2024 Ones to Watch - Innovators in CRE: Michael Mark, AIA, Mark Design Studios Architecture, PC

Michael Mark, AIA is principal of Mark Design Studios Architecture, PC which was founded in 2003. As president of the firm Michael manages a team of 16 employees and is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of projects and overall delivery to the end client. He manages internal operations, fostering a positive and dedicated workforce, while also consistently advancing relationships with new and existing clientele. Michael’s motto has always been about building mutually trusting relationships with each client. With this trust, the aspirations of what each project can achieve are limitless as ideas can flow collaboratively until the best solution is developed and constructed. This is deeply instilled within MDS and reinforced through every project.

Innovative Solution: 

Facing competition from several large architectural firms, we have made it our focus to prioritize what makes our firm unique and what sets us apart in our sector and to share that narrative with prospective clients. We built a talented team with diverse backgrounds and experiences to help us excel at offering designs that are extremely detail-oriented and tailored for each client. We recognize that excellent design does not need to cost our clients more but developing them requires more effort on our part to make impactful spaces that meet the specific needs of our clients and honors their distinctive character and personality. Practicing this level of craft has made us an award-winning firm and a leader in design in our region.

Innovative Outlook: 

As architects, it is our task to solve problems for clients. Whether the problem they are facing is lack of space, the need to modernize, how to improve their brand and build value, how to improve efficiency or whatever challenge they face, it is incumbent upon us as architects and designers to find suitable solutions. We have seen improvements in technologies such as LED lighting and VRF heating and cooling for example create many design opportunities for how to implement these in innovative new ways to improve comfort as well as design aesthetics. We believe that infrastructure improvements will be incorporated into commercial real estate design in ways that improve efficiency, reduce cost and offer opportunity to improve design and the building environment experience.

“I had the opportunity to tour a completed project for Mark Design Studios, and was blown away by the attention to detail, forward thinking, and innovation that was implemented. The steps they take focus on a larger vision; a vision that affects and shapes our local communities. Michael has developed an incredible team of Architects and Designers that are committed to elevating spaces and truly set themselves apart.” - Marisa Morgillo, Marisa Rose Marketing, LLC.