In United States There Are Only 500 Licensed Black Female Architects & Monica Fenderson Founder & CEO of MOSA Architects is Number 237
Interviewed By Maryan Aiken
“The challenges with the building department, and the contractors required a great deal of patience. After is all said and done the outcome is amazing. Beach front views of the Atlantic Ocean is priceless.” Monica Fenderson. Founder. CEO. Senior Architect
Photo Credit Eric Williams Photography
Monica Fenderson
Founder. CEO. Senior Architect
Lady Monica Fenderson AIA NOMA NCARB LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE
MOSA Architects
Tuskegee University
Architecture
Company Established 2009
Number of Employees 9
2386 Clower St SW, Snellville, GA 30078
(678) 580 6784
www.mosaarchitects.com
@mosa_architects
ADVERTISEMENT
DIOR
The clean high-perfection foundation.
The new Dior Forever offers 24h wear in a 86% floral skincare base for visible skin transformation. Available in two finishes, 24h matte with no transfer and 24h hydrating glow.
CALL DIOR. SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. PHIPPS PLAZA (404) 812-7287 TO HELP YOU SHOP WITH EASE OR CALL MACY’S LENOX SQUARE (404) 834 9817
COMPANY OVERVIEW
MOSA Architects is a MWBE, DBE and WOSB firm that is owned by Monica Fenderson, AIA, NCARB, LEED ® GA. MOSA Design Studios LLC (DBA MOSA Architects) is a design firm specializing in multi-market and sustainable architecture, interior design, and construction development throughout the United States and Latin America. Founded by Monica in 2009, MOSA has a diverse portfolio of outstanding assembly spaces, offices, warehouses, restaurants, adaptive reuse, education, industrial, commercial, and residential projects.
ADVERTISEMENT
JIMMY CHOO
Discover timeless classics and modern treasures for the bridal party. Discover your dream pair of Choos and find a handbag to have and to hold for years to come. Create your dream handbag or pair of shoes and make it a wedding to remember. Designed and handmade to your specifications.
Nordstrom Perimeter Mall 4390 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30346 (770) 394-1141
ABOUT MONICA FENDERSON
Experienced Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the architecture & planning industry. Skilled in AutoCAD, Revit, Interior Build outs, Adaptive Reuse, Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Science (BS) focused in Architecture from Tuskegee University. Georgia Department of Transportation DBE and NY/NJ Port Authority MBE, North Carolina Historical Underutilized.
ADVERTISEMENT
Get your skin gorgeous ready! Sisley-Paris is a French luxury brand that creates, produces and distributes high-performance, plant-based skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products exclusively for men and women!
Call Esin at Nordstrom Perimeter for your Sisley Paris curated service
Nordstrom Perimeter Mall 4390 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30346 (770) 394-1141
Photo Credit Eric Williams Photography
Q: What’s your company service offerings? Architecture and interior design for higher education facilities, aviation, medical office, & corporate office.
Q: Who are your ideal clients? Universities, and fortune 500 companies, hospitals, high end hotels, & developers.
Q: What’s been the most memorable client that your company has served/partnered/collaborated with? The Beck Group of Atlanta designing Georgia State Nursing School. Working for my family and developing our 100 yrs old property in Puerto Viejo, Limon Costa Rica. The challenges with the building department, and the contractors required a great deal of patience. After is all said and done the outcome is amazing. Beach front views of the Atlantic Ocean is priceless.
ADVERTISEMENT
MERCEDES BENZ EXPERIENCE CENTER BY RBM OF ALPHARETTA LOCATED AT HALCYON FORSYTH
This experience center is the first of its kind in the U.S. It will echo the layout of successful Mercedes-Benz pop-up stores like the one that debuted in Atlanta in 2017, and will allow customers to interact with Mercedes-Benz technology and vehicle features for the ultimate user experience. What to look forward to at the RBM Mercedes-Benz HALCYON store.
ADVERTISEMENT
A place to celebrate, to unwind, to step away from the noise of life. An unexpected escape from the routine. Lush florals and innovative cocktails filled with whimsies warmly welcome you, while the sense of community and euphoria captivate one’s sense of belongingness. Welcome to The Garden Room.
88 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
Located at Buckhead Plaza (404)600-6471
gardenroom@thegardenroomatlanta.com
Q: Lessons that you’ve learned that shifted your mindset to optimize how to practice your leadership? I have solid relationships that has allowed our company to expand into great projects. Our partners in design have allowed us to work efficiently.
Q: If you can do over something in the past, what will it be and why? I would have traveled more and not take life so seriously. I feel that architecture is so demanding that you can forget to let go and live your life to the fullest.
Q: What was the game changer for you that catapulted your business? Working out the systems and how we approach our work. We wrote out our daily tasks and really analyzed what could we do better. We were breaking all the rules as an architect and understanding the barriers that was holding us back for success.
ADVERTISEMENT
MAISON JOUVENCE
Maison Jouvence is a self-care and lifestyle company that provides high-quality, natural, organic and vegan products for the mind, body, and soul. The name "Maison Jouvence" translates into English as "Home of Youth." We chose this name because we want everyone who uses our products to feel like they are taking part in their own personal renewal process- It's about feeling you again!
Q: What exciting projects are you working on? We are working on several interior projects that allow us to us to share with our clients in virtual reality and photo realistic renderings. We can walk in real time with our clients using 3d modeling as if they are in a video game. The process of design is an experience.
Q: What is your ultimate vision for your company? We want to be a household brand name. We want to be known for design, not just architecture, fashion, furniture, and home essential products.
advertisement
Palm 78 is an elegant, sophisticated, and more refined restaurant for lovers of Tropical- infused cuisine. Diners in the affluent Alpharetta community seeking a fine dining experience that incorporates deliciously prepared steak and seafood entrees infused with the taste of the tropics, can now find it at Palm 78 Restaurant. Palm 78 is a family-friendly, fine dining restaurant, which caters to all customers looking to enjoy a delicious steak and seafood dining experience at lunch, brunch or dinner.
5325 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Photo Credits: Kong Studios
Photo Credit Eric Williams Photography
Q: Tell us the books you’ve enjoyed and why?
The Next Five Moves Patrick Bet David
We should all be Millionaires Rachel Rodgers
Love, Lucy Lucille Ball
Black Privilege Charlamagne the God
I love all these books they inspire me to think out of the box. These books allowed me to take chances and be okay with the unknown of embarking into the challenges of owning my architecture firm. The only competition is me.
ADVERTISEMENT
Upscale, light-filled cafe & white-tablecloth restaurant featuring traditional French cuisine.
3027 Bolling Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 869-9944
ADVERTISEMENT
JCG CONSULTING & COACHING FIRM LLC
JCG Consulting & Coaching Firm LLC is a female minority owned business with 25 years of experience evolving systems, executing programs, training, strategic planning and coaching for organizations & individuals. We've had the opportunity to partner with correctional agencies, establishments for seniors and non-profit organizations to improve their outcomes. We would like to partner with you! Our motto is we meet our partners where they are.
(470) 776 1300
Q: Who are your mentors that impacted your professional/personal journey? My basketball coach Claude Byers because he was a great leader in my community. He was a math teacher, a professor at the community college and he made time to coach girl basketball team that made it to the state finals. He is an unsung hero that pushed us to win. Now I wasn’t great in basketball but the skills I had assisted my team to be successful. Basketball is about teamwork, and I love to use it in analogies with my business. Oscar Harris Owner of Turner Associates an architecture firm in Atlanta Georgia made working in architecture fun. Ken Higa at the Beck Group helped me scale my business with creating a protégé partnership with business development & marketing strategies.
Photo Credit Eric Williams Photography
Q: The type of networking gatherings that make sense for you and vital to the growth of your company? Networking with my real estate buddies is the best thing I have ever done. Realtors know when the projects are coming to town. I love to be in the room to learn more about the up-and-coming markets.
Q: Places that you enjoyed visiting locally, nationally & globally. I love going to showrooms to see new industry products. Neocon in Chicago
Q: Three things that we should absolutely know about you. I love the arts, If I wasn’t an architect, I would have been a fashion designer and I am an author of a kids book “Moni’s Dreams Comes True” Sold on Amazon in English and Spanish.
advertisement
CITYBOX MEDIA
Luxury Power Branding & Advertising for Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, & Corporate Professionals. We are passionate about connecting businesses locally, nationally and globally. Be our next business feature on CityBox!
ATLANTA. AUSTIN.CHICAGO. DALLAS. DENVER. HOUSTON. LOS ANGELES. MIAMI. NASHVILLE. ORLANDO. RALEIGH. SALT LAKE CITY. SAN FRANCISCO. SEATTLE
ADVERTISING
MOBU ENTERPRISES
We provide residential and commercial structures out of shipping containers in “real” life and “virtually.”
1700 Northside Drive Northwest, A7 #1118, Atlanta, Georgia [30318]
Company Phone Number: 888-412-8362 x 3
www.shippingliving.com www.shippingliving.net
Q: How do you boot up for Monday? Monday.com is my go-to start my week with a Honey Almond Milk Flat white at Starbucks. Not all the Starbucks make them right but when they do, it is heaven in a cup.
Q: What do you eat for breakfast to start the day right? Egg whites and spinach with a cup of black coffee with cinnamon.
Q: Where are you from? Brooklyn New York later raised in Long Island New York.
Q: What time do you get up & and what’s the first thing do you do? 6 am thankful prayers, Bible app with my scripture of the day, Call my prayer partner for the daily prayer.
ADVERTISING
UNIVERSITY KIA
Premier Alabama Kia Dealer, we have a huge selection of new and used vehicles from which to choose. University Kia online and offline customers enjoy vehicle specials every day. We offer Kia service & parts, an online inventory, and outstanding financing options, making University Kia a preferred dealer serving Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Athens, Scottsboro, Gurley, Brownsboro, Cullman, Fayetteville, Harvest, Lacey Springs, New Hope, Normal, Owens Cross Road and Valhermoso Springs area Kia buyers. Ready to set up a test drive? Visit our Madison area Kia dealership in Huntsville, AL today!
6519 University Drive NW
Huntsville, AL 35806SALES: 800-KIA-DEAL
SERVICE: 256-217-1700
PARTS: 256-217-1700
(800) 542-3325
Q: What has been your most satisfying moment in business? Vacationing in Costa Rica and looking at the ocean while I am on a video conference.
Q: What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur? Communicator, able to accept change, & discernment of character.
Q: What entrepreneurial tricks have you discovered to keep you focused and productive in your day-to-day busy schedule? Creating a peaceful environment to think, exercising daily, organize your day with a journal.
Q: What key activities would you recommend entrepreneurs should invest their time in? Audio books while driving, a good journal, & an accountability partner.
ADVERTISEMENT
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SOURCE AND INSTALLATION OF ATLANTA’S FINEST FLOORS. HARDWOOD. LUXURY VINYL PLANK. CARPET. TILE
4365 Lynwood Ct, Douglasville, GA 30134
(678) 973-1572
Q: What do you do for self-care and to relax? Spas and facials
Q: What’s the most important business lesson you’ve learned? Create a team and don’t do it all by yourself.
Q: What are you reading right now? David and Goliath / and Superconnector.
Q: Business secret you’re comfortable sharing with the world? Take time for yourself and be selfish about me time. Gym shopping, tea coffee.
ADVERTISEMENT
GRAHAM ESTATE PLANNING
PLAN FOR TOMORROW, PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE, PROTECT YOUR LEGACY. ATTORNEY STEPHANIE GRAHAM IS HELPING WOMEN & FAMILIES AVOID PROBATE. REACH OUT TO HER TODAY TO SEE HOW SHE CAN HELP YOU.
(888) 41WILLS Or (888) 419-4557
Q: Who are your favorite entrepreneurs that inspire you? Robert Smith his philanthropy, Warren Buffett his simplicity on living, & Steve Jobs his innovation.
Q: Entrepreneurs and business owners have the tendency to be workaholics. How do you overcome burn out? Vacation and hanging with friends that care less about my career.
Q: What's been a game changer for you and your business? Social media, apps and 3d modeling.
Q: How did the idea for your business come about? My business is MOSA MONICA and SAM. My husband has supported me from day one. He was my friend in college and has kept me grounded throughout this journey, we have supported each other on all of our dreams, and he is the one that really allowed me to step out to start the company.
ADVERTISEMENT
DANCING LIKE A STAR
Let us help to take your first dancing step, and we promise you will be mesmerized. Become the star of your own story of success
4120 Chattahoochee Trace, Duluth, GA 30097
404-740-3513
Instagram: dancing.likeastar. Facebook: Dancing Like A Star Academy
Q: What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur? Changing the world as we see it through designing buildings in low-income communities.
Q: How do you build a successful customer base? I network with likeminded individuals. Your network is your net worth.
Q: How do you market your business, and which tactics have been most successful? LinkedIn, email campaigns, billboards, news articles, & panel discussions.
Q: How many hours a day do you work on average? 8
Q: Can you describe/outline your typical day? Morning tasks, respond to emails, site visits, review plans, everyday is different. I could be drawing concepts to looking at fabric or reviewing plans.
CityBox diary is a shared article feature. it’s a Quick Glimpse of Mini Business Stories Of Corporate Professionals, Business Owners, and Entrepreneurs
ABOUT CITYBOX DIARY
The CityBox Diary is Shared Feature of 6 businesses in the city. It’s a quick glimpse of brief business stories direct from business owners, corporate professionals, and entrepreneurs. It’s a place where they collectively share their business journey, exciting projects and collabs, experiences that sometime brought hard lessons & setbacks but loaded with electrifying & exhilarating aha moments & of course, those memorable game changers that catapulted them to a whole new height of dizzying triumphs. Welcome to the CityBox Diary, a place where you can instantly & meaningfully connect to expand your business.
CONNECT. SUPPORT. EXPAND
Elevate your brand. Be the NEXT Interview on CityBox
For Details email cityboxdaily@gmail.com
Q: How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life? I make time for my family in the morning by making breakfast, driving the kids to school. When I am away for work, I make sure we are calling each other or sending each other Tik Toks or notes that are funny or encouraging.
Q: What motivates you? What motivates me is seeing my designs being functional. Knowing my drawings help contractors create jobs. Some of our designs create a safe place to live, or a place for someone to feel comfortable in hard time in their life like a medical office.
Q: Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur? Consistency and discipline. Getting up every day and working the business until you see results.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur? Deciding the type of work we want and not taking anything just to survive. Deciding the type of people, I want in our organization. Loving what I do and being able to change all the rules of traditional practice as an architect and still be successful.
ADVERTISING
MOSA Architects
MOSA Architects is fully integrated multi-disciplinary interior architecture and interior design firm. Specializing in Interior Build Out and Design for Commercial and Government Projects. Licensed in: GA, AL, FL, TN, AK, NC, SC, NV, PA, VA, TX, CO, DE, MD, NY, OH
2386 CLOWER STREET 678 580 6784
Website MOSAARCHITECTS.COM
Social Media Handles @MOSA_ARCHITECTS
Listening to Spotify Fair Trade Drake. Travis Scott
Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration? My husband, daughter, son, Mom, sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews, and me, this may sound selfish, but I am not inspired by celebrities. I don’t look up to man and think how great someone is more than the other. I am not easily entertained or inspired that way. Creatures and nature inspire me. Inspiration is something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create : a force or influence that inspires someone.
Q: What business-related book has inspired you the most? The Vision Driven Leader Michael Hyatt. Leadership with my team and how I motivate them.
Q: What type of networking works for you and your business? One on one meetings
Q: Three more things that we absolutely need to know about you? I am creative thinker; I used to play the violin and sing all genres and my upbringing in Long Island New York makes me a well-rounded individual.
Executed on a grand scale the likes that Atlanta has never seen, Little Alley Steak Buckhead welcomes you to 9000-square-feet of understated, intimate opulence, boasting a seductive lounge and bar with over 400 bottles of the finest bourbon, whiskey and Scotch, multiple dining rooms, an outdoor climate-controlled bar and sprawling terrace as well as a secluded private dining room. Menu highlights include a wide variety of wet-aged, dry-aged and USDA prime steaks as well as the freshest hot and cold seafood in the southeast.