Chicago-based Mary Cook Associates (MCA), a national, award-winning commercial interior design firm, today announced the promotion of Sara Murray from Senior Designer to the newly established position of Senior Designer | Innovation. In this role, Murray will build on her experience integrating the latest technologies into the design business process, training staff, staying ahead of emerging trends, optimizing internal workflows and delivering measurable value to MCA’s clients.

“We have high expectations for what Sara will achieve in her new position, where she will continue to push the boundaries of innovation across various departments, including design, operations, technology and business development,” said Mary Cook, founder and president of MCA. “In her previous role, Sara consistently demonstrated her passion for innovation, and we created this new position to further empower her to lead our firm in efforts to create cross-collaboration between teams, reduce internal bottlenecks, enhance work processes and deliver solutions to clients tailored to specific markets and segments.”

Murray brings nearly a decade of design experience and a proven track record of success to her new position. During her tenure with Mary Cook Associates, her focus has been on crafting whitescapes and reviewing design concepts for a diverse range of collaborative projects, including high-end multifamily properties and boutique hotels. She has also led special projects such as the development of a custom furniture line, showcasing the firm’s creativity and commitment to bespoke solutions while upholding the design fundamentals and high standards of excellence for which MCA is nationally known. Murray also actively monitors industry research and lifestyle trends and attends conferences and webinars to ensure MCA remains at the forefront of design innovation, in addition to training staff on the latest technology.

“Few firms of our size are dedicating resources to formalizing an entire position focused on innovation,” added Cook. “This move underscores our strategic commitment to staying ahead of the ever-evolving design landscape and remaining leaders in our field.”

Murray joined Mary Cook Associates in 2021. She is a graduate of Iowa State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture and graduated magna cum laude. Away from the office, Murray enjoys traveling, experiencing new cultures and design styles, and spending time with friends.

For more information about Mary Cook Associates, visit www.marycook.com.

About Mary Cook Associates:

Established in 1986, Mary Cook Associates (MCA) is a fully integrated interior architecture and design firm nationally known for creating innovative interiors for leading owners and developers of real estate. The firm’s projects include multifamily, model homes, student living, senior living, clubhouses, restaurants, and hospitality environments. MCA’s work emphasizes functionality, showcases possibilities, and delivers a measurable R.O.E.® (Return on Environment). MCA’s team includes more than two dozen designers and architects that are strategic, imaginative and skilled at designing a wide variety of spaces that respond to demographic, geographic and lifestyle influences of target markets. Smart, functional spaces that establish immediate connections with their users and boost Living Better by Design℠, increase property value, and accelerate sales and occupancy rates are the hallmarks of the results MCA consistently achieves. Currently celebrating its 35^th anniversary, the firm continues its national presence with award-winning work that spans 36 states. www.marycook.com.

Chicago-based commercial interior design firm Mary Cook Associates has promoted Sara Murray to Senior Designer | Innovation.