How did you come up with your business concept? What inspired you to start your own business?
I love architecture and design and have spent over a decade working in the A&D industry honing a unique skill set while mastering the leading industry technology. I am a licensed architect through NCARB, practicing in TX, and capable of working in any state. I have developed a diverse expertise in architecture, interiors, and procurement that offers a holistic design service to my clients. In 2022, shortly after I became pregnant with my firstborn son, I was presented with the opportunity to lead a comprehensive project as a solo practitioner— I took a leap of faith and the project was successful and a joy to work on! I have since worked diligently to maintain a solid intake, design, and delivery process to support my family and to continue bringing great design ideas to NTX & beyond. Today, opening a new studio in downtown Denton, I celebrate 2 years of running my design practice, which has expanded beyond just myself, employing three dedicated professionals and continuing to grow!
What’s your background? Could you tell us how each of these disciplines emerged in your work?
As a designer and technician, I never quite fit into the specific roles presented to me in the industry and naturally worked to overcome this obstacle at each firm. I sought out differing points of view to learn as much as possible from various specializations and on diverse project types. I have worked as a— technical & design architect, interior designer, site & landscape designer, lighting designer, furniture procurement, signage and branding, rendering specialist, and as a project manager and construction representative. I have worked on small to large-scale projects in— residential, retail, hospitality, private office, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, bar and restaurant, public market & community centers, and multifamily with one receiving an AIA Award in Interior Architecture and another receiving an AIA Honor Award in Architecture. Each role has provided me with invaluable industry knowledge as well as a holistic approach to my designs and services.
Now, at MKOA, I channel everything I’ve learned into providing thoughtful, customized design solutions through a comprehensive lens. It is a joy to be able to offer full-service architecture, interior design, and fixture procurement to my clients—all while maintaining lower overhead costs and leveraging cutting-edge industry technology. All of this empowers MKOA to deliver exceptional design services that truly stand out in today's market.
What led you to take your work from an idea to pursuing it as a business?
I started my business the same year I gave birth to my firstborn son. I have always wanted to be a mother, but working in the industry can be very intense and I wasn't sure if it was possible to do both! After a unique opportunity was presented to me, I decided to go for it. I have seen how technological innovations connect us in a way we couldn't have imagined 5 years ago and saw firsthand the opportunities it brought to the architectural industry. Running my own business and working directly with my clients has provided more flexibility than I expected. MKOA just opened a studio location in downtown Denton but is still completely virtual— able to compete with lower overhead costs, offering higher-level services, and supporting a broad range of clients geographically.
Do you have a personal and/or professional motto or mantra that you call upon during tough times? What is it and what does it mean to you?
Sisu is a Finnish word that conveys inner strength, determination, and perseverance. It can also be interpreted as stoic determination, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness. My grandfather is of Finnish descent and passed when my mother was young. His legacy lived on in his wife and three daughters, who, even through hardships, continually shared and mirrored his strength, grit, leadership, community service, sacrifice, and kindness. Today, my mother and sisters remember ‘Sisu’ during tough times and remind one another that we are ‘Strong Finish Women’— capable of overcoming any obstacle, especially with the support of one another.
How do you pick back up on moving your business forward when perhaps feeling uninspired?
When I am stuck on a design, I iterate a bunch of options and then sleep on it – I am usually amazed the next day at what I notice! I also love getting a lot of advice from others, especially people I trust who are not in the design industry. Alternatively, when I am struggling with overwhelm or burnout— I remember my great aunt's advice— ‘Have a good cry, make a large cup of coffee, and then get to work.’ I learned resilience through architecture school and that ‘Joy comes in the morning’. I seek gratitude and the help of others, and remain as positive as possible under stress.
What have you gained so far from being a part of the AccelerateHER cohort?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the AccelerateHER program. I have gained so much and am continually amazed that a program like this exists! Each session has been packed with useful resources and self-reflection for growth. I especially grew from the community aspect of sharing and hearing other group members work through their challenges. This program has been very rewarding and has increased my confidence in both myself and my business.
Name a woman or gender-expansive individual, past or present, whom you admire or look up to. Why?
My mother has led massive organizations toward healing, growth, and change in a position often perceived as only suitable for men. Now that I am a mother myself, I realize just how much she accomplished while I was growing up. She has provided me with mentorship that demonstrates it is possible to achieve great things without losing sight of the importance and joy of motherhood.