 6 billion dollar school construction, school energy efficiency, maintenance grant programs and the development of guidelines for communities. She also served on the Springfield RUDAT, Habitat for Humanity Board, AIA Illinois and Prairie Chapter Boards.

Born and raised in Springfield, IL, Mary joined AIA Illinois in 2001 and previously served as Program Director until 2023, overseeing events and meeting planning, continuing education program development,  Continuing Education and the annual Honor Awards program. She currently facilitates downstate Fellowship recruitment efforts, membership services, and office administration. She has a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from the University of Illinois Springfield.

Mary also serves as the Prairie Chapter Executive Director.

Lydia Brahler is a young professional with an  expertise in fundraising and partnership management. Born and raised in Springfield, IL, Lydia earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Psychology, with a minor in Women and Gender Studies, from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Lydia joined AIA Illinois in 2024 and successfully  leverages her expertise to drive impactful collaborations, ensuring strategic alignment with measurable results.