Built Environment
Marika is a seasoned designer of built environments, encompassing architectural design, urban design, real estate development, and creative placemaker and placekeeper.
Marika is a principal of Grammar Studio, an entrepreneurial design and real estate company that seeks to build healthy, thriving communities through the design of welcoming, creative urban spaces.
Marika has worked on the design and redevelopment of historic buildings, the conception, design, and development of new construction buildings, and has organized and produced innumerable community events and public art installations in the Hingetown enclave of Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.
Marika regularly collaborates with design firms, nonprofits, and government agencies on projects large and small. Marika served as a Commissioner on Cleveland’s Planning Commission and as a member of the Ohio City Design Review Board.
Architectural design, gut renovation, and living wall design for historic building
Architectural design, renovation and redevelopment of a historic firehouse
Design proposal for MLK Jr. Library in Cleveland (competition finalist)
Architectural design and research for elementary school in Kigali
Architectural design and research for district hospital in Butaro, Rwanda