Honoree Profile

Mariel Slater

Shive-Hattery Architecture & Engineering

Title: Registered Interior Designer
Tenure at Firm: 5 years
Nominating Principal: Mark Matuska, Managing Director | HE Studio Leader
School: Harrington College of Design
Major: Interior Design

Inspired By:

I’m inspired by the process of shaping environments that support people’s daily routines and experiences. Whether it’s refining details, coordinating with consultants, or solving technical challenges, I enjoy the balance of creativity and precision that interior design requires. Collaboration is a big motivator for me, and I find inspiration in working with clients and teams to bring a shared vision to life.

Keys to a Successful Project:

A successful design project is built on strong communication and trust between all parties. When clients, consultants, and the design team are aligned and engaged, the process is more collaborative and efficient. Enthusiasm from everyone involved, paired with a shared commitment to thoughtful design, leads to better problem-solving and stronger outcomes.

Which experiences have most influenced how you approach design?

Both my education and professional experience have shaped my design approach, but the projects that have influenced me most are the ones that pushed me the furthest. The most complex and demanding projects have been the most educational, showing me that design challenges can often be solved in more than one way. When teams are aligned on priorities and goals, solutions can almost always be found. These experiences have strengthened my belief in collaboration, shared problem‑solving, and adaptability as essential parts of good design.

“Mariel combines exceptional design talent with proven leadership skills, consistently guiding project teams to success. Her comprehensive experience spans the entire design process from programming through construction administration and furniture specification. Along with her talent and experience, Mariel’s collaborative approach, mentorship, and humbleness have earned her recognition as a trusted partner to both clients and colleagues, positioning her as an emerging leader at Shive-Hattery.”

Mark Matuska
Managing Director | HE Studio Leader

Favorite Haworth Collection Piece & Why:

Archibald Lounge Chair. It has a luxurious appearance with soft and inviting comfort. It balances ease and sophistication, making it a versatile statement piece for multiple settings. The handcrafted quality and thoughtful detailing elevate it beyond seating. It has a presence.

Your current favorite color (RGB, CMYK, or HEX#):

112,11,63