We are so happy to celebrate a remarkable first year with Joe Morgan and Jenna Mogstad! They have each made incredible contributions to their respective teams and our firm as a whole. Their motivation and positivity have been inspirational to us all. We asked them to tell us more about their first year and their thoughts on working at MWA.
Joe Morgan, Designer
What project(s) are you working on right now?
Right now, I’m on the Yakima Airport modernization project. We just wrapped phase two, and I’m excited to dive into the design for the sterile area hold room renovation, which is kicking off now. I’ve also got construction administration going on a project at Portland International Airport. I really enjoy these transportation projects because they contribute to a larger civic good and create spaces that serve whole communities. There’s something satisfying about working on places thousands of people pass through every day, where the design just has to work for everyone.
What is one lesson or piece of wisdom you’ve learned from a recent project?
The biggest thing I’ve learned is how much better a project goes when there’s real trust between the client, the consultant team, and the contractor early on. When people feel like they can speak up and bring what they know to the table, you end up with better solutions and a lot less friction down the road.
What is one thing you would change about the architectural discipline?
I’d love to see architects get better at celebrating our own work, both inside the office and out in the world. More credit given freely, more moments where we stop and say, “that was hard and we did it,” and a little more confidence about putting our work out there and letting people see it.
What is your favorite thing about working at MWA?
My favorite part of working at MWA is definitely the people. I really enjoy being in the office, collaborating with coworkers, and having the chance to learn from the people around me. There’s a strong sense of support and genuine goodwill here that makes it a positive place to be.
How do you maintain work/life balance?
Work/life balance means spending quality time with my family and making space for hobbies. I have two kids, so a lot of my time revolves around family stuff, but I also like woodworking, cooking, gardening, and generally picking up new things to learn. Woodworking especially gives me a chance to start and finish a project in a much more immediate, hands-on way than work usually allows. I also enjoy driving by projects with my family and pointing out the spaces I’ve helped create.
What are you most excited about in the future of your work in the next few years?
I’m about to wrap up my licensure, and what I’m most excited about is using that to help push the firm and the transportation studio forward. We’ve got a lot of momentum and great work coming in. I’d love to see the studio grow into something with a deeper bench, and to keep refining our transportation design process and our own style so we’re known for doing this work really well. Part of that is bringing along the people coming up behind me, the way people here have done for me.
What is your next career goal that you would like to tackle?
Like I mentioned, finishing my licensure is the big one right now. It’s a milestone I’ve been working toward for a long time, and getting there means a lot to me both professionally and personally. It formally reflects the work I’m already doing day to day, and it sets up everything I want to take on next.
What originally drew you to architecture and design?
What originally drew me to architecture was the combination of abstract thinking and physical placemaking. I loved the idea that you could spend time exploring conceptual ideas while also creating something tangible that people interact with every day. Early on, I was really drawn to the emotional and experiential side of creating spaces.
Is there a particular architect or designer’s work that inspires you? Why?
Right now my home life is pretty focused on the house and making things by hand, so that’s what I find myself gravitating toward. I draw inspiration from a wide range of makers: George Nakashima, for letting the wood’s character drive the design; the painter Bill Braun, whose trompe l’oeil work makes you look twice at something ordinary; and Pietro Belluschi, whose Pacific Northwest modernism still holds up. I’m also drawn to the anonymous craftspeople behind the Arts and Crafts movement, names we don’t know whose work still shapes how we make things.
Jenna Mogstad, Interior Designer
What project(s) are you working on right now?
I’m currently working on a mix of affordable housing, public service, and infrastructure projects, including SEI Mississippi Avenue Apartments, Grant Street Apartments, a hotel conversion on Cornell Road, the McMinnville Water & Light expansion, and restroom and pet relief area projects for the Port of Portland. I’m especially excited about diving into the finishes on Grant Street right now. I really enjoy mission-driven work and projects that directly support communities and public services.
What is one lesson/piece of wisdom you’ve learned from a recent project?
I’ve learned a lot about perspective and communication through working with clients who are going through a design or construction process for the very first time. For many of them, architecture and interior design are completely new experiences, so it’s been really rewarding to help guide them through the process and build trust along the way. It has reinforced how important communication and relationship-building are in helping people feel supported and confident throughout the process.
What is one thing you would change about the architectural discipline?
I would love to see the commercial interior design profession receive legal recognition at a state level in the form of Commercial Practice Act. Interior designers bring a distinct perspective and expertise to the design industry, and progress needs to be made in validating the professional exam we take and scope of work that we complete on projects. While I feel appreciated and respected by my colleagues, I know that not every interior designer is so fortunate, and I want to be an advocate for them. Greater recognition and autonomy across the profession would benefit both designers and the clients we serve by allowing us to practice to the full extent of our abilities.
What is your favorite thing about working at MWA?
I completely agree that the people are what make MWA special. Because the interiors team collaborates with nearly everyone in the office, I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many different people across the firm, and that has been really rewarding. The projects themselves are exciting, but the relationships and teamwork are what make the work especially enjoyable.
How do you maintain work/life balance?
Work/life balance is something I think everyone is constantly learning and adjusting. Design has always been a passion for me, so creativity naturally carries into my personal life as well through projects around my home, embroidery, and even nail art. Outside of work, I enjoy relaxing at home with my boyfriend and cat, playing video games, and spending time outside in the yard, especially during stressful days when it helps to slow down and recharge.
What are you most excited about in the future of your work in the next few years?
I’m most excited about the growth of the Interior Environment Studio at MWA. As the team continues to expand, we’ll be able to take on larger and more ambitious work while continuing to elevate the quality of our interiors projects. I’m really looking forward to seeing that growth and helping to shape it.
What is your next career goal that you would like to tackle?
I earned my NCIDQ certification last year, and I’m excited to continue applying that knowledge while helping elevate the interiors practice at MWA and mentoring other interior designers to help them do the same. I’m also stepping into the role of IIDA Oregon Chapter President this July, which is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. A major focus for me moving forward is continuing to advocate for interior design legislation and recognition within the profession. I’m excited to represent interior designers across the state and have a positive impact during my year in that role.
What originally drew you to architecture and design?
I’ve known I wanted to work in design for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I was constantly redesigning my bedroom and watching design shows. My mom was always really supportive of that creativity, and over time it became clear that this was something I loved doing. Looking back, it feels almost fated.
Is there a particular architect/designer’s work that inspires you? Why?
One of the first designers who really inspired me was Paul McCobb. His work captures so many of the qualities I love about mid-century modern design and simplicity. Outside of interiors, I also find a lot of creative inspiration through painting my fingernails, which has become a small but meaningful creative outlet in my day-to-day life. It gives me a chance to continually exercise design thinking in a very hands-on and visible way.