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

MArch, The University of Notre Dame.
BArch, Drury University.
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.

Jeff Ralph, NCARB
Associate Principal

BArch, 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.

Kirsten Schumacher
Director of Interiors

BS Interior Architecture, 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.

Barbara Ankenman
Office Manager

BSBA Accounting, 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 and loves traveling to new places, exploring nature, and discovering local histories.

Emily Schuler
Associate Designer

BFA Interior Design, 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

BS Architecture & Masters in Architecture, 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 colors and reading.

Claire VanDamme
Associate

BArch, Miami University

Claire is a North Shore native who grew up playing competitive hockey. With a minor in real estate, Claire understands how good architectural design adds both beauty and value. Claire now lives in Lincoln Park, and she spends her free time browsing antique stores and restoring her vintage pieces.

Hannah Zurlo
Associate Designer

MFA Interior Architecture, The George Washington University

BA Communications, University of Denver

Hannah’s sense of design reflects the influence of having lived in D.C., New York, and out West. Whether she is focused on procuring antiques or sourcing fabrics for a custom window covering, Hannah’s attention to detail is the key to successfully completing each project.

Emmaline Davey
Junior Associate Designer

BA Interior Design, Judson University

Emmaline is a skilled designer and former collegiate volleyball player. A farm-raised adventurer with a green thumb, she finds joy in cultivating both plants and culinary creations. When she’s not experimenting with new recipes, she’s lost in the pages of her books.

Aldo Valdes
Associate

BArch, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Aldo joined the Edward Deegan Architects team in 2024. He’s a devoted husband to Deja and father to Emilio. When he is not spending time with his wife and son, he focuses on his craft—helping his family with construction, learning more about architecture, and working on personal projects.

Maura Hagestad
Administrative Assistant

MA Education, DePaul University BA Spanish, Kenyon College

Maura lives in Highland Park with her husband Jim. After many years in the classroom as a teacher, Maura enjoys the challenges of juggling office administration duties. She always looks forward to weekends at the lake house with Jim and her pup, Ruby.