UNDERSTANDING THE NEED OF THE CLIENT

Dave Pickert’s architectural achievements include design and renovation on some of the finest residences and institutional projects in Chicago and across the United States. His experience ranges in size, scope, and budget. His expertise covers both architectural and interior work and includes new construction, renovation, and restoration. A distinguished roster of clients has given David the opportunity to orchestrate some of the most outstanding professionals in the field: masons, woodworkers, sculptors, cabinet makers, interior designers, and so forth.

Familiarity with the full range of possibilities allows David to meet challenge with creativity. Adding to this range is the experience and understanding of the more pragmatic issues including the approval process, negotiations, coordination of engineering efforts and the construction process.

David excels at understanding the needs of the individual client, and works with them to create unique, highly personalized spaces. An uncommon attention to both functional and aesthetic detail is the soul of his work, it gives birth to enduring buildings and spaces that continue to serve and delight their owners for years to come.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF DAVE PICKERT

David J. Pickert, age 63, died peacefully in his Chicago home on Saturday, September 2, 2023 after a brief but intense bout with cancer. Born February 19, 1960 in Chicago Dave was the beloved husband of Mary Wagner, and the son of the late Harold and Mary Alice (Madden) Pickert.

Dave was an architect of great talent and sensitivity, universally admired by clients and colleagues alike. He leaves behind a legacy of beautiful buildings as well as a lasting impression on the many young architects he mentored, and the numerous professionals in the field that he collaborated with over the decades.

Dave was an authentically nice guy, dashingly handsome, impeccably self-styled, with a quick sense of humor and an easy smile. Dave always knew he wanted to be an architect... even as a child he'd run off to investigate neighborhood construction sites. Summers spent at the family lakefront cabin in Wisconsin instilled in Dave a lifelong love for biking and swimming. A love he brought back with him to the city, spending long hours biking the Chicago lakefront and city streets.

He traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States... anywhere there were buildings to study, museums to visit, or volumes to add to his ever-expanding library of architecture and design books. Dave met the love of his life, Mary Wagner, in 1978, beginning their storybook friendship and romance. In 1997 Dave and Mary wed, her love of art, design, travel and culture dovetailing perfectly with his own. They built a home together overlooking the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.

Dave received his BSA in 1983 and Master of Architecture in 1985 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he attended the London Study Program in conjunction with the Architect’s Association of London, and in 1990 earned his Architects License. He was LEED AP credentialed. His career path led him to positions as Architect at Hammond Beeby and Babka, Project Architect at Stuart Cohen and Julie Hacker Architects, Principal Architect at HBRA, adjunct professor at the UWM School of Architecture & Urban Planning, and most recently as the Director of Architecture at Craig & Company. He served for many years as the Chair of the Architecture Committee on the Board of Directors of the iconic Mies van der Rohe Esplanade Apartments ensuring the continuation of Mies's modernist legacy.

Dave's architectural achievements include many of the finest residences and institutional projects in Chicago and across the United States. Whether for a museum or a home, Dave's attention to both function and aesthetics gave birth to enduring spaces that will continue to delight their occupants for decades to come.

A distinguished roster of clients gave him the opportunity to orchestrate some of the most outstanding professionals in the field: masons, woodworkers, sculptors, cabinet makers, interior designers, contractors, landscapers and so forth. And a natural empathy for both client and collaborator gave Dave a place in all of their hearts. He had a gentle but authoritative manner; and generously shared his expansive talents and knowledge.

David is survived by his spouse Mary Wagner. His siblings Jeffrey Pickert (Elizabeth Ahearn) of Peterborough, NH, Gregory Pickert (Laurie Russell Pickert) of Shoreview, MN, Lorraine Pickert of Verona, WI and Julia Hopp (Chris Hopp) of Verona, WI.

David John Pickert, Architect, Chicago, Illinois. Born February 19th, 1960. Died September 2nd, 2023.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF DAVID PICKERT
February 19, 1960 to September 2, 2023

A meticulous attention to detail and close design collaboration with client for highly personalized design, planning and execution.

Licensed Architect, Illinois

Master of Architecture, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Bachelor of Architecture, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

London Study Program, in conjunction with the Architect’s Association of London

David is currently an Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture, University of Wisconsin, instructing senior level building design studios.  He serves on the Board of Directors and as the Chair of the Architecture Committee for the 900-910 Lake Shore Drive Condominium Association, an iconic Ludwig Mies van der Rohe building.

Prior to establishing his own firm he was a Principal Architect at HBRA Architects, a Project Architect at Stuart Cohen and Julie Hacker Architects and an Architect at Hammond, Beeby and Babka.

Member, AIA, Green Building Council, LEED AP, and the Mies van der Rohe Society. Charter member of the Illinois Chapter of the Congress for New Urbanism.

Awards and Publications: Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Elle Décor, Food & Wine, and the Chicago Tribune Magazine. Burnham Prize finalist, Chicago Architecture Club Competition First Place Award.