Mancini Duffy Expands Seattle Presence with Appointment of Kara Schmidt-Robben as Studio Director

SEATTLE, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mancini Duffy, a national full-service design firm with a 110-year history of excellence in architecture, interior design, and planning, proudly announces the appointment of Kara Schmidt-Robben, NCIDQ, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, as the Studio Director of its Seattle regional office in Rainier Square.

"The expansion of our Seattle office is an exciting milestone for us," says Christian Giordano, President and Co-owner. "The Pacific Northwest is a hub of innovation and creativity, which aligns perfectly with how we approach design. With Kara and Lauren leading the way, we are eager to showcase how we deliver exceptional projects and bring thoughtful, tech-forward solutions to clients who share our passion for great design."

Schmidt-Robben brings a distinguished career in workplace and corporate design, having led high-profile projects in Washington, including Rover's headquarters in Seattle, Fluke's headquarters campus in Everett, and Orrick's offices in Seattle and Portland. Her extensive leadership experience includes serving as President of the International Interior Design Association's (IIDA) Northern Pacific Chapter, where she championed design excellence and industry advocacy.

"I am delighted to join Mancini in Seattle to provide our region with superior service and design solutions," says Schmidt-Robben. "Backed by our innovative design capabilities, we are focused on creating unique environments that support our clients, their user groups, and connect to the region around us."

As part of Mancini's expansion in the Pacific Northwest, Schmidt-Robben's leadership will be instrumental in shaping the firm's regional presence. Her expertise in delivering tailored workplace solutions aligns seamlessly with Mancini's tech-forward approach to design, leveraging its patented software, The Toolbelt, a platform for real-time project visualization and interactive client collaboration. This tool has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of the firm's 360 Design process.

"Expanding our presence in Seattle has been an exciting opportunity, blending the energy of a startup with the strength of Mancini's deep expertise and resources," says Lauren Maxted, Director of Marketing & BD, Director of the Seattle Office, and Principal. "We are building something new while staying grounded in the innovation and excellence that define our firm. Kara's wealth of experience is a tremendous asset as we grow, and we are thrilled to have her leadership in shaping a team that will drive our vision forward."

Mancini's Seattle office plays a key role in the firm's continued expansion into dynamic, design-centric markets, delivering its legacy of innovation and forward-thinking design solutions. The office is currently engaged in three hospitality projects at the Concourse C expansion within the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), reinforcing its commitment to excellence in the region.

ABOUT MANCINI:
Mancini is a national design firm with a 100+-year-old history and a tech-forward approach. A full-service design firm specializing in architecture, planning, and interior design, Mancini is headquartered in New York City with regional offices in Millburn and Red Bank, New Jersey, Phoenix, Arizona, Seattle, Washington, and Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida. The firm complements its century of expertise with a contemporary entrepreneurial spirit and technological skill for clients in the commercial, aviation, healthcare, education, financial and professional services, retail, multifamily residential, restoration, institutional, religious, sports, tech, life sciences, and media sectors. The firm is known for designing iconic projects like TSX Broadway in Times Square, Omnicom Group's national offices, and major aviation projects. Mancini is dedicated to leveraging technology that enhances the design solutions it delivers for its clients' toughest challenges with its patented technology, The Toolbelt.

SOURCE Mancini Duffy