New Women-Owned Business Opens Its Doors in Bloomington, IL

Bloomington, Illinois – In February 2021, four like-minded women architects left the corporate design world to provide a different style of service. Their new architecture firm, Design Mavens, was designed to make an impact on the design and construction industry by creating a company that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. The firm emphasizes listening, understanding, and empathizing throughout the design process.

Founded by Jean Underwood, Jenny Fuqua, Sarah Joos, and Anita Lanning, Design Mavens offers decades of experience in commercial, institutional, residential, and consulting architectural services. The certified Women-Owned Business serves Central Illinois.

"We have the potential to make an impact on the design and construction industry. It's something that our four founders have talked about at length as we developed and continue to refine our mission and vision. This is our opportunity to change the status quo! While we will not affect millions or even thousands of people in the next 20 years, I hope that our efforts and firm will provide a workplace and example full of support, equality, and inclusivity that improves our industry and most importantly our local communities," notes Design Mavens Principal, Jean Underwood.

Although 48 percent of NAAB-accredited degrees were awarded to women in the 2017-18 academic year, women account for only 29 percent of firm leaders. (Sources: ACSA, AIA, NAAB)

Design Mavens Principal, Anita Lanning, adds, "I want to redefine what comes to mind when people think of hiring an architect. At Design Mavens, we truly want to be a go-to resource for our local community, a trustworthy guide to help people envision and build their dreams. I believe creating spaces that are functional, comfortable, and inclusive are just as important as making them beautiful." 

Find more information on Design Mavens Architecture at https://www.design-mavens.com/ or call Design Mavens Principal Jenny Fuqua at 309-304-3048 ext 2.

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About Design Mavens Architecture

Design Mavens Architecture was founded by four like-minded women architects who left the corporate architecture world to provide a different style of service. The firm provides commercial, institutional, residential, and consulting architectural services throughout Central Illinois. As creative thinkers, project facilitators, problem solvers, project managers and multi-taskers, Design Mavens strives to impact our community in a positive way.