As a leader in commercial interior design and architecture at both the local and national levels, Julia Riso Livingston, RA—Northeast Regional Managing Principal of MKDA Stamford—has been instrumental in building and sustaining MKDA’s 20-year presence in the Stamford market. At its milestone 20th anniversary, MKDA Stamford stands under her leadership as a trusted regional design partner, serving commercial building owners, developers, and tenants across workplace, healthcare, retail, and multifamily sectors.
Julia’s reputation is built on a strategic, advisory-driven approach, which pairs design excellence with a deep understanding of branding, leasing, and market positioning. Frequently called upon by commercial building owners, she advises on large-scale repositionings, capital improvements, and prebuilt and turnkey programs that enhance asset value and accelerate leasing. Her ability to anticipate market shifts and guide clients through evolving workplace and real estate demands has resulted in a high rate of repeat business and long-standing client relationships.
“Good design is always a team effort,” said Julia. “Purposeful collaboration in our open studio environment produces the strongest solutions. We listen carefully, offer informed guidance, and build relationships rooted in trust – because that partnership is ultimately our greatest strength.”
Over the course of her career, Julia has led the design of interiors for firms including Eldridge Industries, Guggenheim Partners, Wiggin & Dana, Lovesac, and PURE Insurance. On the landlord side, she has delivered major capital improvement and repositioning projects on behalf of George Comfort & Sons, Alchemy-ABR Investment Partners, Black Diamond Capital Management, The Feil Organization, and Lincoln Property Company, among others.
In recent years, Julia has successfully expanded MKDA Stamford’s reach into new and growing sectors. She has spearheaded a strategic push into healthcare design, leading multiple projects for Orthopedic Neurosurgery Specialists and serving as on-call building architect for prominent medical office properties. She has also guided the studio into retail and emerging markets, including the launch of Hi! People’s first Connecticut location, with additional sites underway.
Julia’s professional excellence has earned her numerous industry recognitions, including Woman Making an Impact by the Westchester County Business Journal, Women of Influence by GlobeSt.com, and Leading Lady in Commercial Real Estate by Real Estate Weekly.
“In offering exceptional design and first-rate service, Julia has formed lasting business relationships and made significant contributions to Stamford’s real estate and business communities,” said Michael Kleinberg, CEO of MKDA. “Her strategic mindset, leadership, and adaptability continue to make a meaningful impact for our clients, our firm, and the industry at large.”
