Melanie Jefferies Named a 2026 Notable Leader in Architecture, Engineering and Construction by Crain’s Chicago Business

Melanie Jefferies Named a 2026 Notable Leader in Architecture, Engineering and Construction by Crain’s Chicago Business 

Recognition honors Jefferies’ leadership in advancing Milhouse’s engineering operations and creating lasting impact across Chicago communities.

Melanie Jefferies, chief operating officer of engineering services at Milhouse, has been named to Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2026 Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering & Construction list. 

Jefferies brings more than 14 years of architecture, engineering and construction experience to Milhouse, a Chicago-headquartered family of companies delivering engineering, construction, program management, vegetation management and real estate development solutions. In her role, she helps lead the firm’s engineering services business by aligning operations, business development, finance, talent and quality to strengthen project delivery, support profitable growth and help teams deliver high-quality outcomes for clients. 

Crain’s Chicago Business’ Notable Leaders list highlights Chicago-area leaders who are shaping the region’s built environments through business leadership, project impact, civic engagement and industry contributions. For Milhouse, Jefferies’ recognition reflects the company’s continued growth as a multidisciplinary enterprise that serves public and private clients while advancing work that creates lasting community impact. 

That operating discipline also informs her leadership as Owner and Principal of Milhouse Development, the real estate development arm of the Milhouse family of companies. Through Milhouse Development, Jefferies has helped expand Milhouse’s role in the residential and commercial markets, connecting engineering and construction expertise with community-centered real estate investment and development. Milhouse Development was selected by the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development as a co-developer for the Missing Middle Housing Initiative, supporting the delivery of for-sale housing across Chicago’s South Side and helping transform vacant lots in underinvested neighborhoods into new opportunities for homeownership and reinvestment.  

Jefferies’ leadership reflects Milhouse’s overarching approach to serving clients and communities: pairing technical expertise with disciplined operations and a clear understanding of long-term impact. Across its family of companies, Milhouse supports complex infrastructure and development work that requires strong coordination, accountability and a commitment to quality. 

“This recognition is meaningful because it reflects work that has always been bigger than one person,” Jefferies said. “At Milhouse, I have the opportunity to work with teams who care deeply about the work and the communities we serve. Whether we are supporting clients through engineering services or advancing development work in Chicago neighborhoods, the goal is the same: to create value that lasts.” 

Jefferies is also an active civic and industry leader. She serves on the boards of City Year Chicago, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, and Milhouse Charities. She also is engaged with organizations that strengthen Chicago’s real estate, business and built environment communities, including the Urban Land Institute, Chicago Urban League, and Lambda Alpha International’s Ely Chicago Chapter. 

Jefferies’ recognition by Crain’s reinforces Milhouse’s commitment to developing leaders who bring operational excellence, client focus and community purpose to the work shaping Chicago and beyond.  

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About Milhouse  

Milhouse is a family of companies united by a shared vision to be a positive impact. Founded in 2001 as an engineering firm, Milhouse has grown into a multidisciplinary enterprise delivering engineering, construction, program management, vegetation management, and real estate development solutions. Across sectors including aviation, transportation, utilities, and facilities, Milhouse partners with clients to design, build and deliver projects that strengthen communities and create lasting value. Follow Milhouse on LinkedIn for the latest news.  

Media Contact:   

Ellen Bremseth, Vice President of Corporate Brand & Strategy, ebremseth@milhouseinc.com