Meet MAK
We are a trio of self-made women from humble beginnings, each with our own set of unique skills and backgrounds and a shared passion for creating beautiful spaces.
We make design approachable, interpretable, collaborative, and exhilarating! Our diverse skill sets stem from years of experience in residential and commercial real estate. As the residential and hospitality worlds continue to collide, we strive to create environments that combine the vibrant and cutting-edge feel of the hotel and restaurant world with the serenity and function of home life. Our clients become our partners throughout the process, and what we create is inspired by their stories, desires, and needs.
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Marina Zelenkova
marina@studiomak.co
323 | 710.9572
Marina has always had a passion for design, architecture, real estate, travel and languages. Having been born in Russia from humble beginnings in a Siberian fishing village and later growing up between Eastern Europe and Los Angeles, she enjoys experiencing, learning, and collecting inspiration from various designs and cultures from around the world. Her belief is that Interior Design can have a genuine positive impact on your everyday life experience, both consciously and subconsciously.
For the past 10 years, Marina has worked with some of the world’s most renowned developers in the positioning and leasing of Chicago’s largest towers. Her knowledge, business acumen and multi-cultural background allow her to stay up to date on the latest trends in residential, hospitality, office, and retail, whether newly built or re-imagined.
Most importantly, Marina understands the significance of timeline and budget in creating the client’s desired experience in every environment, owing to her business accolade.
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Ashley Manchester
ashley@studiomak.co
312 | 730.8911
Meet Ashley, a passionate interior designer who discovered her love for creating beautiful spaces at a young age. Growing up in various locations, Ashley developed a keen eye for design as she sought to make every new space feel like home. With a natural affinity for aesthetics and an ability to see potential in every room, she found solace in channeling her creativity to create sanctuaries of beauty and comfort.
Combining her design talents with her professional experience in real estate marketing and new development branding, Ashley brings a unique approach to each project. She understands that every client and space has its own personality, and works to create a harmonious design identity that truly resonates with you. From selecting materials to choosing finishes, Ashley is committed to crafting a design that is tailored to your lifestyle and preferences.
Whether you're looking to transform a single room or redesign your entire home, Ashley is dedicated to cultivating a design that reflects your vision and brings your space to life. Let her expertise and passion for design help you create a home that is both beautiful and functional.
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Kimberly Kappelman
kim@studiomak.co
224 | 210.0105
Kim began her career as a CPA in corporate America before moving on to real estate investing, renovating and selling homes, and managing new construction from the ground up. Kim discovered her love of design by giving something old and out-of-date new life! She enjoys the entire process, is very detail-oriented, and works well on a budget.
Her extensive experience in redevelopment and new construction is a true asset in any situation. Working with architects, developers and contractors is her pièce de résistance. She is well versed in floor plan design, bidding projects, and making finish selections that exude luxury and elevated design while staying within allocated budgets. She's your go-to for everything from where to put a light switch, to how to make a floor plan flow and function, as well as where to sneak in a functional closet or hidden pantry.
Her passion for interior design and real estate is both a blessing and a curse (mostly a blessing) because she lives and breathes it every day, constantly educating herself and researching new and innovative ideas.
Why MAK | the MAK Method
Follow our journey.
