Welcome To The Studio

Design Thinking · Leadership · Systems Stewardship

I work at the intersection of architecture, governance, and long‑term decision‑making. My practice and research explore how design thinking becomes leadership practice in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments—work shaped by 25+ years of cross‑border architectural experience and my doctoral research, From Design Thinking to Leadership.

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MKBC Studio is where I share reflections on design literacy, stewardship, and systems‑level insight for architects, designers, and organizations navigating complexity. It is also the home for my advisory work, which will relaunch following the publication of my fiction trilogy.

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Leave your email to receive reflections on books, design, leadership, and systems thinking—plus updates on MKBC advisory work.

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About MKBC

MKBC Studio LLC (formerly Maia Gilman Architect LLC) and MKBC Advisory have supported work in adaptive reuse, heritage stewardship, climate resilience, and complex governance environments. I am a Registered Architect in NJ, NY, PA, BC, and ON; NCARB‑Certified; LEED BD+C and ENV SP; and an APEC Architect. My teaching and speaking experience spans graduate design critique, interdisciplinary leadership, and international panels on sustainability and systems thinking. I hold a doctorate in business administration with a focus on organizational leadership.

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