The energy and authentic passion which Nia brings to her projects is contagious and
inspiring not only to clients but to STUDIOAXIS.

Originally having the desire to join the Peace Corps, the close bond to her family deemed otherwise.
Thus, Nia concluded to pursue a dormant passion – interior design. When asked about her adoration for
design, Nia responded that “every built environment can be a sanctuary for those experiencing it. As an
interior designer, we are entrusted to evoke perception as well as performance efficiency through light,
color, materiality, and space planning. It is vital to me not waste the opportunity.”

With numerous years of professional experience, Nia’s work includes universities, Greek housing,
hospitality, civic, and residential spaces. As a member of the studio, she attributes her ability to relate
and motivate colleagues and clients essential in creating relationships and ultimately succeeding.
Through effective communication concerning the wants, needs, and uses of a space, she is deliberate in
her design choices and works to ensure the design not only enhances the space but also the lives of
which it serves. Nia considers herself a philomath, always learning information and advancing her skillset to efficiently produce impactful projects.

Nia believes interior designers are integral components of any society, continuously bringing awareness
and educating her community about the technicalities of the profession. Leisurely, Nia is adamantly taking walks with her husband and daughter, studying English landscape design, and curating her fashion fits.

Kurt believes great architecture flows from comprehensive design direction and delights in bringing organizational and aesthetic order to the chaos of many possibilities.

Kurt has endless curiosity about humankind’s ever-evolving trajectory and its implications on architecture. His passion for architecture developed in a historic neighborhood in Indianapolis that was undergoing social and material changes around him, which likely contributed to his belief that historic architecture has much to tell us about who we are as a species and how we can learn to thrive in this world.

He completed undergraduate and graduate studies at Ball State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture, as well as a certificate in Social and Environmental Justice. His Master’s thesis at Ball State combined his interests in historic architecture and human flourishing by exploring how transformations can make an old building socially inclusive, especially for people with disabilities.

Outside of Axis, he is a board member at Arts For Learning Indiana and a building committee member at the Indianapolis Athenaeum. Involvement in each organization encompasses opportunities for him to share with local communities his passions for time-tested wonders. He is also an associate member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and enjoys being part of the architecture network in the sparkling city of Indianapolis.

In his travels to over 10 countries and inspired by his parents, Jose has learned that the environment in which you live can impact all aspects of your life, and with creative innovation and inspiration from nature, communities can be transformed.

Jose is optimistic, creative, and thinks out of the box to resolve complex problems, while being quick to learn new ways to self-improve. In his travels, Jose has learned to adapt to continuing change with ease, is consistently striving to learn, and is always believing in the good of others, allowing him to easily interact with different social groups. Jose believes that developing positive relationships and understanding the culture of a community is crucial when revitalizing local neighborhoods meant to last.

Jose believes good design should be everywhere and affordable to everyone, sustainable for the environment, and have strong concepts of scale. Furthermore, iteration is key. It’s important to remember that as designers of the built environment, it is our job to think proactively, without infringing on a communities’ way of life. Supporting and sourcing from local business would gets you more involved, reduces the impact of waste on the environment, while building up the local economy.

Jose was involved in a collection of organizations that service and act as a voice for others. Sparking his love for community and nature, Boy Scouts of America was his first taste of community help, eventually earning his Eagle scout award and being awarded the title of Kentucky Colonel. This carried on through college, using nature as inspiration and joining organizations such as AIAS, Triangle Fraternity, and an architecture mentorship program. Now he is an associate member of the AIA and looking to find ways to positively impact the local art scene.

With an eye on design and aesthetic, John’s attention is always attuned to feasibility and quality of craftsmanship.

John brings a unique perspective to each project by first thinking through how it will be built. This deep, analytical focus informs his decision process and enables him to refine designs in a way that enhances their functionality.

John is a Ghost Lab 8 participant, a graduate of the UNC-Charlotte Master of Architecture program and spent two years in northern California working on commercial and residential design, in addition to construction consulting with Thomas Anderson before coming to STUDIOAXIS. John has a passion for building and architecture that was sparked by an exposure to construction at an early age. Now, with over a decade of professional experience and a background as a licensed builder, John’s knowledge of construction techniques and processes gives him a keen insight into the viability of concepts. His construction background is also reflected in his dedication to clear communication with contractors via detailed drawings that understand construction sequences thoroughly.

John has worked on projects of all typologies and scales at STUDIOAXIS, including legacy projects like Lincoln Apartments Veterans Housing, a LEED Platinum-certified development that provides housing for US Veterans. John strives to envision projects as a whole, taking into consideration every element, from budget to aesthetic. Although each projects brings its own unique challenges, the common thread that weaves through all his work is precision, with a highly detailed and technical approach.