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University of Illinois alumni announced as Architect, Landscape Architect & Interior Designer of the Year

University of Illinois alumni announced as Architect, Landscape Architect & Interior Designer of the Year

University of Illinois Photo: Saga Communications/Craig Ondevilla


CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Charles Madary, R.A, a University of Illinois alumni, was recently announced as the Architect, Landscape Architect & Interior Designer of the Year for 2025.

Madary was promoted from Senior Architect to Branch Design Director at Public Works Department Great Lakes. He was also the Project, Design, and Construction facilitator for a $120 million Public Private Venture Navy housing project.

“Please join me in congratulating Charles Madary from NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic on his selection as the 2025 NAVFAC Architect, Landscape Architect & Interior Designer (ALAID) of the Year,” said NAVFAC Commander, and Chief of Civil Engineers Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey. “His leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to excellence had a direct and positive impact on NAVFAC and the Architect, Landscape Architect & Interior Designer community.”

He was also the primary PWD Great Lakes point of contact for a $132 million Firefighter Trainer Military Construction project, and the lead architect for a $27 million Naval Station Great Lakes Clearwell Special Project.

“This award speaks volumes to the wealth of expertise Charles brings to MIDLANT and the entire NAVFAC enterprise,” said NAVFAC MIDLANT Commanding Officer Capt. Ryan Carey. “He was selected from a group of exceptional candidates, and I’m honored to join Rear Adm. VanderLey in saying ‘Congratulations’ on his selection. His leadership, drive and vision make him a true asset to the PWD Great Lakes team, and I look forward to more great contributions from him in the future.”

His exceptional track record along with multiple other projects led NAVFAC to award Madary as the Architect, Landscape Architect & Interior Designer of the Year for 2025.

“This award is truly the highest honor of my career. I am elated by the encouragement of my wonderful colleagues, humbled by the quality of the nominees, and inspired by this community’s dedication to craft and service to county,” said Madary, who has worked at NAVFAC for 14 years. “Thank you to NAVFAC for providing the tools for limitless professional growth, to my command for recognizing and rewarding good work, to my coworkers for their relentless creativity, and to my family and friends for surrounding me in love and joy each day.”

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