thomas ahleman, aia, leed ap, principal

Thomas believes deeply in the power of place to improve our lives and our communities.  The  founding principal of Studio Talo Architecture, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Washington University and a Master of Architecture degree with distinction from Harvard University.  From 1994 to 1995 he studied architecture in Helsinki as a Fulbright scholar.   Thomas is a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Before founding Studio Talo Architecture, Thomas worked for both large and small firms in St. Louis, Chicago, Boston and Helsinki.  Living and studying in Finland instilled a deep appreciation for natural light and the craft of architecture. His experience with projects ranging from schools and churches to multi-family housing and single-family home additions allows him to bring a broad range of design skills to bear on each project.  His residential design work has been recognized by the Chicago Architecture Club, Chicago Home Magazine, Design Evanston, the Association of Licensed Architects and the American Institute of Architects. 

Jennifer parker holtz, a.i.a., principal & DIRECTOR OF INTERIORS

Jen brings a life-long love of design to bear on every project. She believes that good architecture is informed by its natural context and strengthened through attention to detail and finishes at every scale. With over 20 years of experience as an architect integrating interiors, buildings, and their landscapes, she regards good design as an artful combination of careful listening, creative thinking, and innovative problem solving.

Before relocating to the Midwest, Jen worked at medium and large architecture and landscape architecture firms in Philadelphia, PA and Alexandria, VA. She managed projects ranging from campus planning, new schools, and church additions to botanic gardens and public landscape projects on the National Mall and Colonial Williamsburg. Before joining Studio Talo, Jen divided her time between her own own residential architecture practice and raising her three kids. 

Jen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Haverford College, and went on to receive Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture degrees with honors from the University of Virginia. Jen is a licensed architect in the states of Illinois and Pennsylvania, and is a licensed landscape architect in Delaware. Jen is a member of the American Institute of Architects.

NATALIYA SILYARSKA, ASSOCIATE AIA, PROJECT MANAGER

Nataliya is a project manager and designer who works closely with Jen and Thomas to develop projects throughout each phase of the design and construction process. She brings creativity and a keen attention to detail to every project. Nataliya moved from Ukraine to attend high school in Harwood Heights where she graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. While in college and during summers before graduating, Nataliya worked for a small architectural firm in Chicago, honing her design and technical skills. In 2023 Nataliya earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology, where she was on the Dean’s List for five years. She graduated with a minor in Communication and a specialization in Digital Design and is in the process of completing the National Council of Architectural Registration Board’s AXP program so that she can begin taking her architectural licensing examinations next year.