Studio CMK advises firms in the architecture industry on realizing potential, deepening relationships, and communicating value.

The studio is led by Christine Marsal, a thought leader in business development strategy and a lifelong designer.

Over the past decades, I have advised architecture firms on nearly every facet of professional practice – business strategy and promotion, communication and conflicts, beauty and love. I am both an objective observer and a deeply sympathetic one. That’s because prior to establishing Studio CMK, I practiced architecture for more than two decades. Ironically, leaving daily practice only brought me closer to the heart of the architectural profession.

Studio CMK is my way of staying close to the field I care deeply about, and to the creative, passionate people who are at its center. The studio is a node in a network of colleagues, of friends, of fellow-travelers, many of whom are also clients.

The staff at Brininstool + Lynch as depicted in a 2002 exhibition at Chicago Architecture Foundation called "On the Road."

On the Road, Chicago Architecture Foundation, 2002 (image by Graham MacIndoe)

Story ⸻

Professionally, I came of age in an environment of possibility.

My career began in New York’s contemporary art world, working to support extraordinarily talented artists. I witnessed the struggle of creative people as they approached the commercial market. And I was convinced of the key part played by their advocates – such as art dealers and curators – who help artists navigate their vocation.

After returning to graduate school to begin my own design journey, I practiced architecture for the next two decades, eventually becoming a partner in a prominent Philadelphia firm. While I was deeply enmeshed in design, I also saw myself in a “bookend” role – lending energy at the beginning of the project, as an approach was defined, and again at the conclusion, when the impact of our work was evaluated and communicated.

From my time as a design leader, I know intimately the anatomy of the design process, the cultural context, and the business pressures. But I keep returning to my formative experience in the arts, which taught me to value wildly different creative visions. At Studio CMK, I still think of myself as a kind of gallerist who cultivates a cohort of colorful, creative, talented, opinionated, and deeply passionate people.

Colorful chairs in a lecture hall

100+
campuses

I have developed a deep familiarity with the institutional sector while working on campus and urban focused projects – be it universities, independent schools, government agencies, or municipalities, I’m on a constant quest to experience the spaces and places that shape our shared humanity.

Racine Art Museum in Racine, Wisconsin

25
years

My first project out of architecture school was the Racine Art Museum. It was an early opportunity to weave my art and architecture backgrounds, and I’ve remained deeply committed to cultural institutions in the years following.

A stack of monographs and literature featuring Studio CMK's clients

1
story at a time

My clients are featured on coveted covers of magazines and celebrated at awards ceremonies. I help shape their stories and connect the dialogues that bring presence to the powerful work they achieve.

Work ⸻

Who are our clients?

They are the familiar three-letter acronyms, they are boutique firms, they are among the world’s most respected and awarded designers, they are tenacious startups. They shape the contemporary landscape. They dream up the future of cities. They transmit generational knowledge. They are thoroughly unique and yet they — and we — are kindred spirits.

Realizing Potential

  • Identifying clients and projects that share firm values

  • Strategizing on firm transitions

  • Articulating business development goals

  • Mentoring junior staff members

Communicating Value

  • Leading strategy for pursuit of RFQs/RFPs

  • Developing and editing proposal content

  • Creating collateral to tell your story

Deepening Relationships

  • Setting a plan for development

  • Advising on outreach and community building

  • Recommending conference and presentation venues

  • “Christine is all that she says she is – objective, empathetic, knowledgeable, and focused. We worked together for many years when I was in private practice. She was always able to articulate the right path forward while upholding our design ambitions and integrity.”

    Alan Greenberger, FAIA, VP of Real Estate & Facilities, Drexel University

  • “Christine is a wise and patient advisor who is incredibly skilled at bringing different points of view to consensus, even on large, complex teams. I am always so delighted to work with her.”

    Elizabeth H. Kubany, Kubany LLC

  • “On issues big and small, Christine’s wisdom is delivered with confidence, poise, empathy, and precision. She’s been a bedrock of professional advice and mentorship that’s fundamental to our ability to find new and exciting opportunities for growth.”

    Roman Torres, Founding Partner, Moto Designshop

  • “Christine is a true confidant who used not just her expertise, but empathy to help me and my firm through one of the toughest transitional moments of my career.”

    Jennifer Park, AIA, Founding Partner, ParkFowler Plus

  • "Christine is a valued collaborator with a deep and nuanced understanding of marketing, strategic positioning, and communications. She is thoughtful in every respect, and for that, I am forever thankful. I would be lost without her counsel."

    David A. Rubin, PLA, FASLA, FAAR, Founding Partner, David Rubin Land Collective

  • “Foundational to our collaboration on the design competition for Philadelphia Contemporary, Christine forged valuable trust and open communication at the outset of our collaboration with our local partner.”

    Sharon Johnston, FAIA, Founding Partner, Johnston Marklee

Christine Marsal is the founder and principal of Studio CMK

Christine Marsal (image by Sahar Coston-Hardy)

Connect ⸻

You never know when a quick conversation will lead to a lasting connection, a meaningful relationship, or a game-changing project. Let’s talk about it.

info@studio-cmk.com