Our Story
Comprehensive Design: The firm manages projects from initial concept through construction, often procuring every detail, including furniture and fine art.
Shumaker Curated – “the garden room”: A recent extension of the firm, this gallery and showroom in Evanston showcases a curated collection of custom furniture and cabinetry, textiles, houseware and works by local artists.
G A R R Y S H U M A K E R
P R I N C I P A L, RA.
Garry Shumaker is a registered architect in Illinois, New York, and Wisconsin, known for a design philosophy that balances historical integrity with modern livability. With over 25 years of experience, Garry leads our firm’s commitment to thoughtful residential remodeling, landmark preservation, and sophisticated commercial build-outs.
Design Foundation & Experience
Garry’s career began in New York City following his graduation from the University of Kentucky in 1998. He spent seven years refining his craft at the acclaimed design firms Asfour Guzy Architects and Lichten Craig Architects. In 2005, he moved to Chicago to lead Lichten Craig’s expansion, focusing on custom luxury residences along the North Shore and Gold Coast. Before establishing his own practice, Garry also spent several years at Stuart Cohen and Julie Hacker Architects LLC, specializing in high-end custom residential architecture.
A Collaborative Practice
Throughout his career, Garry has worked alongside his wife and partner, Suzanne, to build a practice rooted in high-quality design. Their collaboration began in Brooklyn with landmark storefronts and high-end retail spaces and has since evolved into a diverse portfolio ranging from intimate residential renovations to large-scale restaurant and commercial projects. Garry’s hands-on approach to project management and consulting ensures that every detail—from the initial sketch to the final construction—is executed with precision.
Community & Leadership
A dedicated advocate for architectural heritage and local community, Garry served as the Chair of the Evanston Landmark’s Preservation Commission for six years. His civic contributions extend to several local boards and committees, including:
Chiaravalle Montessori School: Masterplanning Committee (Current) and former Board of Trustees.
City of Evanston: Former member of the Harley Clarke and Viaduct Advisory Committees.
Youth Engagement: Former member of the Evanston Youth Hockey Association.
Suzanne Shumaker
Principal & Director of Interiors
As the co-founder of Shumaker Design Associates and the visionary behind Shumaker Curated, Suzanne Shumaker brings a unique, architecturally-informed perspective to interior design. With a Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in Interior Design from the University of Kentucky, Suzanne bridges the gap between structural precision and the tactile beauty of a finished home.
The Art of the Everyday
Suzanne’s consulting philosophy is rooted in the "art of the everyday." She believes that a home’s interiors should be as enduring as its architecture, focusing on natural materials that show the "hand of the maker."
From New York to the North Shore
Suzanne honed her aesthetic during eight years in New York City, serving as a project designer for Russell Riccardi Architect. There, she specialized in the renovation of pre-war apartments and townhomes on the Upper East and West Side of Manhattan. After moving to Chicago, she collaborated with renowned firms Stuart Cohen & Julie Hacker and Paul Janicki Architects before establishing her own practice.
“the garden room” & Shumaker Curated
In addition to her residential consulting, Suzanne owns and operates "the garden room”, a boutique showroom and gallery in Evanston. This space features a rotating collection of local art, custom furniture, and artisanal textiles. The showroom reflects her belief that interior design is a sensory experience—one that should evoke the same peace and beauty found in nature.
Community Engagement
Suzanne is deeply invested in the Evanston community, lending her design and leadership skills to several organizations:
Chiaravalle Montessori School: Board Trustee and Development Co-Chair.
Connections for the Homeless: Member of the Thrive Planning Committee.
YWCA Evanston/North Shore: Ambassador.
Our Team
Project Architect, RA.
Bio coming Soon
Rose Pardo Eisenberg
Project Architect, RA.
Brian Petrone is a licensed architect with 25 years of experience in residential, cultural, and institutional projects. He received a Bachelor of Science in Technology from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Architecture from Syracuse University. Brian worked in the New York City office of Gruzen Samton Architects, focusing on secondary school construction. In the Los Angeles office of Osborn, he was a project manager for both residential and institutional work. Brian ran his own practice in Evanston for 10 years, specializing in residential additions and renovations.
An avid sculptor, Brian’s artistic work takes cues from the buildings that he designs, incorporating stone, concrete, wood, and plaster. He has participated in group shows across the United States and his work was recently featured in a solo show in Rochester, New York. Brian has been a volunteer basketball and soccer coach for more than a decade.
Brian Petrone
Project Architect, RA.
Kurt has over 20 years managing his own architectural practice, specializing in custom residential homes and additions along the North Shore. His design expertise encompass a wide range of architectural styles, from preserving historic homes to applying green design strategies.
Prior to opening his own practice he worked for Harry Weese Associates and Cordogon Clark and Associates on commercial architecture, including the Swiss Air first class lounge, O’hare.
Kurt is a licensed architect in the State of Illinois. He received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign.
Outside of work, Kurt is a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, enjoys making furniture, playing golf and volleyball.
Kurt Skrudland
Showroom - “the garden room” by Shumaker Curated.
Open by appointment, by chance, and Thursday–Saturday from noon –4 PM—unless design meetings are underway.
To inquire about an appointment, fill out the contact form below.
