Kara Schmidt-Robben

Studio Director

Where were you born?

Newton, Kansas

Where is your favorite travel destination?

At this phase of my life, it’s an adults-only, all-inclusive warm beach location.

What’s something you’d still love to learn?

Trim carpentry and overall home reno from my dad.

Describe Mancini’s company culture in one word?

Entrepreneurial

What do you hope to see in the future in the world of architecture and design?

Without going extinct or broke as a profession, I would love to create design solutions that not only stand the test of time but could also seek to salvage-in-place and support an overall decrease in our carbon/waste impact.

When did you know you wanted to be an architect/designer?

After spending numerous weekends visiting model home shows with my parents and visiting my dad’s construction sites (he was a trim carpenter), I was pretty set to become an interior designer at 17.

What is something you collect?

I actively try not to collect anything so I can counteract my husband’s Kansas City Chiefs collection.

What is your favorite hobby?

Pottery/ceramics – I’ve been taking a weekly class for a couple of years now and love the ability to create with my hands.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I impress my kids every day and that’s good enough for me.

Any other interesting fact about you?

I’ve hiked 14 of Colorado’s Fourteeners and working to get one a year on my annual summer trips to the state.