About

Dawn is the principal designer and visionary of the award winning MKL Design Studio. With background in both Interior Design & Architectural Technology, along with 25+ years of experience, Dawn is a sought-after designer and an active member of Canada’s home building scene. She has gained recognition on both regional and national levels and is well-known for her abilities to meet and exceed clients’ expectations. Dawn has mastered the art of creating impactful experiences and beautiful homes.

Dawn believes in giving back and continues to share her knowledge and enthusiasm within the community. Volunteering for organizations such as CICBA, NKBA, Home Builders Association of Calgary, SAIT, and more, Dawn has dedicated many years to these organizations.

When not designing and volunteering, Dawn can be found lifting weights at the gym, trying to keep up with her three spirited young adult daughters or chilling with a glass of wine and her friend group.

In 2014 Trevor enrolled in the Architectural Technologies program at SAIT, after a 20-year career in the residential construction industry. Trevor was the owner operator of an exterior cladding company installing siding, soffit, eavestrough and exterior trim. After completion of his Architectural Technology Diploma, Trevor started contracting to MKL Design Studio in 2017. Trevor’s construction knowledge and experience is an asset helping aid in the design of projects at the MKL Design Studio. Trevor’s enjoys the challenge of trouble shooting complex detailing that arise with custom homes. 

When not at the office, Trevor coaches his son’s minor hockey and enjoys the outdoors with his family and friends.

Nanette is an architectural designer and technologist with many years of working in both Alberta and Saskatchewan giving her extensive experience in multiple areas of commercial and residential design.

Her experience in commercial design includes new building construction, additions, renovations, and tenant improvements.

Nanette has designed large multifamily projects and retirement communities which include independent living, assisted living and memory care facilities. She has experience in site design and residential subdivision development including creating architectural controls. Nanette has also completed many single family projects that include both new construction and renovations.

Nanette enjoys architectural visualization by creating 3D models and renderings to help clients envision their space. She has a strong knowledge of the building code and permit processes to successfully complete projects. Her creativity, passion for unique design, and detail orientated approach allows her to focus on creating the ideal space for each client.

Anastassiya’s career in Interior design began 15+ years ago in Toronto, On. Having learned to design from industry leaders in both Toronto and Calgary, Anastassiya approaches design from a unique perspective that addresses function, aesthetic, and a positive experience as equally important components of building a home.

With expertise in both residential and commercial sectors of the design industry, each project is an opportunity to bring all acquired knowledge as well as learn something new. When creating, a clean, slightly understated aesthetic is favoured, but listening to clients’ needs and translating them into interiors that reflect personalities of homeowners and respect the architecture and the environment are always at the top of the priority list.

Nikki joined the MKL Design Studio team in May 2021, bringing a wide variety of knowledge from her 4 years of industry experience along with a Diploma in Interior Decorating and a Certificate in Kitchen and Bath Design.

She approaches each design with an eagerness to bring the client’s vision to life, listening attentively and providing thoughtful, timeless suggestions to create beautiful, functional spaces that stand the test of time. Nikki’s passion for design is prevalent in every project, she enjoys creating spaces for every style, classic traditional to ultra-modern, and everything in between.

When Nikki isn’t in the studio or daydreaming about design, you’ll likely find her in the mountains, hiking and camping, or re-decorating her home.

Nicole started designing houses at the age of 13 and would come up with the ‘dream homes’ for her friends and family members. She graduated from BCIT’s Architectural and Building Engineering Technology program and has been working in the industry in both BC and Alberta since.

In her spare time, Nicole enjoys playing board games with her husband, going on walks with her dog and refurbishing furniture.

Landon joined the MKL team while completing his Architectural Technologies Diploma at SAIT in 2022. Following a childhood constantly buried in LEGO, he originally started university with the goal of a career in architecture, but a summer job landscaping quickly snowballed to owning and operating a fullservice landscaping and maintenance company. After 15 years in the landscaping industry, he could no longer resist the call back to the field of architecture and returned to school, graduating with honors and several awards from the Architectural Technologies program at SAIT. Landon is always striving to

improve upon his understanding of advanced or complicated architectural building systems, as well as the tools and techniques of his trade.

Outside the studio, Landon is also an avid collector of hobbies and anything creative or DIY; whether it is restoring an old cedar strip kayak, rebuilding engines in his garage, or just gardening at home.

Levi joined the team at MKL Design Studio shortly after completing the Architectural Technology Diploma at SAIT in 2022. After discovering his passion for architecture during his time at SAIT, he is motivated and excited to begin his career in the residential construction. He enjoys working on unique projects and solving the challenges that come along with them.

In his free time, Levi can be found working out at the gym or doing outdoor activities with friends and family.

Anthony joined the MKL team a year after completing his Architectural Technology Diploma with honors at SAIT in 2022. With 6 years of experience in oil and gas as an instrumentation apprentice, he has grown into a fascination of complex engineering and design. Anthony has also applied to understand the larger fields of a project with conceptual design of mechanical design and landscape design. He is a creative team player and ready to take on the industry with vast perspectives of experience.

In his free time, Anthony is enjoying the outdoors and hobbies such as snowboarding, mountain biking and traveling.

Mackenzie has been a part of the MKL Design Studio team since 2017, working as a multifaceted design assistant. She now works part time as MKL’s social media marketing manager, while she studies full time to complete her degree in Neuroscience.

In her free time, you’ll find Mackenzie breaking out of escape rooms, camping with her friends, or enjoying a good Netflix original.

Emily joined the team at MKL Design Studio in 2023. She holds a diploma in Architectural Technologies from SAIT, graduating with honors and awards as part of the class of 2020.  She is also currently in the Bachelor of Science in Architecture program at Athabasca University, with an expected graduation in 2025. 

Emily's diverse portfolio encompasses both residential and commercial projects, highlighting her capacity to blend technical precision and artistic ingenuity. Her work consistently mirrors her dedication to excellence, providing designs that are both functional and visually captivating.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Emily is a multifaceted individual with a passion for the arts. She expresses her creativity through activities such as drawing, painting, and digital and film photography. When she's not in the studio, you'll often find Emily in the mountains, indulging her love for snowboarding, or exploring and finding inspiration in diverse cultures and experiences.

Alvaro became a valued member of the MKL team following the successful completion of his Architectural Technology Diploma at SAIT in 2023. His architectural journey commenced in 2015 after attaining a bachelor’s degree in architecture in Mexico, where he gained professional experience at various architectural firms. In 2019, Alvaro made the pivotal decision to relocate to Canada to further his education, culminating in the successful attainment of a Diploma in Architectural Technologies from SAIT. His passion lies in the art of design and problem-solving, particularly when confronted with complex architectural challenges. 

Outside of the professional sphere, Alvaro dedicates his time to leisure activities, such as enjoying a good movie or spending quality moments with friends and family.