Honoree Profile
Elma Milanovic
FitzGerald
- Title: Managing Associate
- Tenure at Firm: 3 Years
- Nominating Principal: Kristen Larkin, Principal
- School: University Of Illinois at Chicago
- Major: Bachelor Architecture and Arts
Inspired By:
Inspiration on any given project can come from various sources, whether it’s nature, art, or simply one’s surroundings. I consider myself lucky to have an opportunity to live and work in a city that is considered a design and architecture hub, rich in extraordinary built environments and a very active Design Community. As such, Chicago offers constant sensory stimulation, so I thoroughly enjoy keeping my senses alert at all times and seeking inspiration in my surroundings!
Keys to a Successful Project:
Success of any given project lies in the understanding that there is not one prescriptive approach that fits all. With that, here are some of the ingredients that can inform a successful project:
1. Starting the project with understanding the client, their long-term goals and their overall vision, allows the designer to establish an approach that will inform a successful journey
2. Understanding the user needs and focusing on creating an environment that will suit those needs
3. Aligning with all parties involved in the project, whether it is the Stakeholders, General Contractor or Consultants, and establishing collaborative environment based on an integrated design approach.
Success of any given project lies in the understanding that there is not one prescriptive approach that fits all. With that, here are some of the ingredients that can inform a successful project:
1. Starting the project with understanding the client, their long-term goals and their overall vision, allows the designer to establish an approach that will inform a successful journey
2. Understanding the user needs and focusing on creating an environment that will suit those needs
3. Aligning with all parties involved in the project, whether it is the Stakeholders, General Contractor or Consultants, and establishing collaborative environment based on an integrated design approach.
Interests Outside of Work:
Outside of work, I have many interests including arts, music and travel. However, family time is what I enjoy the most. Whether it is traveling the world together, breaking down important social impact topics or simply watching our favorite show, time spent with my husband and two daughters is the most fulfilling. They provide a safe place and an inspiration to continue to reinvent myself and aim for the stars!
“Since Elma joined FitzGerald in 2022, she has led our Workplace endeavors with her savvy design sense and unparalleled empathy for our client’s mission. A veteran in commercial workplace, she has seen the evolution of office design and brings deep enthusiasm to finding the right solution for right now, not just leaning on status quo. She recognizes each project, client, and user is unique and she excels at bringing all viewpoints to the table for the benefit of the end result. She is also a great teacher and mentor who invests in the future of the industry through time and compassion. She has made an impact that is deep in our firm, and we look forward to seeing all that she accomplishes in the years to come”
Kristen Larkin
Principal
Favorite Haworth Collection Piece:
Poppy Guest
What Is Special About It:
It offers, function, comfort and aesthetic value.
Photos From Elma
