Monarq Design, LLC

March 8th was Women's Day! We, the women of Monarq, celebrate women every day wherever they are in their journey. Today we want to recognize women in business, while women have always contributed to the economy, legal rights were limited. We look up to icons like Rosie the Riveter, who proved women's strength in the workforce during WWII, and the pioneer women in architecture who dared to design and build in a male-dominated world. A key moment in this journey was the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988. This crucial federal law removed barriers to capital, resources, and eliminated the need for male co-signers on business loans. While women were involved in business before, this act strengthened their legal standing. Today, we stand on the shoulders of all the women who came before us, paving the way for us to own and lead our business. Let's continue to support and uplift women entrepreneurs and women everywhere! ?? Rosie The Riveter, 1943, Norman Rockwell Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art #Monarq #WomensHistoryDay #WomenInBusiness #Equality #1988 #RosieTheRiveter #SheIsNotaFootnote #WomenInArchitecture #IWD25

This #BlackHistoryMonth, let's celebrate the groundbreaking contributions of Black women in architecture! Pioneers like Beverly Lorraine Greene (1915-1957), considered the first African American woman licensed as an architect in the U.S., and Norma Merrick Sklarek (1926-2012), often called the "Rosa Parks of architecture," who was the first Black woman licensed in both New York and California, shattered glass ceilings and left an enduring legacy. Greene's diverse portfolio ranged from public housing to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, while Sklarek designed iconic structures like the Pacific Design Center. Their talent, determination, and resilience in the face of immense challenges paved the way for future generations. These stories remind us that representation matters and that diverse perspectives enrich the built environment. Want to learn more? Check out the article below. #MonarqMonday #MonarqDesign #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackWomenInArchitecture #PioneeringWomenInArchitecture #RepresentationMatters

Warmest wishes from our team to yours!

As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, we're taking a moment to express our sincere gratitude. We're thankful for our incredible clients, supportive friends, wise mentors, and loving family who have helped us build Monarq. Happy Thanksgiving! ?? #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #Monarq

Last weekend, Monarq Design had the privilege of exploring the legacy of mid-century architect Irven Granger McDaniel in Hot Springs, Arkansas. As a WWII veteran and POW, McDaniel's designs shaped the character of the city. Through a tour organized by Preserve Arkansas, we visited several of his iconic buildings and learned about his fascinating life story. This experience underscored the importance of preserving our architectural heritage and the stories behind it. Thanks to Preserve Arkansas for this valuable opportunity! Explore Preserve Arkansas' website for details on their conservation efforts and ways to get involved: https://lnkd.in/g_mf_4im #MonarqMonday #HotSprings #MidCenturyModern #ArchitecturePreservation #Arkansas #PreserveArkansas #IrvenGrangerMcDaniel #MonarqDesign

Today, we commemorate the ratification of the 19th Amendment, a monumental stride toward gender equality, granting women the right to vote. While significant progress has been made since and in many ways, as of 2023, women constitute approximately 23% of architects in the United States. This notable gender gap persists despite the fact that 49% of architecture students are women. Let's celebrate the extraordinary women who shape our built environment and continue to dismantle barriers, inspiring the next generation of female architects. At Monarq Design, we believe that by working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. #MonarqMonday #WomenEqualityDay #WomenInArchitecture #WomenLiftingWomen #19thAmendment #Progress #StillWorkToDo #MonarqDesign #WomenOwned

Did you know the Olympics used to award medals for architecture? From 1912 to 1948, architects competed alongside athletes for Olympic glory! Designs for stadiums, sports centers, and even entire Olympic towns were judged on aesthetics, functionality, and how well they captured the Olympic spirit. Imagine winning gold for designing the perfect stadium! Olympic founder Pierre de Coubertin wanted to celebrate both mind and body, so art and sport were equally celebrated. Architects like Jan Wils, who designed the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Stadium, and Charles Downing Lay, known for his 1936 Berlin town planning, took home top honors. Sadly, the art competitions ended in 1948, but their legacy lives on in iconic sports venues around the world. As we watch the stunning architecture of the Paris 2024 Olympics, it's fun to imagine what could have been if this tradition continued. #MonarqMonday #OlympicsHistory #Paris2024 #MedalsForArchitecture #PierredeCoubertin #MonarqDesign ?? Payne Whitney Gymnasium, Yale University - John Russell Pope (USA Silver 1932) ?? Design for a "Cirque pour Toros" - Saacké, Bailly, & Montenot (FRA Gold 1932) ?? Amsterdam Olympic Stadium, Jan Wils (NED Gold 1928) More Info: https://lnkd.in/g-7y3QD https://lnkd.in/eZMJHPU

Continuing with our series Pioneering Women in Architecture Marion Mahony Griffin is next. She was an architectural powerhouse in her own right! Born in 1871, Marion became the first female architect in Illinois, after graduating from MIT. Her thesis project, "The house and studio of a painter," was remarkably ahead of its time. Some even say it influenced the design of Frank Lloyd Wright's famous studio. During her nearly 15 years at Wright's firm, her talent for design and illustration is particularly evident in the beautiful renderings she created for Wright's portfolio. She played a key role in the Prairie School architectural movement, leaving her mark on buildings and landscapes across the United States, Australia, and India. "I am an architect, not an appendage," Marion once declared. She wasn't just Walter Burley Griffin's wife, she was his equal partner and a true design visionary. Additional info: https://lnkd.in/gdUtk3Zi #MonarqMonday #MonarqDesign #MarionMahonyGriffin #PrairieSchool #PioneeringWomenInArchitecture ?? Marion Mahony & Walter Burley Griffin ?? Design for suburban residence ?? Mahony Residence 1907

This #MonarqMonday kicks off a series celebrating pioneering women in architecture! We highlight remarkable ladies who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations. Our first feature is Louise Blanchard Bethune (1856-1913), who became the first professional female architect in the US after a 5-year apprenticeship. She opened her own practice in 1881 and was the first woman admitted to the AIA, and FAIA. Her notable works include the Hotel Lafayette in Buffalo. Bethune fiercely advocated for equal pay and women's rights, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire. Her words, 'The future of woman in the architectural profession is what she herself sees fit to make it,' are still relevant today. #MonarqMonday #WomenInArchitecture #LouiseBethune #FemaleAIA #PioneeringWomen #MonarqDesign Additional info: louisebethune.org https://lnkd.in/g8eZF4is ?? Mary Ann Sullivan (digital imaging project)

This Independence Day, we at Monarq Design are reflecting on the ideals that built our nation: freedom, opportunity, and community. Project by project, community by community, we strive to design inclusive spaces that reflect these values. Happy 4th of July! ?? #MonarqDesign #Community #4thOfJuly #InclusiveSpaces #NoProjectistooSmall