About Guidon

We exist to improve lives +
empower people.

Guidon elevates the built environment through design that is thoughtful, responsive, and grounded in purpose. We bring clarity to complex challenges, shaping places that support the people who use them every day. Our work is driven by a belief that design should Improving Lives + Empowering People®, and our team brings this mindset to every project, from early planning through final delivery.

As a Veteran-and Employee-Owned firm, our commitment runs deeper than the work we produce. Our Employee Ownership Trust gives the people who helped build Guidon a shared stake in its future. This structure protects our independence, strengthens our long-term focus, and reinforces accountability to the clients and people we serve. We are the same team with the same purpose, now supported by a model that prioritizes continuity, stewardship, and care in everything we do.

We own our work. We invest in each other. And we design places that move people and organizations forward.

Founded2011
HeadquartersIndianapolis, IN
Team Size90+ Professionals
Services Architecture, Interior Design, Healthcare Planning, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, Sustainability

Guidon is a Service‑Disabled Veteran‑Owned Small Business. Our team leads through listening, collaboration, and purposeful action. Founded by Luke Leising, a licensed architect and engineer, Combat Engineer Army Officer, qualified Ranger, and service‑connected disabled veteran; we carry forward a legacy shaped by service and discipline. We are proud to employ veterans and support veteran causes.

From the start, we believed design should improve lives and empower people. That belief guides every project and every decision, and shaped our decision to transition to an Employee Ownership Trust. As the first firm in Indiana to adopt this model, we continue forward with the same people and the same purpose. The shift reinforces our foundation and deepens our commitment to the future we are building together.

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Sustainable Architecture + Engineering

Leaders in sustainability

Sustainable projects improve lives and empower people. We believe responsible design transforms communities. As the only firm to report in 2016 and as the best Indiana firm in EUI performance in 2017, we are leaders. As the winner of the 2018 Indianapolis Sustainability Award for Outstanding Business Advancing Sustainability, we are prioritizing sustainability as who we are. Our new headquarters in Indianapolis is 70% solar powered, net zero ready, features a green roof, and is the first LEED v4 Platinum building in Indiana. We live our values and our mission.

Corporate Social Responsibility

To lead with integrity and transparency, we align our Corporate Social Responsibility efforts into three core areas: People, Planet, and Profit.

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Luke Leising

Chief Executive Officer, President
AIA, PE, ACHA, EDAC, LEED AP

As founder and President of the firm, Luke Leising provides leadership in the design of creative and cost effective solutions.

Chris Ward

Chief Operations Officer, Principal

Chris Ward stewards the company's operating systems and processes.

Joel Farmer

Executive Vice President, Principal
AIA, ACHANCARB

As Principal and leader of our architecture team, Joel Farmer has more than 30 years of healthcare design experience.

Tom Chapman

Executive Vice President, Principal
PE, CPM, CHC

Tom Chapman is Vice President of Engineering, bringing more than 40 years of experience to the team.

Amber Zilemba

Executive Vice President of Strategy

Amber Zilemba brings a forward-thinking approach to growth, innovation, and organizational excellence.

Brian Robinson

Vice President of Civic

Brian communicates effectively and ensures seamless collaboration within multi-faceted teams.

Stacey Paul

Director of Civil Engineering
PE

Stacey Paul is a senior civil engineer and project manager, focused on designing campus site improvements.

Tom Cheesman

Director of Architecture
AIA

Tom Cheesman is an accomplished architect and design leader with over 35 years of higher education, campuses, sports and recreation,...

Lindsay Splichal

Director of Architecture
NCIDQ, RID

Lindsay Splichal is a registered Interior Designer and Director of Architecture with 14 years of experience in planning and design...

Carla Hill

Director of Business Development
MBA, EDAC

Carla Hill focuses on creating and executing business development strategies and strengthening long-term client relationships.

Sonya Seeder

General Counsel
Attorney

Sonya Seeder provides strategic legal guidance and support to Guidon.

Chris Guess

Director of Human Resources

Chris Guess focuses on working with the leadership team to implement ongoing change as Guidon continues to move forward.

Henry Nuckols

Director of Structural Engineering

As Director of Structural Engineering, Henry Nuckols leads teams in delivering resilient, high‑performing structural solutions that support Guidon’s mission of...