Name: Lisa Bauerle

Title: Creative Director

Company Name: MKDA

Years in real estate: 17

How have you navigated obstacles to achieve success in your career? I am grateful that in my career I have had very few obstacles that prevented me from designing to my best ability or reaching a desired position. One that does come to mind is being underestimated by my colleagues and bosses. I confronted this with a strong work ethic and plenty of self-confidence. Gaining trust from both my colleagues and clients is always rewarding for me.

How do you play your strengths to your advantage in your career? I believe that clear communication and honesty are invaluable in our industry. These character traits have helped me negotiate complicated projects and delicate interpersonal dynamics in the workplace. Sometimes I find myself almost working as interpreter between clients and contractors to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Another perhaps unique trait is a good balance between out of the box creativity and organization and time management skills. This combination of traits can be hard to find in the design industry.

What trends are you seeing so far this year? The big trend now in corporate office space is creating a feeling of hominess in the space. Stark, cold, all white spaces are becoming a thing of the past. Workers want to be reminded that they’re not in a rat race, that they can relax at work. CEOs are finding that this mindset helps lead to more creativity. Reclaimed wood, the removal of sparse, dropped ceilings and communal eating areas are all on the rise.

What do you do for fun? For fun I like to cook, hang out with my kids (yes really!) and relax with good neighbors.