At MA Design, we take pride in the diversity of our female presence and leadership as it welcomes new perspectives to the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry, and drives innovation for our valued clients. 

MA Design currently holds a leadership breakdown, including principals, studio leads and directors, of 47.1% Female and 52.9% Male. We stand firm in our commitment to foster environments that value and support both genders and will continue to champion all the voices in effort to enrich lives through innovative design. 

This said, there is no better way to honor and celebrate Women’s History Month than to learn and grow alongside the leaders we look up to. 

Join us in deep diving with Managing Principals, Carrie Boyd and Lori Bongiorno, on what empowerment, success and leadership means to them – both professionally and personally.

What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago, knowing what you know now?

Carrie:  I would tell myself to ask questions, and that it’s ok to not know all the answers.

Lori: I would tell myself just stay calm, it’s going to be okay.

What’s a mantra/quote that motivates you? 

Carrie: Work smarter, not harder.

Lori: Just do it.

What does success look like to you?

Carrie: Being surrounded with people who challenge me and give me honest and open feedback, and expect the same in return.

Lori: Building a company where the people are happy and working on meaningful projects, while also ensuring that everyone has that same level of happiness in their personal lives. 

What three things did you do in your career that contributed most to setting you up for success?

Carrie: 

1. Listen to my gut. When I don’t, things don’t turn out well.
2. I was authentically me, even when I was in a room full of people who weren’t like me.
3. Always did more than what was expected of me. 

Lori:

1. Finding a place like MA where I could grow my career for the past 28 years. They invested in me, and I invested in them.
2. Being involved in the Easton Town Center project. I learned a lot in a short amount of time – the technical knowledge helped me become a well rounded architect, the people I met are still friends I have today, and I learned how to solve problems on the fly. 
3. Getting really involved in ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers). I was on the Government Relations Committee and became the Chair of the Government Relations Committee for Ohio. Growing my network of people outside of Central Ohio was so important, and joining ICSC was a great way to do that!

Where have you found sources of empowerment through your career?

Carrie: There’s a lot of places I’ve found sources of empowerment – coaches, books and hanging out with people who are smarter than me. 

Lori: MA has an entrepreneurial spirit. If you have an idea you want to explore, you’re given the freedom to pursue it. That has always stuck with me, and it has always empowered me while working here.

What’s an actionable way someone can develop more confidence?

Carrie: Don’t trash talk yourself! I know that is hard to do. When you have negative thoughts about yourself, think about this – would you treat someone the way you are treating yourself?

Lori: Continually stepping outside your comfort zone to try the thing you’re scared of. Keep doing it because eventually it won’t be scary and you’ll have more confidence in it!

What’s a piece of advice that left a lasting impression on you? 

Carrie: Hard news does not get better over time.

Lori: Don’t just join industry organizations, really get involved!

Who is a famous woman/women that inspires you or you aspire to be?

Carrie: Without a doubt, Brené Brown.

Lori: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she was feisty and really cared about people!