Designer/Drafter
Originally from Tehran, Iran, Shiva’s passion for architecture was sparked at a young age while exploring the historic houses of Kashan. Her journey led her from studying architecture in Iran to continuing her education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, which included studying abroad in Rome and interning in San Francisco. Having previously worked on architectural projects in the Tahoe area, she is now with MWA while pursuing her professional licensure.
Drawn to the region by her love for snowboarding and the Sierra mountains, Shiva brings a creative and adventurous spirit to everything she does. Outside the studio, you’ll often find her playing piano, drawing, or seeking out her next thrill, like skydiving. She loves spending quality time with her dog, Banoo, her partner, and her family. A passionate host and traveler, she enjoys making everything from scratch—including home-roasted coffee, ice cream, kombucha, and other creations.
Drawn to the region by her love for snowboarding and the Sierra mountains, Shiva brings a creative and adventurous spirit to everything she does. Outside the studio, you’ll often find her playing piano, drawing, or seeking out her next thrill, like skydiving. She loves spending quality time with her dog, Banoo, her partner, and her family. A passionate host and traveler, she enjoys making everything from scratch—including home-roasted coffee, ice cream, kombucha, and other creations.
All Staff
In 2003, we decided to fulfill a shared life’s dream and build a house together. As a couple, we, like many, are similar and different. My husband is practical, traditional and focused. I am creative, more risk oriented and flexible. We sought architectural partners who could relate to and manage our differences, as well as guide us, since we were new to building.
We found our architects in Kurt Reinkens, Managing Partner and Kristi Thompson, Architect at MBA. They listened carefully to our ideas, our architectural style preferences and to our lifestyle needs. They guided us regarding realistic expectations for our project. Then, they jointly conceived of and designed the prototype of our dream home.
At that juncture, project leadership, plans, and working drawings fell to Kristi.
For the 18 months it took to build our home, she ably interfaced with our builder, countless subcontractors and other interior, and landscape designers. She was aware of her role, patient, responsive and strong. She listened when appropriate, kept us informed and guided, when appropriate. She impressed us with her quiet interpersonal strength and was kind and sensitive when the job (as building a house always does) took its toll on our nerves.
I particularly appreciated her kindness in helping me with the project during a year when we both lost our fathers find our teenage son posed some challenges. She also encouraged his involvement in the design of “his” spaces.
Kristi combines rare creativity and practical management skills. She knows when to lead and when to step back and listen. She is also a fine person.
She is very talented. We recommend her highly.
-- Tom and Cathy Van Berkem
We found our architects in Kurt Reinkens, Managing Partner and Kristi Thompson, Architect at MBA. They listened carefully to our ideas, our architectural style preferences and to our lifestyle needs. They guided us regarding realistic expectations for our project. Then, they jointly conceived of and designed the prototype of our dream home.
At that juncture, project leadership, plans, and working drawings fell to Kristi.
For the 18 months it took to build our home, she ably interfaced with our builder, countless subcontractors and other interior, and landscape designers. She was aware of her role, patient, responsive and strong. She listened when appropriate, kept us informed and guided, when appropriate. She impressed us with her quiet interpersonal strength and was kind and sensitive when the job (as building a house always does) took its toll on our nerves.
I particularly appreciated her kindness in helping me with the project during a year when we both lost our fathers find our teenage son posed some challenges. She also encouraged his involvement in the design of “his” spaces.
Kristi combines rare creativity and practical management skills. She knows when to lead and when to step back and listen. She is also a fine person.
She is very talented. We recommend her highly.
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