AG Architecture has a reputation for building long-term relationships with clients. Likewise, the firm has a track record for nurturing team members’ long-term careers. From the project work to company culture, we are rooted in community and proud of that history. Tracey Schnick has played an integral role in upholding the firm’s legacy while staying at the forefront of the industry—and paving the way for AG’s future. As she embarks on retirement, we want to take this moment to say—Thank you & Cheers to 35 years!
Rising Through the Ranks
A familiar story in the AG history books is one of bright young professionals showing drive and determination to make meaningful contributions and rise in the leadership ranks. This is especially true for Schnick. Her path to success began in 1989 as a technician in AG Engineering. With a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, she transitioned to the project management team at AG Architecture. Her perseverance and dedication earned her the title of Senior Associate at the age of 35. Her leadership skills and responsibilities continued to grow from there as she advanced from leading one of the architectural teams to directing all architectural services to guiding the firm as Chief Operating Officer.
“I have been fortunate to work beside Tracey my entire career and for much of hers as she has advanced from project management to firm leader. She likes to remind people that she started out doing engineering drafting, and I think that experience has made her respect the challenges that the entire design team faces. She has been a motivator, a taskmaster, and a friend.”
— Tony Luciano, Director of Engineering Services | AG Architecture
As Schnick advanced in the firm under the leadership of Stephen Alexander and Gene Guszkowski, they always recognized her eagerness to learn and accept the next level of responsibility. They admired her drive to succeed in the challenging design and construction industry. As they retired, they were confident that the next generation of the firm would be in good hands with her as a leader.
Like Schnick, Chief Design Officer Eric Harrmann has risen through the firm ranks to a top leadership role. He has been in the unique position of benefiting from Schnick’s mentorship throughout his career and partnering with her to continue the legacy of the firm.
“When I started at AG in 2005, I had a specific career plan in mind,” recalls Harrmann. “Tracey recognized my potential and guided me beyond that narrow view. She challenged me to explore and consider more design options in the project process to provide the best outcomes for the client and the firm. As my Team Lead at the time, Tracey ensured I gained experience in all aspects of architecture, from detailing to field observation, before pushing me to lead design efforts and take on a client-facing role within the firm.”
Harrmann credits his time working for Tracey and guiding the firm with her for defining the architect and leader he is today. “As I continue in my role as the Chief Design Officer, I call on the lessons she instilled—from client advocacy and thoughtful design to strong leadership. Tracey’s impact on this firm and me personally has been immeasurable.”
A Track Record of Success
Schnick’s career has included managing projects with multi-million-dollar budgets, handling major negotiations and solving complex problems. She is recognized for her hard work, incredible eye for detail and decades of knowledge, including knowing codes backward and forward. Colleagues say she sets the bar high for the team, reinforcing AG’s reputation of excellence on every project. From intricate approval processes to construction document preparation and construction administration, Schnick knows what it takes to guide and document a project from concept through construction to successful completion. She has been a steward of AG’s unique company culture, commitment to creating a sense of community and reputation for bringing certainty and predictability to the construction process, including maintaining AG’s high standard of project documentation and quality control.
“I am so grateful that I had the chance to work with Tracey as I developed my architectural skills,” says AG Senior Associate Hailey Schwobe. “When I started my career at AG directly out of school, her guidance and knowledge helped me gain real-world experience and truly understand the industry. Outside of the day-to-day leadership she provided, I cannot express just how valuable it was to have such a strong role model as I continued on my own journey. I am so thankful for all of the opportunities and help I received from Tracey along the way.”
“Leaders like Tracey are rare. I was so very fortunate to work for Tracey during my time at AG Architecture. She gives you the support and guidance needed to be able to grow and develop your skills. Her knowledge base is unsurpassed, and she is always willing to share that knowledge for all others to learn from. Tracey’s leadership, resilience, and support have made a big impact on all the associates who have worked with her. Thank you for your guidance and influence. Wishing you nothing but the best in this very exciting next chapter. Congratulations!” — Jessica Basile, Senior Director of Planning, Design and Construction | Medical College of Wisconsin
In addition to earning the respect of team members, colleagues and clients, Schnick has been recognized for her career accomplishments and industry contributions over the years by both the Business Journal of Milwaukee and The Daily Reporter.
A True Client Advocate
At every step of her career, Schnick has been a true client advocate. Her work over the last 35 years, has played an integral role in maintaining AG’s long-term client and project partner relationships. They appreciate her contributions to the success of their projects and communities and her impact on the senior living, multifamily and mixed use industries.
“On behalf of Smith Senior Living, I would like to thank Tracey for her help in transforming our organization from a single-site eighty-year-old building to two campuses with state-of-the-art senior living communities. Tracey’s insight helped Smith Senior Living ensure that we meet the needs of our seniors in the communities we serve. Best of luck to a well-deserved retirement!” — Kevin McGee, President and CEO | Smith Senior Living
“Congratulations, Tracey, on your much-deserved retirement. This news comes with mixed emotions. While I am happy you will be spending more time on the golf course, I’ll certainly miss collaborating on our development projects, as we have for almost twenty years now. I have always appreciated your pragmatic and thoughtful partnership philosophy, which seems to be a common denominator at AG. We have accomplished many things together as a team, and I appreciate all of your efforts.” — Ryan Schultz, Shareholder, Executive Vice President | Fiduciary Real Estate Development, Inc.
“We have been working with Tracey for nearly 15 years and have enjoyed collaborating on various communities with her. Like most people from AG, Tracey always had a deep sense of community, which is the essential ingredient in senior living design. Tracey, we wish you the very best in writing your next chapter; I’m sure it will be a great one.” — Bruce Hurowitz, Principal & Kimberly Hyduke, Partner | MDP | Merlino Design Partnership
A Respected Leader
As COO, Schnick was responsible for the successful daily operations of the firm and training a new generation of leaders, project managers and skilled architects. She negotiated and secured contracts, managed team assignments and maintained workflow. Internally, she helped develop guidelines so team members have a clear path of progression within the firm. She sets the bar high for each team and demands a level of excellence, bringing out the best in each team member and reinforcing AG’s strong reputation locally and nationwide.
AG Senior Associate Ann D’Acquisto has over three decades of memories to share working side by side with Schnick. “When we first started, personal computers were just becoming mainstream, pen to paper was where it was at, the Internet was in its infancy, Google wasn’t even a thing, and our office fax machine was in constant use. Over the years, we’ve witnessed incredible changes, not just in technology or the way AI has enhanced what we do but in the way we work, design, communicate, and solve problems. Tracey has played a crucial role in my professional development throughout this journey in time.”
D’Acquisto credits Schnick for being instrumental in changes that kept AG moving forward. “Tracey was one to push boundaries and challenge all of us. She has been a mentor to me and so many others. As a company leader, her vision has steered us through challenges and towards success. She has always been an advocate for doing the best for each client. She should be proud to have been part of this organization’s growth. She embraced the change that is the constant in our fast-paced world of architecture.”
“Thank you, Tracey, for your long commitment to the AG Family. From your strong business sense to your commitment to the personal development of our team members, you stepped up at a critical time of transition for this legacy firm and contributed to our success. I have great respect and appreciation for the confidence and encouragement you provided me over the years as a key factor in my growth with the firm. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!” — Mike Miller, COO | AG Architecture
What’s Next
Whenever someone announces retirement, the first question is, “Now what are you going to do?” We asked Tracey for you.
“Ultimately, enjoying time with family and friends will be my focus. You may find Dan and I on the lake, up north on ATVs, on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with our daughter Ashley and her husband Nathan, or enjoying the big city visiting our son Danny and wife Sarah in Chicago. We will definitely be planning some vacations, too—wherever the road, plane, or boat leads. I also broke out the old golf clubs and am back swinging! Nothing like a relaxing day out hitting the ball—something I gave up over the busy years. There is plenty to do and lots of hobbies to keep my hands busy. What am I going to do? I guess we’ll just have to see!” — Tracey