Sharlene graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelors of Architecture in 1988, after spending a semester in Rome where she prepared her Thesis. While at Cornell, she co-founded Cornell Architecture - Studio Projects, a compilation of student projects.
Prior to joining Wheeler Kearns Architects, Sharlene's experience includes developing and implementing the prototype office for Accenture Chicago, a leading organization to employ alternative workplace strategies. Accenture's new workplace dissociated space with rank, and provided an environment that fostered collaboration. Other projects include new campus planning & implementation for the Chicago School of Professional Psychology; renovation of Baldwin-Wallace College Chapel and Dietsch Hall; workplace analysis and strategic planning for McKinsey & Company's Chicago offices; new prototype floor for DLA Piper Rudnick in Chicago; interior architecture and planning for The Wyatt Company in Wellesley, Massachusetts and Crate & Barrel's headquarters; building lobby and public spaces renovation of 303 E Wacker Drive; a new residence in the Village of Winnetka, and product analysis for Herman Miller. Independent projects include the Hsu Residence, various competitions, and jewelry design and fabrication.
With Wheeler Kearns Architects, Sharlene has served as Project Architect for the restoration and adaptive reuse of Studio V in Louis Sullivan's last built commission, Krause Music Store in Chicago. The project, completed in 2007, restored the upstairs apartment and converted the former music store into offices for a graphic design firm. Sharlene has served as Project Architect on various residential projects and has brought her extensive interiors experience to a number of not-for-profit projects. Currently, Sharlene is Project Architect for a new residence, under the Chicago Green Homes program, on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.
Recognized for innovation in design by the American Institute of Architects, Chicago Chapter, Sharlene received the Young Architect Award in 2001. Other awards include IBD's Best of Competition and Award of Merit for the Baldwin-Wallace College Chapel in 1992; AIA Chicago Citation of Merit for The Wyatt Company in 1996; AIA Chicago Citation of Merit for the Hsu Residence in 1998; BOMA's TOBY award for 303 East Wacker Drive in 2000; and AIA Illinois Crombie Taylor Honor Award for Krause Music Store in 2008. Honors include serving as a juror for AIA Chicago's Young Architect Award; AIA Cleveland's Design Excellence Award; the AIA Chicago Award; and the IIDA's NEOCON Booth and Showroom Award. Sharlene served as keynote speaker at the annual AIAS Forum in 2002. Independent publications include the Hsu Residence in Chicago Magazine and Residential Architect.
Sharlene is a registered architect in the State of Ohio, and an active member of AIA Chicago, where she chaired the Interior Architecture Knowledge Community in 2001. Active in the community, Sharlene served on Sheffield Neighborhood Association's Board of Directors, and Gilda's Club Chicago's Associate Board. Sharlene was the deputy chair for Sheffield Neighborhood Association's Planning Review Board and a member of the Advisory Committee for Columbia College's Art and Design Department, and Harrington College of Design's School of Architecture.
Sharlene and her husband live in Chicago's DePaul neighborhood.