kara@makrdesignllc.com

Kara’s connection to design began early—long before it became her profession. As a child, she often accompanied her father to construction sites, fascinated by how raw structures transformed into finished environments. That early spark set the course for a lifelong career in interiors.

After earning her degree from the Art Institute of Houston in 1987, Kara began her career with ISD Incorporated, building a strong foundation in corporate and commercial design. She later spent many years at Morris Architects in Houston, working extensively within the Tenant Development Group and mastering the intricacies to create spaces that seamlessly balance form, function, and the client’s vision.

In 2009, opportunities in multi-family design inspired Kara and her business partner, Mark Santa Maria, to establish makrDESIGN —bringing together their complementary skills and shared design sensibilities. Since then, they have built a reputation for designing spaces that are thoughtful, functional, and inspiring, blending decades of combined expertise with a shared passion for exceptional design.