Our Team
Founded in September of 2003, Patera is a full-service Architectural and Engineering firm specializing in comprehensive design and planning services. Our approachable and knowledgeable staff consists of licensed Architects, Engineers, and design professionals who are detail oriented and competent with every project.
Owen Lavin
PARTNER + PROJECT MANAGER
One of the original founding members of Patera, Owen has helped create a business that specializes in high quality architectural services. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Sciences.
His role at Patera includes both commercial and residential design, project management, construction documentation and business management. He enjoys the whole process, from the initial ideas to putting them on paper to the building phase to making clients happy.
Outside of Patera, Owen loves spending time with his wife and two daughters. He watches all of the kids' sports, including volleyball and basketball, and enjoys playing golf, skiing, hunting and time at the lake.
Nathan Remitz
ARCHITECT + PARTNER
Nathan joined Patera in 2004 and has over 23 years of architectural experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Sciences from the University of Wisconsin and is a member of the Association of Licensed Architects in Wisconsin, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
Nathan wears every hat in the Patera business — from new client procurement, to supervising construction, to final project walk throughs. He enjoys all aspects of Architecture, but most looks forward to the initial design development of a project, where he can really let his creative ideas flow.
Nathan enjoys life to the fullest. In his free time, he loves outdoor power sports: — ATV riding, snowmobiling, and motorcycling through the Kettle Moraine.
JOHN LAVIN, PE
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
John is a Structural Engineer who has been with Patera since 2018. He holds a Masters of Structural Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
In his professional hours, John enjoys finding structural solutions to unique problems.
And in his spare time he enjoys golfing and spending time with his kids.
Paul RatajczyK, SE, M.Asce
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Paul has been at Patera since 2005. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from University of North Dakota and a Masters in Structural Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as well as an Associates Degree in Technical Drafting and Design from Waukesha County Technical College. He has passed the 16 hour Structural Engineering exam and is currently licensed in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Indiana.
Paul is a Structural Engineer at Patera who enjoys solving structural problems, as well as seeing a project evolve from simple sketches to completed structure.
Outside of work, Paul likes to spend time with his wife and two boys and is an avid Adult Hockey Leagues participant.
STEVEN M. ESSER
PROJECT ARCHITECT
Steven Esser is a licensed architect in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan and Virginia. He joined Patera in 2020.
Steve says of working at Patera, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do!”
His free time is filled with family, cooking on the grill or his smoker, and volunteering at church.
Brett Fraser
PROJECT MANAGER + DRAFTER
Brett joined Patera in 2013 as project manager, drafter, and graphic designer of 3D projects.
He enjoys working on a variety of projects from new custom homes to remodels to commercial builds. And he finds all aspects of the job rewarding: meeting new clients, field measuring, designing, and finishing construction documents.
Outside of work, Brett is a family man. He enjoys attending local sporting events, live music, comedy and golfing as much as possible.
Christina Rater
BUSINESS MANAGER + PROPERTY MANAGER
Christina began in Administration during and immediately following her college years at the University of Toronto, where she earned an Honors Bachelor of Science Degree and Bachelor of Education Degree. After 10 years in Administration, she moved into Client Service Management and finally Reverse Logistics before leaving her full-time career to concentrate on family, volunteer roles and board positions.
Christina joined Patera in 2019. Her most valued qualities are operational efficiency and organization, which allows the rest of the Patera team to do what they do best.
Christina enjoys skiing and biking with her husband and attending their three daughters' sporting events, whether it's collegiate or club soccer, JO gymnastics, or high school swimming.