At our core, the focus at Arkos Design is to enrich lives through purposeful and innovative design. We have built successful projects, a strong reputation, and lasting relationships based on our firm philosophy.
Arkos Design began in 2005, offering architectural services out of our original downtown Niles, Michigan office. Since then, we have grown to include interior design, landscape architecture, and digital graphics. In 2014, we moved to downtown Mishawaka, Indiana, and three years later created the vibrant office space at 117 Lincolnway West as our ultimate location. We enjoy our downtown locale and being part of the Michiana community.
Our strategy has been to build an outstanding "right-brain" design team at Arkos Design, and partner with our professional peers in engineering and specialties to form the most suitable team for our clients' needs. In 2016, Arkos Design, led by founding partner Jeff Anglemyer, initiated the addition of two partners, Darla Davidson Aldred and Sally Anglemyer. The three partners represent the design disciplines of the firm and work closely together to ensure that our clients' expectations are exceeded.
Every task has a purpose. The desired end-result being the best design and documents for our clients, developed through an effective process. Professional staff is hired for their minds, their creativity, their strategic thinking ability and their knowledge. From complex design problems to sending an email, striving to make it excellent is important.
"We" is a very important word at Arkos Design. Not only in how we describe our work to clients, but how we work together and within our community. Rarely are our results generated by one person in the office. Rather, many hands and minds help to visualize and prepare the documents our clients use to make their decisions. Fostering camaraderie within our team makes for a satisfying work environment, and more creativity.
Integrity is the value at the heart of Arkos Design. How we conduct ourselves with each other, our clients, peers, vendors, and contractors matters. Respect goes hand in hand with integrity, and mutual respect between firm and staff, with clients, and between coworkers is expected.
Being able to count on each other is imperative. Being reliable means being professional, consistent, and doing what is necessary to complete the tasks at hand. Everyone needs to pitch in and follow through on tasks to avoid the burden of many falling on a few individuals.
Arkos Design strives to provide the utmost quality, whether it is design, documentation or communication. There is not one single person responsible for a quality product. It is up to each team member to be diligent and aware of the quality being created and presented.
Bachelor of Architecture, 1988, Kent State University
Registered Architect; Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio
American Institute of Architects (AIA), Member since 1991
National Council of Architectural Registration Board
Indiana Library Federation, Member since 1999
Michigan Library Association, Member since 2002
As a firm partner, Darla currently serves as Vice President, and manages all landscape architectural aspects of design projects. Her goal is to ensure we are developing creative outdoor places where people can intuitively experience nature and their physical surroundings. Landscape architecture is the bridge between so many elements of the built environment. By integrating this discipline into each project, clients experience the best possible solution.
When asked about her passion regarding her profession Darla says, “the magic of landscape architecture for me is the balance between people and the natural environment; improving this in even the most subtle of ways is very rewarding.” Darla enjoys helping her community understand the importance of preserving and planting trees. She currently serves on the City of LaPorte’s Tree Commission. She lives on a country acreage with her family and a multitude of animals. She loves passing along to her boys the satisfaction of discovering the wonders of the natural world, whether through gardening, camping, or simply “being” outdoors.
Bachelor of Science, Landscape Architecture, 1993, Colorado State University
Certificate of Merit, Healthcare Garden Design, 2014, Joseph Regenstein Jr. School at CBG
Registered Landscape Architect: Indiana and Michigan
Indiana Tree Steward, 2016, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry
American Society of Landscape Architects
American Horticultural Therapy Association
Indiana Native Plant and Wildlife Society
As a firm partner, Sally provides leadership to the firm, and manages the interior design studio. She is a hands-on designer and works directly with many of our clients to lend her creative or managerial talents to their projects. When asked about her passion regarding her work Sally says “I am very loyal and committed to doing all I can to enable our clients to solve their problems and achieve their objectives. Trying to find the perfect solution is the goal”.
Outside of the office Sally enjoys getting her hands dirty working on home and office renovation projects. This helps her to gain an understanding of the construction process, methods, and levels of quality. She is also an avid sports fan, enjoys playing golf, and spends her free time traveling the country to watch one of her favorite teams play (hint: see Jeff Anglemyer’s interests)!
Bachelor of Art, Interior Design, 1996, Purdue University
Registered Interior Designer
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
National Council for Interior Design Qualifications
Indiana Library Federation, Affiliate Membership
Jordan is a digital artist and game developer. He creates 3D renderings and interactive visualizations of the interior and exterior spaces designed by our Arkos Design team. Jordan is also actively developing a video game.
When asked about his passion regarding his profession Jordan says, “spending time in nature observing how things really look inspires me to replicate that beauty in renderings.” When he is not at work, Jordan actively enjoys nature - including Adventure Racing - and playing any type of game. He likes brainstorming new game ideas and discussing how game designs could be improved.
Bachelor of Fine Arts, 2008, College for Creative Studies
Philip is involved in all phases of project development, from conceptual design through construction administration. As a project manager, he manages project schedules and budgets, and coordinates clients and engineering consultants. In addition to project responsibilities, he serves on the Board of Directors for the firm.
Philip spends time volunteering in construction for Habitat for Humanity helping to build houses for local families. He supports the organization’s goal to “build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.”
Philip enjoys traveling and exploring new places. His trips tend to revolve around food, especially finding local eateries where the people are passionate about the food they create. He also enjoys taking time to escape out into nature, visiting national parks, hiking, or just putting his feet in the sand on a secluded beach.
Bachelor of Architecture, 2006, University of Kentucky
Registered Architect; Indiana and Michigan
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
LEED Accredited Professional, Building Design & Construction (LEED BD+C)
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
As a Landscape Architect, Christa oversees construction document preparation, and the design and planning of recreational facilities, playgrounds, and municipal landscapes. She assists with campus landscapes, streetscapes, and healing gardens. Christa is also responsible for maintaining landscape architecture CAD standards.
When asked what is most important to her regarding her profession she says “I believe that Landscape Architecture is at the core of healing the environment that has been exploited so heavily over the last two centuries. Through conscious design we can not only create enjoyable spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, but we can create environments that positively contribute to the health and welfare of society.”
Christa enjoys camping and exploring nature with her family. They recently purchased a 100-year-old home and look forward to restoring it to as close to original as possible. She and her husband will soon be empty nesters, and they look forward to this next phase in their lives.
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 1994, Ball State University
Master of Architecture and Urban Design, 1997, Washington University in St. Louis
Registered Landscape Architect: Indiana and Illinois
Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI)
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
Ramona wears several “hats” at Arkos Design including business development and marketing, interior design, and some bookkeeping.
When asked about her passion regarding her profession Ramona says “I enjoy being a team player and helping Arkos Design with various needs. Being able to use my business management skills along with my creative side of interior design is the best of both worlds. I appreciate being a part of our collaborative process and then watching people enjoy the end results.”
Outside of work, Ramona enjoys being outdoors with her family, relaxing in the sun, and traveling. Any location with warm water, plenty of sun, and beautiful trees is where she likes to be, although she is open to visiting new places as well. Besides traveling, she enjoys running, biking, swimming with family and friends, or creating art with her children.
Bachelor of Art & Business, 1992, Goshen College
Master of Interior Design, 1997, Colorado State University
Andrew is involved in all phases of project development, from conceptual design through construction administration. As a project manager, he oversees project schedules and budgets, and coordinates clients and engineering consultants.
When asked to describe what he likes best about his chosen profession he tells people the most rewarding part of his job is walking up to a building or renovation after it is complete and recognizing the project is the physical embodiment of an idea. "We as architects are at the helm of the process to take a client's dreams and needs, and make them reality in physical form."
In his free time, Andrew enjoys spending time outside riding bicycles, playing golf, or doing lawn work. He also enjoys spending time with his wife attending cultural events, nights at the symphony, good food, traveling, and visiting their families both in Texas and New York.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design and Architecture, 2003, Texas A&M University Registered Architect; Texas American Institute of Architects (AIA), Member since 2004
Lesley's architectural role varies on many different projects at Arkos Design. As a project manager, she is responsible for managing projects and client expectations throughout the entire design process. As a designer, she creates and provides the client with real solutions to their design challenges. She is involved in the design process from the very beginning, carries it through development of construction documents, and oversees that we have exceeded client expectations.
When asked about her passion in regards to architecture, Lesley says she has full confidence that the best lives are lived as part of a community, and that responsible and effective architecture is the physical embodiment of community and culture. It has always been her desire to encourage people to aspire to their best selves, and that starts with our physical built environment.
Lesley enjoys traveling and is thankful she has experienced extensive time in Europe, traveling to the UK, Italy, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Russia, and even Malta. When she is at home with her family, she enjoys spending time renovating their 1924 craftsman bungalow.
Bachelor of Design, 1998, Clemson University Master of Architecture and Urban Design, 2008, University of Notre Dame
As an Architectural Designer, Kaitlin supports a variety of projects at Arkos Design by participating in our creative design process, and developing CAD drawings, and presentations for our clients.
When asked why she chose architecture Kaitlin says “this is the field that has always fit my interests and allowed me to express my creativity”.
Outside of work, Kaitlin enjoys spending time working on her house. She’s always busy with some project whether it is a large renovation or doing small DIY projects. Kaitlin also loves to travel and was fortunate to experience many cultures while studying abroad during architecture school. When not traveling, she likes to spend time with her family on their farm.
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 2017, Ball State University
