Meet the Team

PRINCIPAL

Mark always thought he would be an artist...then he started designing and building furniture...then he fell in love with architecture and design. He worked in marketing, designing showrooms at Steelcase and learned to design interiors doing commercial, residential, hospitality and multi-family work with a variety of design firms and in private practice.

He and Kara started makrDESIGN to be an expression of their design sensibilities and bring their various talents together as a team. 

A list of his personal experiences includes multi-family design at makrDESIGN, architecture and interiors and Hanover, corporate interior design at Kirksey and residential architecture in private practice.

Mark has a Masters of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design from the Kansas City Art Institute.

mark@makrdesignllc.com

DIRECTOR OF INTERIORS

Upon graduating from the Art Institute of Houston in 1987, Kara began her journey into interiors with ISD Incorporated in Houston Texas, working on large corporate & commercial projects. An experience, which allowed her to cultivate amazing professional relationships that would forever continue to expand her career.

Key experiences and relationships followed throughout the years with contract positions with Ziegler Cooper, Janita Lo & Associates and McCoy.

The majority of her experience was established with Morris Architects in Houston, Texas working in the interiors department on commercial projects and tenant development.

Kara began her career in the Multi-Family sector in 2009. Prior to starting makrDESIGN, Kara was the Director of Interiors for Kathy Andrews Interiors.

Now, makrDESIGN is her home.

kara@makrdesignllc.com

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Alyssa earned her Master of Architecture from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and began her career in Houston in 2013. She joined a small design-build startup specializing in high-end residential projects, where she gained broad exposure to both design and construction. In addition to working on architectural and interior design efforts, she supported the firm’s early business operations—gaining valuable experience in contracts, budgeting, and project coordination from concept through construction.

In 2015, Alyssa became the first official hire as makrDESIGN was being formed. Over the past nine years, she has worked closely with the principals to support the growth and evolution of the studio. Her work spans the full project lifecycle, from conceptual design and development to construction documentation, project management, and implementation of interior finishes, FF&E, and procurement.

Alyssa continues to contribute to both the creative and operational aspects of the firm, helping shape makrDESIGN’s identity and structure, while also supporting its ongoing business development. With a versatile background and a strong commitment to thoughtful design, she remains an essential part of makrDESIGN’s continued success—project by project, detail by detail.

alyssa@makrdesignllc.com

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Laurie earned her Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University in 2007. Early in her career, her passion for interior design led her to Houston, where she obtained an Associate of Applied Science in Interior Design. Over the next eight years, she focused on designing and merchandising single-family model homes for homebuilders across the country.

In 2019, Laurie joined makrDESIGN to pursue her growing interest in multifamily design. She now specializes in FF&E selection and procurement, contributing her expertise to a wide range of projects. Laurie takes great pride in being part of the exceptionally talented makrDESIGN team.

laurie@makrdesignllc.com

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Xochitl’s design journey started after her children were off to college. In 2014 she graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Interior Design and Professional Practices. She began working professionally as a single-family designer selecting finishes and creating presentations, allowing her to develop valuable knowledge in the selection, coordination & procurement of furniture, finishes & accessories. This experience gave Xochitl the opportunity to begin designing multi-family interiors of greater scope & complexity.

Being eager for a new beginning after close to 8 years at her previous firm, she made the jump to makrDESIGN where she specializes in FF&E and procurement. 

Xochitl feels very fortunate to be part of the makrDESIGN’s team.

xochitl@makrdesignllc.com

JUNIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER

While earning her Associate of Applied Science in Interior Design, Bella joined makrDESIGN as an intern—an experience that introduced her to the industry and helped shape her creative foundation. During her internship, she developed hands-on skills and gained exposure to real-world design processes.

After graduating in 2024, Bella officially became part of the makrDESIGN team. As a Junior Interior Designer, she’s eager to continue learning, growing, and contributing to the firm.

bella@makrdesignllc.com

DESIGNER

Graduating in 2005 from The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Architecture, José began his career working at various design firms in Houston, Texas. He started at PBK Architects, an architecture firm that caters predominantly to the educational market. Besides working on schools, he was also involved on other projects such as the renovation of a church, a stadium press box remodel, & a new natatorium.

He then moved into corporate interiors at PDR (Planning Design Research) with clients ranging from Exxon Mobil, Total, Devon Energy to the Eaton Corporation. During his time here, his portfolio grew to include corporate wellness / fitness centers—projects that sparked his lasting interest in interior finish selections.

José shifted to the multi-family sector and began working at Kathy Andrews Interiors for 11 years. It was also there that he continued to pursue his knowledge of the multiple roles of an interior designer.

Excited to be part of the growing Makr team, José is eager to apply his diverse expertise to new challenges and creative opportunities.

jose@makrdesignllc.com

Coming Soon

halida@makrdesignllc.com