Mentorship and Collaboration:
Cornerstones of Deep River’s Success
Deep River Partners was founded to inspire people to flourish—not only our clients but also our employees. We created a company that is Creative, Honest, Artistic, Progressive and Spirited. As such, we work in a learning and academic atmosphere that promotes personal and professional growth.
Guiding the team is Richard Sherer, Founder/CEO, and Nicholas Blavat, AIA, Partner/Senior Project Architect. After the company’s founding 25 years ago, Nick joined Deep River just five years later. He has been bringing his passion for residential architecture and lively conversation to the studio ever since. In his 20 years with Deep River, Nick has grown into a position of leadership fueled by his commitment to continuous learning, dedication to our clients, and serving our community.
After earning his architect licensure in 2012, Nick became further involved in the professional community and has held numerous leadership roles, including President of the local AIA chapter, and is a founding member of the AIA Custom Residential Architects Network. In 2021, Nick became a partner, where his open-door policy and unwavering dedication to both clients and colleagues confirmed his leadership style. Furthering his role as a mentor to the team, Nick encourages professional growth through the regional architecture community including AIA’s Emerging Professionals and Mentor programs, continuing education courses, networking events, and paying it forward by mentoring interns. Beyond our doors, Nick leads community engagement efforts with organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, and the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. Within his community, he serves on the Homeowners Association Architecture Review Board and is active with youth athletic development.
“Nick consistently shows dedication to our company in any area that needs attention. He always demonstrates an unwavering commitment to our clients, and more importantly, a willingness to mentor and develop our team.”
Richard Sherer, CEO/Founder of Deep River Partners
Nicholas Blavat, AIA, Partner/Senior Project Architect:
Blavat has more than 25 years of experience in both commercial and residential architecture and has been recognized locally and nationally for his design achievement.
“Throughout my career at Deep River, Richard and I have built a rapport based on mutual respect and trust. Together, we’re committed to taking Deep River to new heights. My dedication to our design team and Deep River continues, as will our story, for a long time to come,” says Blavat.
High Rise Penthouse (circa 2005)
LUXE Magazine Feature | Milwaukee Home and Fine Living Awards (Silver)
“This early project was a pivotal learning experience in designing for Deep River Partners’ discerning clientele. Behind the scenes was Jack Sherer who helped curate this design, which is an experience I remain grateful for to connect and work alongside my Partner’s father. As a showcase of our attention to detail, we earned the client’s trust, leading to multiple projects with them across the country,” reflects Nick.
A refined design detail was expressing the elliptical pattern of the custom stair rail in this high rise penthouse. The transitional style embodies the owner’s vision for a clean aesthetic. The design seamlessly merges architecture and interiors to create a cohesive environment that invites family and friends to gather in comfort, surrounded by custom-designed details and finishes.
Timber Hill (circa 2011)
Amazing Beach Homes TV Feature | Lake and Home Magazine Feature
“We took a complex site in a floodplain and created a solution that balanced the clients’ lifestyle needs with providing a home for their large family. One of the coolest aspects was seeing the clients make the home their own by displaying family portraits, using the house as a canvas for their life, almost like an honorary family member,” recalls Nick.
The modern rustic architecture subtly evokes a theme of retreat, with panoramic views framed by an expansive rhythm of windows. The waterfront setting is the home’s defining feature, seamlessly integrating lake views into the design. Tailored to the needs of a large family, the layout balances openness with privacy and comfort. The home is thoughtfully divided into public and private zones, anchored by a striking three-story atrium at its core. A calming water feature, originating from a locally sourced boulder in the foyer, flows through the atrium, guiding the way toward the beach and lake beyond.
Prairie House (circa 2014)
HGTV – Pool in my House TV Feature | Milwaukee Magazine Feature
“This Timber Hill client returned to us, as a testament to our successful relationship. Working with repeat clients is always rewarding, as we build on previous projects and refine our craft together. Adding this modern guesthouse to the property was a fun challenge, turning their estate into a year-round retreat for swimming, tennis, and family gatherings,” explains Nick.
The design expands guest accommodations and entertainment options beyond the main house. The building’s simple, clean lines integrate into the natural rural environment while providing modern conveniences.
Inside, the modern aesthetic is expressed with streamlined finishes, sleek cable railings and modern-inspired furniture. The main entertainment destination is the indoor pool, featuring a water slide, a 6-person spa, swim-in-place jets, a water feature wall, accessories for pool basketball and volleyball, as well as a TV and Sonos audio system for a complete entertainment experience.
Breezeland (circa 2021)
American Society of Interior Designers (Silver) | MKE Lifestyle Magazine Feature
“A satisfying challenge was to reinvent a classical style with modern living amenities for this younger family. A standout feature was the home office above the garage, creating convenient separation for a work-from-home space. We are excited to grow with the family as we explore new additions for the property,” notes Nick.
This Shingle Style design is reminiscent of coastal waterfront homes. The Dutch Colonial architecture features an arched, covered porch for a welcoming entry. This sets the rhythm for the arched, cased openings throughout the house that define and connect the spaces while maintaining sight lines in an open floorplan.
The foyer sets a formal tone with a traditional paneled wainscot. Natural light floods the space through the entry doors and transom window. Further energizing the space, a damask patterned wallcovering with a shimmery metallic gold print, reflects the natural light. A wide, formal staircase is eased with a window seat at the landing’s turn. Natural stone flooring brings down the formality and adds a sense of balance for a sensible family lifestyle.
Lake View Renovation (circa 2023)
Historic Georgian Colonial, Shorewood, WI
“The challenge was blending the clients’ more transitional style into a historically rooted home in a way that would feel seamless and true to the home’s original character. We worked diligently to open up the previously compartmentalized Kitchen, creating lake views for this perennial client to enjoy the scenery from any room,” Nick notes.
This thoughtful design creates open, inviting spaces that blend modern functionality and furnishings with the home’s original traditional details. By removing the wall between the Kitchen and Dining Room, breathtaking lake views were revealed, framed by a newly crafted paneled archway. New cove lighting in the Dining Room enhances the original plaster ceiling, and existing wall paneling was masterfully replicated to preserving the home’s historic character.
Guiding the Architecture Team
From left: Wayne Pilak; Michael Guertin; Nicholas Mather; Taylor Korslin; Bradley Hopper; Mawell Hunt; Erik Hojnacke; Alec Uecke
“I take great pride in being a professional, and part of that responsibility is guiding and mentoring the next generation of architects and designers. It’s a role I take seriously, and I genuinely enjoy seeing our team members grow and develop their craft,” shares Nick.
Nick leads and mentors both the Architecture and Interior Design teams, ensuring the cohesive and holistic services our clients have come to expect. A commitment to the highest level of quality is reflected in the meticulous detailing of project documents and deliverables. The synergy that develops through closely working together results in consistent, exceptional designs.
Eric Hojnacke, Architecture Design Associate: With his many years contributing to Deep River, Erik’s clear understanding of our Pathway enables him to guide projects from concept to completion. His established relationships with contractors and consultants allow him to streamline communication and mentor newer team members through the critical initial phases of a project’s creation. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and client-focused service, Erik enhances the team’s efforts by ensuring every element is carefully considered. His strength in design interpretation and his expertise in creating three-dimensional models enable him to bring the design vision to life.
Bluff House (circa 2026)
Press the >Play< button to see this design come to life!
“Erik is on a professional arc as a leader and making his mark on the design team. His role in developing three-dimensional expressions of the design is an example of his growing expertise. He skillfully identifies opportunities that address the client’s goals, and his efforts continue to shape the success of this on-the-boards project,” Nick proudly shares.The expansive 40-acre site along a 130′ bluff above Lake Michigan sweeps openly with panoramic views looking to the horizon. Careful consideration was required to position the house on the site, maximizing the connection to the lake. The exterior design thoughtfully balances the massing of the main house with the surroundings.
Mastering the Craft
Celebrating 25 Years!